Vancouver OCI’s - In Firm Week

[Legallearner]

Hi everyone! 

Was looking for some advice for in firm week. 
 

1) As someone who is relatively quiet in group settings, how did you stand out or contribute meaningfully at receptions/group dinners, etc? 
 

2) When meeting people around the office, I would imagine its good to generate conversations with the people you meet. What are examples of things you spoke about? 
 

3) I have 3 in firms going into that week, is there a need to cut off some of the firms before call day? What are some general tips you have for someone with limited in firms? 
 

4) do you recommend networking leading up to in firms? Seems to be a grey area regarding whether you can communicate or not? 

[LMP]

@duck will have some useful tips.

[duck]

Congrats!!

 

1) As someone who is relatively quiet in group settings, how did you stand out or contribute meaningfully at receptions/group dinners, etc? 

Group dinners are a terrible concept. I hated them. However, asking questions is a great way to make yourself a considerate and thoughtful candidate. It also prevents you from looking like you’re trying to take the spotlight from someone else. 

Receptions are easier. I would find someone standing by themselves and introduce myself. Most lawyers love to talk about their work. I asked questions about their time at the firm, area of practice, and any advice they would give to a young lawyer. 

2) When meeting people around the office, I would imagine its good to generate conversations with the people you meet. What are examples of things you spoke about? 

Compliments go a long way. So does just asking someone how their day/week is going. Sounds very boring but I don’t think you’ll be going super deep into the conversations you’ll be having. Keep it lighthearted and fun for everyone. 
 

3) I have 3 in firms going into that week, is there a need to cut off some of the firms before call day? What are some general tips you have for someone with limited in firms? 

I wouldn’t cut off any firms directly, it’s unnecessary and is of no benefit to you. Don’t shut any doors, even if you get great feedback from a firm. Nothing is guaranteed until you get that call. Moreover, by not first choicing the 2/3 firms your message will already be plenty clear. 

Also, there is a chance that firms will cut you off after the first interview (sorry) as well and pursue other candidates.

4) do you recommend networking leading up to in firms? Seems to be a grey area regarding whether you can communicate or not? 

I didn’t and it worked out for me. Other people did and it worked out for them.
Each firm also varies. The firm I ended up at did not allow their employees to even accept LinkedIn invites from the ITC period to the end of call day. 

[Legallearner]

Thank you @LMP for directing this to @duck. 

Also thank you @duck for your response, this was super informative, and I am sure I can use these strategies in in-firm week! 

[chilly]

On 10/4/2023 at 11:04 AM, Legallearner said:

4) do you recommend networking leading up to in firms? Seems to be a grey area regarding whether you can communicate or not? 

Note that there is a blackout period set by the VBA (see https://vancouverbar.ca/student-guidelines/articling-interview-guidelines/at iii). Employers will likely decline networking request.

That said, in my experience, speaking with current upper-year students has been more of a grey area. It's useful more for your own knowledge and preparation than, say, directly helping your chances during interviews.

Good luck!

[Legallearner]

Thank you @chilly for sharing this. I tried reaching out to a couple new people, from the firms I will be interviewing with and they mentioned this rule. I will try finding some upper years to chat with before interview week!