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Hello everyone! I just wanted ask if anyone had any advice for the route I should take or things I should apply for?

As the title states, I did really badly in my first semester - at least in part due to undiagnosed ADHD, I was stressed and overwhelmed for a majority of the term, so much so that I struggled to get out of bed or leave my room for weeks at a time, and my sleep schedule was nonexistent. I also struggled to give in my coursework on time to the point where it tanked my grades even when I did do well (5% decrease per day late, week late on average). At the start of the term I was maintaining a 93% average and by the end I had failed 3 modules!

However, I was able to pull myself together for the spring term and have been consistently doing really well thus far. I wanted to make a career switch to law, and therefore went to multiple career events, open days, etc, but am too scared to apply to insight schemes because of my university performance (and the fact that my a levels were BBC due to many different factors). Should I try to apply to these first year schemes knowing they'd most likely not accept me? I do have a history of doing extremely well academically and was predicted A*A*A* so it's not like I'm incapable of getting the grades, but for a variety of reasons (that don't count as extenuating circumstances I think) these past few years have been an absolute trainwreck for me academics wise.

If I keep up the academics until my final year, would I still have a chance to apply for schemes or even potentially get a TC? I'm a non law student, but should I wait until then to try and step into law in some way? I feel like I've permanently ruined my chances and it's actually paining me so much. Should I just apply to things anyway despite not meeting academy standards without a valid excuse?

To anyone who is still reading, thank you so much for your time and help

Hi, has anyone heard back from BBC yet?

Hi all,

I have just received my first invite for an AC at Trowers & Hamlins London office.

Grateful for any tips and advice please!


Thanks

Anyone got through to Mishcon AC. Did the SJT yesterday and a couple of the scores were low. So I’m wondering if you got through to AC did you score low in any of the grit/digital/applied intellect boxes?

Hi everyone,
I wanted to ask for some honest advice and perspectives. For context, I’m currently based in Russia, working full-time and studying the Russian language, while planning to start an online LLB with the University of Law. I’m very aware that an in person LLB in the UK is the more traditional route, particularly for networking, access to careers teams, and building a strong profile. Unfortunately, relocating to London right now just isn’t financially realistic for me, which is why I’m working abroad and saving with the aim of moving to the UK later for an LLM.
My concern is that the market already feels challenging for international students, and I’m worried that doing an online LLB on top of that may further limit my chances of securing a training contract.
I’ve been told that it’s still possible to build experience through online internships, virtual workshops, webinars, and career events, and the University of Law emphasises the support they provide in terms of careers services and employability. I’ve also recently come across platforms like Forage, which offer virtual work experience programmes run by law firms.
That said, I’m realistic enough to know that these opportunities aren’t quite the same as being physically present in the UK, studying on campus, and having face to face access to careers advisers, firms, and networking events.
At the moment, there genuinely isn’t another viable way for me to move to London immediately, so I’m trying to make the best possible use of what’s available to me online.
What I’m really looking for is the plain, honest truth.
Do you think pursuing an online LLB, making full use of virtual opportunities, achieving at least a strong 2:1 (ideally a First), and then relocating to the UK for an LLM while applying for training contracts is a sensible and realistic plan? Or does it risk being a poor use of time compared to waiting until I can study in person from the outset?
More broadly, how much do recruiters actually care about the format of the LLB itself, assuming strong academics and a clear, well thought out narrative?
Any honest opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance

Hi everyone


I’ve got a Capsticks assessment centre coming up soon and it’s my first AC, so I’m feeling quite nervous and would be really grateful for any insight from anyone who’s done it before (especially last year/recently).


From the guidance, the AC includes:

• Group exercise
• Written task (1h30): short report based on a case study pack
• Interview (up to 45 mins): competency + strengths-based

If anyone is able to share, I’d really appreciate:

1. What the interview questions were like (themes / examples of questions)
2. What the group exercise involved (e.g. prioritising, choosing between options, negotiation, discussion style etc.)
3. What the written task/report was like (SWOT? recommendations? client-focused? what structure worked well?)
4. Any tips on how to stand out / common mistakes to avoid

Just general guidance would really help.
Thank you so much in advance!!

Hi everyone, I've got a CMS video interview I have to do in the next few days and was wondering if anyone had an insight/tips into it? I remember doing the interview 3 years ago and it left me traumatised because it was the first video interview I've ever done and the questions were really just not what I was expecting at all. If anyone would be able to provide any tips on how they passed it, what they did to help them prepare or even what sort of things they ask, that would be so so helpful!

Tysm in advance!! x

Hello everyone, I thought it might be a good idea to have a place to discuss some commercial issues - how they affect law firms and clients especially. Feel free to drop anything that has caught your eye in the news and let's discuss!

Has anyone heard back post online assessment since the deadline has passed?

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Hey all - I've recently been progressed to an online written assessment stage for a US law firm. I have previous experience with silver circle WE's, but have typically found US WE's more difficult (or at least I don't hit the marking criteria)

I would really appreciate if anyone has specific advice for how to prepare for a US WE and maybe how they differ from other firms. I have found the case study and WE threads already on the forum super helpful too! Thanks

Email states the deadline for AC interviews is 14th January? Did anyone receive a response?? The email also says “Jan 2025” I don’t know if that’s an accident and they moved up the date for the AC or it’s all done?

Hi everyone! I have my Bristows VI coming up and in order to prepare I have been thinking about who Bristows' main competitors are (I would assume Bird & Bird etc). I would appreciate if anyone has any insight about who their main competitors are and what differentiates Bristows from its competitors? Thanks in advance

anyone who's completed stage 2 of milbank online assessment received an AC yet?

Hello everyone,
Hopefully this will serve as a documentation of how I was able to get a successful TC.
It is a bit late in the cycle to start this but I am going stir crazy waiting for responses and updates from firms.
So far I have received 5 PFO's (heartbreaking) but we move.
Currently waiting on
Simmons & Simmons - PFO
Milbank - PFO post stage 2
Paul, Weiss PFO post app
Debevoise & Plimpton PFO post app
Mishcon de Reya
Gibson Dunn PFO post test
Sidley Austin PFO post app
DWF
Cooley - PFO post WG
Travers Smith
Kirkland & Ellis PFO post app
White & Case PFO post app
MoFo
Morgan Lewis PFO post app
Cleary PFO post app
Orrick
Winston & Strawn
Ropes & Gray PFO post app
Shoosmiths Waiting list lmao
Vinson & Elkins PFO post app
Dechert
...I am sure I'm missing some
Harbottle & Lewis

Have an AC from:
Mayer Brown
Covington


Going to apply to:
K&L Gates Summer
Fried Frank (later in the year)
King & Spalding (later in the year)
Paul Hastings (maybe DTC)
...and other direct training contracts if I can


I am constantly anxious and dealing with it my keeping up with the news and trying to breathe.
My mum gave the mantra "I will get a vacation scheme and a training contract this year." so I have been saying that on repeat.

Wish me luck!

Hi all,
I'm a first year uni student applying to a number of open days and insight schemes right now. I'm curious about whether it's generally a good or bad idea to write about a firm's Forage job simulation I've done in an application to another firm? (specifically to answer the why commercial law question)

Thanks so much in advance!

Hi all,

I have recently been charged with being in charge of a vehicle while unfit to drive through drink and am due to appear in the Magistrates' court within the next couple of weeks. I am expecting either 10 penalty points or a driving ban.

I am currently studying for the SQE and hold a training contract with a City firm, which I am due to commence in September 2026. I want to be clear that I fully accept responsibility for my actions, and recognise the seriousness of the offence as well as the potential risks posed to other road users. While I was under significant pressure at the time due to the SQE exams, I do not consider this to be in any way an excuse for my reckless behaviour. I am so disappointed in myself, given the privileged position I am in to have a TC and be sponsored by my firm to sit the SQE.

When I was 17 I was also convicted of a drink-driving offence. Whilst this is spent, I disclosed this when applying for transparency. These incidents are entirely out of character for me, and are lapses of judgment made in moments of stress, mental anguish and foolishness. I have abstained from alcohol and will continue to do so.

I would be really grateful for any guidance on the following:

1. I will disclose the recent driving offence to my future employer immediately following my court hearing. However, I am concerned that my TC will be rescinded. Is this a strong likelihood?
   
   
2. How will the SRA view this in the context of character and suitability, and what steps I can take now to mitigate any adverse findings? Should I get in contact with the SRA, or ask my employer for some advice (provided they do not rescind my TC)?

Thank you so much.

Hi all,

I am unable to find much public information about what the Baker McKenzie 'Online Test' entails.

The email states the following: "This assessment will consist of a number of situational judgement questions, along with some applied verbal intellect items."

Does this mean the 'Online Test' will include a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) and verbal reasoning questions? Do they use Watson Glaser?

Thank you and any replies are very much appreciated!

Hi, has anyone heard back after completing the Watson-Glaser test for the Dubai office?

Hi, has anyone received an invite for an AC for DLA Piper for the Birmingham office?

Hi, has anyone received an invite for an AC for DLA Piper for the Birmingham office?

Currently midway through my PGDL, graduated from an RG Uni with a high first, studying Business and Economics.

This is an update list of where I have got to, and whether still in.

So far applied to these firms, but want to apply to more once exams are over:

1. A&O Shearman - SJT+WG - Rejection
2. Ashurst - SJT+WG
3. Clifford Chance - VI - Rejection
4. Hogan Lovells - Job Sim
5. HSFK - SJT+WG - Rejection
6. Linklaters - SJT+WG
7. Macfarlanes - VI/Job Sim - Rejection
8. Paul, Weiss - Written Application
9. Slaughter and May - AC for DTC - Rejection
10. Taylor Wessing - SJT + WG
11. White and Case - SJT+WG
12. Mischon de Reya - AI Chatbot
13. Freshfields - SJT+WG - Rejection
14. HFW - Written Application
15. CMS - SJT+WG - Rejection
16. Eversheds - SJT + WG - Rejection
17. Willkie - Written Application - Rejection
18. NRF - VI
19. Kirkland - VI
20. Stephenson Harwood - Written Application
21. Simmons - Job Sim type thing
22. Baker McKenzie - Written application.

So that brings the tally to 9 PFOs so far, roughly 6 of which came in a 5-day span at the beginning of December which sucked.

Slaughters was a proper kick in the teeth. Thought it went fantastically, got on really well with both partners and grad rec. Feedback was also stellar, being very complimentary of the interviews and the written case study. The reason for rejection stated was that I didn't have the "Slaughters way of thinking" which sucked to hear, but, indeed, there is an evaluation for fit, not just competency, and I was certainly more energetic than many of the people in the office, so may have not fit all too well anyway!


Onwards and upwards!

Hi all,

I received a 2.2 across all modules in first year. I have an informal extenuating circumstance however all of my grades were low. So far in second year I have received 62-68 in my formatives.

I know that my application would be way more competitive if I were to apply once I have my second year grades or even after I graduate. I think I have good extra curriculars and otherwise high GCSE/ A level grades.

Would it be possible to apply to MC/SC/international and US firms in the long run? Any professional advice would be appreciated.

Keeping track of the applications I've made so I can stop staring at my excel sheet:

Rejections

Travers Smith DTC post app
Freshfields DTC post stage 1
A&O post SJT/VI
Weil post SJT/VI
Clifford Chance post passing WG
WFW DTC - applied in December - PFO post app 13th Jan
Millbank Lev/fin VS Spring - completed stage 1 online assessment Dec 30th - PFO
Burges Salmon VS Edinburgh - completed auto assessment Jan 5th - PFO
Cooley VS Spring - applied December - PFO
Goodwin Procter DTC - completed VI Jan 7th - PFO
White & Case VS Spring - completed auto assessment Dec 30th - PFO
Dechert VS Spring - applied Dec 31 - PFO post app
Clyde & Co VS Spring - completed auto assessment Jan 10th - VI - PFO 9th Feb
Osborne Clark - DTC - PFO post online test
Marriot Harrison Summer VS - completed auto online assessment Feb - PFO'd late Feb
Orrick - VS Summer - PFO'd late Feb
Akin VS Spring - applied Dec 31 - PFO'd late Feb
Ropes & Gray - VS Summer - PFO'd late Feb
Addleshaw Goddard VS Summer - completed auto assessment Dec 29th - PFO 5/03

Progress updates

Linklaters DTC - Completed auto assessment in November

Gibson Dunn VS Spring - completed online assessment
Hogan Lovells DTC- applied in October - completed auto online assessment Feb - Invite to Job sim Feb 16th - Felt Job sim/VI went well
Simmons & Simmons VS Bristol - Auto SJT invite - completed SJT/VI late Feb, VI went well, SJT not the best scores

No update since application

HFW DTC - applied in October
Mayer Brown DTC - applied in December
Stephenson Harwood DTC - applied in December
Hugh James VS Summer
K&L Gates work placement - holding email
Russel Cooke - VS Summer
Michelmores Bristol VS Summer
Goldman Sachs Asset Management off-cycle internship