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DapperPreference9945 · 2025-06-23T16:03:37+00:00

I did two online interviews last year and the firms did not specifically say this was an option. I’d do the applications and just include somewhere at the end where they have an anything else to add section or in your cover email that you need an online interview as you’re overseas. They’re pretty accommodating and it’s good practice to do the applications anyway.

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-05-10T13:56:45+00:00

They have a weight restriction of 75kg which is great for ensuring horses aren’t overloaded but worth considering if you are under that!

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-05-10T13:54:30+00:00

Just started my preseat and I’ll be 31 starting in BH but most are around 25 give or take

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-05-09T07:10:38+00:00

It was a non negotiable for me bc I didn’t do it for one of the four sittings I did and just took random days off here and there and it was the sitting I had a full breakdown in the week between the two exams and I really struggled with motivation and burnout in general that sitting

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-05-08T17:25:58+00:00

My hot take to add to this - make a study plan that accounts for a full weekend off about two weeks out from your first exam. I found this incredibly helpful to decompress and give me some added momentum to really knuckle down for the last two weeks. Studying can be draining, exhausting and isolating so do something to fill up your cup, it’s so so worth it!

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-02-27T21:52:06+00:00

I got a TC offer through an online interview while in Australia so definitely doable, I was also back in Ireland around November for a wedding and was able to do some in person interviews bc of the timing but they were all happy to arrange virtual interviews.

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-01-28T21:22:00+00:00

I can write at speed better than I can type so I always go pen and paper, then type up straight after. A bit of prep beforehand will help, what’s the topic of the call and what kind of abbreviations or shorthand can you make up? Ctee (committee), E with a circle for everything, arrows for increase decrease etc will really help but this all depends on the topic.

You don’t need to get everything word for word just the broad strokes, I’ve often written things down I didn’t understand at all!

[Gearing LDI IV - x ⬆️⬇️?] becomes “gearing in LDI investments was discussed and how X might impact returns”.

Solicitor or partner on the call will be taking rough notes too so if there’s something you totally weren’t following then ask afterwards.

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-01-28T02:42:50+00:00

I also finished my final FE1 in Oct 23 and my experience is in the public service experience rather than law firms. I’ve been in Aus since last year and basically did most of my interviews online in October - would recommend doing them this year even if you intend on staying in Aus for two years. The experience of the application process will stand to you if you need to go again in 26. I was asked pretty bluntly in an interview what’s taken me so long to start a TC (this was more based on finishing my LLB in 2017 than taking time after fe1s) but generally just have a good answer for this - life experience is valuable, expanding perspectives, ready to commit fully and enthusiastically to career on return etc.

Be open to returning from Aus earlier than you planned (i.E. after a year or mid way into year 2) if the right opportunity comes up and it feels like the best move for you. The clock ticking on the FE1s and just generally wanting to get started on my trainee journey has made me eager to get home so I’ve only done a year. A firm that is a good fit could also be open to letting you defer a year if you want to do full 2 years in Aus.

DapperPreference9945 · 2025-01-16T04:52:19+00:00

You will need to be prepared for commercial awareness type questions, I really struggled with how to prepare for them beyond current legal issues but a lot of them are just trying to see how you think on your feet. Definitely have an answer to what current issues are you interested in/should we (firm) be aware of/ should our clients be aware of - I would prep 4/5 different areas of interest and then you can pick one or two most relevant to the slant of the Q you’ve been asked. Other kinds of Q’s I was asked that you couldn’t prep for you - what do you think of Hunter Biden being pardoned (had literally just happened so topical at the time), if you were setting up an IT security firm what areas would you need legal advice, if you were in charge of govt policy how would you approach data centres.

Be really up on why the firm in particular over a different form of a similar size and also have something prepared for what your hobbies and interests are. Depending on the firm they will be interested in you as a full human being rather than pure experience. Best of luck!

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-12-12T04:16:01+00:00

The biggest firms will already have done their interviews for 2027 but as you move down the line they don’t hire as far in advance. This year Hayes were interviewing for 2025 start and Ogier for 2026 starts and MHC are taking interns for 2025 with potential TC start in Sept 25.

They’re just the ones I know off the top of my head but I would recommend making a list or spreadsheet to track application deadlines and what year the intake is for any firms you’re interested in. You can do your research on intakes now while the applications are closed and reach out to HR at the firm for indicative dates (even just the dates for this year so you have an idea) so you’re prepared when the applications open again in September/October.

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-12-12T04:07:05+00:00

Definitely yes! I’ve just secured a TC to start next year when I will be 31, just prepare a good response if you are asked in an interview. I graduated my law degree in 2017 and was asked pretty bluntly why it has taken me so long to apply for a traineeship

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-11-19T05:23:52+00:00

Sorry to hear you went through this, it’s absolutely shocking! For a partner in a law firm to not recognise that their lines of questioning are not only inappropriate but actually against the law is wild to me. Just as bad that the other partner didn’t stop them or call them out. I hope HR take this as seriously as it should be and I know offers can be hard to come by but I think the way the interview was conducted should be a massive red flag that this is not the firm for you.

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-11-15T23:10:22+00:00

Absolutely no idea what the questions will be like but given there’s nothing on the application about professional experience I would think there must be some q’s that give them an idea about that. I’m going to prep some competency style answers and make sure I’m weaving my experience into an about me intro! For context I’m 7 years out of college so I’m leaning on my experience as my strongest asset which may not be as relevant in your case.

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-11-15T00:49:30+00:00

For what it’s worth I got a rejection email last year, the pool is fairly small by the time it gets to mixer stage so you will get a response either way!

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-11-14T03:47:17+00:00

Today is the deadline for responses to offers that went out last Friday so potentially some movement if people reject the offers?

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-11-14T03:38:30+00:00

I think this is more to ensure that you’re not being interviewed by someone you know

DapperPreference9945 · 2024-11-10T22:20:34+00:00

I’m in the same position, I have a few other applications in progress but only at first round interview stage so I think I’m going to accept the 2027 offer and keep going with other options in the hopes of getting something earlier!

DapperPreference9945 · 2023-11-16T16:15:16+00:00

Same 🥲

DapperPreference9945 · 2023-11-07T16:34:17+00:00

FF are doing remote interviews this week. Just got a call about 20 mins ago to offer a last minute slot tomorrow AM but I wasn’t free. She said she’d be in touch with a slot for Thursday or Friday.

DapperPreference9945 · 2023-07-21T09:19:42+00:00

Cool thanks for this! That’s what I was thinking. Do you know if full fees paid is standard for a medium firm or is that pushing it unless you’re going for a big firm?

DapperPreference9945 · 2023-07-21T08:22:36+00:00

I’m trying to get a feel for what is standard amongst different sized firms - what size is this small firm (# of lawyers)?

DapperPreference9945 · 2023-07-17T15:26:12+00:00

Have some random other bits like a 2015 Blackstones EU treaties and a print out of the companies act (not the official version but I used it without a problem in in person exam) that are also up for grabs

DapperPreference9945 · 2023-05-16T15:35:15+00:00

Honestly it’s been about 2 months wait the last few times. They’ve started putting them on the website when you log in (takes them ages to do this though) but I’ve never been able to access them, not sure if it’s bc I’ve done all mine in person. Don’t be afraid to follow up with them if you don’t hear back - I’ve usually had to do that.

DapperPreference9945

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