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Hi @Jessica Booker , I really appreciate your many excellent reply about SQE as they are really helpful. I am wondering whether I can ask you some further questions about SQE? I am an international student and now graduated and applying for TC. In order to improve my competitive in applying I plan to take the SQE through self-education. And now the exam is coming really close but I don’t think I am well-prepared enough for it. It’s possible for me to have to resit the exam or get pass with a low score. Hence I am wondering whether it would or to what extend it would have an adverse impact on my following application. I will sincerely appreciate it if I can get your opinion replied to this post. Thank you so much in advance.

Hi everyone!

I was wondering whether anyone knows how DLA assess you to convert a vacation scheme to a TC? I thought that it might have been an interview at the end of the scheme, but I can't seem to find anything online!

Thanks

Any advice for Mishcon de Reya video interview would be hugely appreciated. Anyone have a good answer on their position in the legal market? Please

Hi,

Throwaway account for privacy reasons however I would be grateful for some help.

I have been looking into the character and suitability rules for admission and I would like some clarity.

I began my training contract in April 2021 and my understanding is that a character and suitability test was carried out prior to commencing the training contract and then another was to take place before admission. In my email from the SRA when my PRT was accepted and initiated by the SRA I am told "Remember you must tell us straight away about any new issues that fall under our Suitability Rules." Presumably this indicates that a character and suitability test was done?

My understand was that in September 2021 this system changed to a character and suitability test being carried out just before admission rather than before training.

I graduated almost 6 years ago and I have recently, after reminiscing with a friend, recalled a meeting that was held with the university re working together on an assessed oral presentation. Effectively we gave similar presentations. The University made us redo the assessments out of principle. We were not warned or kicked out or anything of the sort but it was a formal meeting.

I am wondering if I am perhaps being too paranoid and opening a can of worms which should be left avoided. If a character and suitability test was done before my period of recognised training commenced I can sleep easy knowing this did not come up in the check however if not I am wondering if this is something the SRA will need to know about.

In any event does the SRA contact the university for the character and suitability checks?

Many thanks

I was hoping to secure a TC at either a Magic Circle, Silver Circle or possibly a US firm (perhaps the latter will be a bit out of reach for me).

I graduated in modern languages from Oxbridge (don't want to say which; want to remain fairly anonymous). In my first year, I secured a first and won a prize, but in the other two years of my degree, I got a 2:1 average (65 or 66), but with inconsistent module marks, like this:

68
64
78
55
50

The lower marks were in Italian oral and translation exams. My final degree class was 2:1 (65.7), with one high first module.


Would I still be a viable candidate for a Magic Circle or US TC? I know that some of the toughest US firms (e.g. Cleary) would probably be out of the question.

Thank you.

Hey everyone,

Next week, we announce the launch the first-ever live cohort of The TCLA Academy. This first cohort is designed to rapidly accelerate your ability to perform in a law firm interview. Think practise case studies, simulated group exercises and classes to teach you how to stay composed and deliver confident answers.

I’m excited to meet you and see how many we can help to secure a training contract.

I also wanted to ask a favour.

We want to speak to those of you going through the application journey right now, whatever stage you are in and no matter how successful your progress has been so far.

We'd love to jump on a 15 minute call to ask you a few questions regarding your experience of law firm interviews. Your thoughts will shape the development of this programme.

Book a call with us here.

Hello, I have a video interview with BCLP in a week's time. If anyone has experience with the interview, could you tell me what type of questions are there, how long it is, and just overall what it entails!

Hi - as the title suggests, I am looking for example case studies that I could practice ahead of time as many of the firms that I applied for has incorporated the written assessment into their recruitment process.

Many thanks!

Has anyone had a PFO post RPC WG

Hi all, I just got invited to a RPC assessment centre. In the email they said that there is an interview, a written exercise, as well as a "business meeting exercise". Has anyone completed the RPC AC before and could provide more details on what this business meeting exercise is and how to best prepare for it? Thanks!

Hi! My firm is funding me to take the SQE course from September 2023.

I was wondering whether any current students know what books need to be purchased, as I like to prepare in advance to mitigate the impact of my disabilities. All I could see on the website are books for the SQE 1 element.

It would also be helpful to hear what current students think of the course - the course dates seem to suggest that it is very full-on.

Hi, does anyone know what the general rules are around accepting a TC offer from one firm and then doing a vac scheme with another? I have to give my decision for the TC before the vac scheme would start but would I still be able to do the vac scheme if I’d already accepted elsewhere?

Hi there,

I have a question about grades and appls for VCs/TCs. I have a 2.1 from UCL and a Commendation on the GDL from City. However, in my first year of uni I had a really tough time for non-academic reasons, failed 1 module, and nearly failed another. Neither of these actually counted toward my degree, but are on my transcript. My actual degree score, overall, is 67%, I have seven 1st class marks across my degree, and my third year averages around a first. I do have mitigating circumstances, which I put on the form, but will these poor grades from 1st year decisively count against me?

Many thanks!

I am applying for online LLM LPC(SQE1&2) at UoL and BPP. I am stuck with my personal statement, wondering if anyone wouldn’t mind sharing a guide or sample. Thanks

Hi,

I am due to start my TC in 2024, and have been paralegalling with the firm since the graduating, and receiving the offer, in 2021.

This means I will be leaving the firm this September to commence the SQE, but we haven't yet had any information re: the details of the course.

Could anyome who has already started the SQE with BPP give me some information on how intense the course is, and if working part time alongside the course is possible?

Even though I will have been working for a while, I haven't been able to save a tremendous amount and the firm I am with doesn't offer the best rate of maintenance grant so living costs are looking daunting!

Or alternatively, does anybody have information on SQE LLM top ups in order to access student finance?

Many thanks!

Good evening all!

I hope you're having a great weekend. Like most of you (I suspect), mine has been spent applying for Vac Schemes and sailing through a wealth of emotions: one minute feeling empowered ("we can DO this!") and the next practically sobbing in a corner ("what even is the point? I've got no hope"). Wouldn't a level medium be nice?

So I'm Natasha, live in Berkshire, am 34 (how did that happen?) and have 3 children under 4 so, yes, my weekend has also included a bit of Peppa Pig and playing trains too, as well as the usual cooking, cleaning and laundry. Not normally one for these things as I'm usually far too embarrassed about sharing, I have reached a point where I've concluded I've nothing to lose, so here I am (slightly terrified).

I titled this post 'Introduction with a difference' because I do feel so far removed from what a 'typical' trainee is expected to be. Even though stereotypes are gradually being broken down and more is being done in respect of diversity and inclusion, it still feels like a world dominated by graduates with exceptional academics and, in all honesty, I worry I will never compete. Absolutely, academic results are the clearest way to determine if someone has the aptitude necessary to perform as a top lawyer and mitigating circumstances, I'm sure, are considered. To what extent, though, I wonder?

In summary, my life goes as follows:
Born on the Isle of Wight in 1989 with hip dysplasia that was diagnosed far too late to remedy without surgery. Multiple surgeries before starting school.
Education in under-performing state schools. Originally a high achiever and had it in mind I wanted a career in law from the age of around 6 (no idea why) but being bright resulted in severe bullying so soon established it was best to keep quiet.
Had further hip surgery in my first year of high school and required further surgery, meaning I was on crutches and in a wheelchair for most of my GCSE years. Banned from attending lessons due to the 'safety risks' and received no tuition, also unable to complete any coursework. Made to sit in the Student Support Centre each day surrounded by children experiencing dreadful suffering at home and with behavioural issues. Deepest sympathy for them and did my best to provide support, but that did nothing for my education.
Bullying due to being different naturally continued and was quite unpleasant. Developed anorexia, depression and anxiety.
Left school at 16 with 1 B, 5 Cs and 4 Ds - not great but probably not bad considering.

Went into full time work and eventually left the IOW with my partner. Qualified as a Mortgage Consultant and worked around 60hrs p/w. Decided to do my A Levels from home but again, with limited time, no tuition and no idea that exam technique was a thing, scraped through with BCC. It did the job to get on a distance learning degree course.

Got married, bought a house, went to work and did all the usual life stuff alongside studying for the LLB through Uni of London International Programmes. 100% exam based and again, no tuition so a pretty tough course. Success rates aren't published but a lot drop out. Anyway, started this in 2013 with the intention of completing over four years. Also got a job closer to home handling complaints for a CEO. First year went ok. Second wasn't too bad.

Then the fun really started...
2015 - total hip replacement
2016 - sat my exams but felt a bit iffy. Turns out I had a major infection. Hip needed to be replaced again. 6 months antibiotics, an allergy, anorexia relapse.
2017 - decided to have a year off to recuperate. Moved house and changed jobs instead Now head of a regulated complaints department in financial svcs.
2018 - booked exams and decided to start a family as was now 29. Discovered we were expecting. Two days later, mother announces terminal cancer diagnosis. Didn't sit exams. Went to work for husband for flexibility.
2019 - had my son in March. Mother died in September. Dealt with all arrangements as I'm an only child. Grandmother then died in November. Only grandchild so more arrangements and naturally, a lot of upset.
2020 - went on a much needed holiday in Feb. Grandfather died 2nd March. More arrangements. Lockdown. Diagnosed with autoimmune disease and ADHD. Daughter born in November.
2021 - inherited family home on IOW. Engaged architect to transform into luxury holiday-let. Adamant I would finish degree. Achieved a 2:1!
2022 - began the renovation of two properties and set up a property development business. Had baby 3. GRADUATED!!!

Phew! So as you can see, things have been a tad bumpy and I worry immensely that this career I've been pursuing my entire life is forever to be a pipe dream. I wish they were just excuses but these events have definitely had an impact.

Despite all this, I'm still hopeful for a US TC. It may well be delusional but I'm still standing in spite of the above and probably more resilient and determined than ever. Could I hack the long hours? Definitely. Would I want to? Without a doubt. Why US? Smaller intake and more responsibility. I may not appear to have the intellect and aptitude required on paper but I've got it in abundance where it matters. I've experience in a variety of professional roles, running departments, managing people, writing policies and implementing processes, report writing and adhering to regulation. I've assisted my husband with M&A work (he's an accountant/FD), due diligence and corporate debt collection, plus set up a business and started project managing renovations while on maternity leave. I've even represented myself in two successful legal disputes.

Hard work doesn't phase me and in every aptitude test I've ever taken I always come out well. I've just had a bit of a rough ride. Almost like I'm running a marathon only, instead of running through London like everyone else, dressed up as a giant teddy, I'm also running backwards, doing hurdles, wearing a blindfold and pirouetting every 100metres. Am I going to win? No chance. Could I have done without all the obstacles? Definitely possible!
I just have to hope someone, somewhere, sees beyond the grades, that they see I'm not a reflection of my certificates but that they are reflective of my circumstances. That, given a chance, I've got what it takes to be one of the most dedicated lawyers around.

Lovely to meet you all. Thank you for reading my story and wishing you all the very best of luck, from the bottom of my heart, in everything you do.

Happy Sunday,
Natasha x

Hi everyone!

Upon @AvniD suggestion in the premium forum, I have (finally) started this thread to document my training contract journey. I was also really inspired by @j.s.cox' thread documenting a journey to securing the TC at his/her dream firm - and I'm crossing my fingers that by authentically documenting my growth and journey at TCLA, this application cycle would yield great results for me as well

As a disclaimer, I secured two TCs in another jurisdiction during the previous application cycle, but I made the hard decision to keep searching for a TC that best suits what I was looking for. I came to an internalised criteria through completing three legal placements and vac schemes. My main criteria now are:

• Band 1 or 2 ranking on Legal500 in the UK for international arbitration. Alternatively, a very high Global Arbitration Review ranking (top 10-15);
  
  
• Mandatory disputes seat;
  
  
• International secondment with a range of options available for Asian and/or US offices;
  
  
• Sectoral focus on projects & energy and technology disputes;
  
  
• [This one is a recent realisation] Small trainee intake that allows meaningful client contact + progressive levels of responsibility. I specifically want to look for firms that have programmes enabling trainees to have close contact with partners (i.e., sitting in the same office or similar mentee arrangements).
  
  
• [optional but highly desirable] Active pro-bono department offering public international work. I realise PIL is fairly hard to come by in private practice, and so any opportunity to work in this field is something I look for as well!

Here is what I have done since October 2022:

• October: Attended a range of virtual law fairs (AS Diversity Law Fair and Legal Cheek Virtual UK Fair) + AllAbout Law's Virtual Campus where I attended a range of workshops and had the opportunity to ask questions + independently signed up for various workshops and skills sessions by other law firms.
  
  
• November/December: Attended four open days at Herbert Smith Freehills, Freshfields, Skadden and White & Case. I was very lucky to be connected with grad rec and trainees at King & Spalding through the courtesy of TCLA (thanks @Jaysen!). Attended more law firm virtual networking/workshops/skills sessions. Submitted an app to HSF, Freshfields, A&O and Skadden. Completed psychometric tests for HSF (mandatory - passed - rejected at app review), A&O (mandatory - passed - rejected at app review) and Freshfields (selective - did not pass).
  • I had a realisation during this period that I tend to do well at SJTs but fall down on WGs. In the Jan wave of apps, I decided to focus on firms that meet bullet point 5 above AND tend to veer more towards interviews so that my chances of progressing to the next round increase.
    
    
  • Over the Christmas holidays, I also tapped into TCLA resources on how to research law firms and make more effective applications as I felt that was something I might have fallen down on in my HSF and A&O apps.
• January: Applied for Debevoise, Gibson Dunn, Latham and White & Case. Completed psychometric test for Latham. Rejected at app stage with Skadden (we move!). In the meantime, I have completed a virtual video interview through TCLA's stimulator service. I have also completed a mock interview with Chloe last week. I have. a mock assessment centre with my University's career services to further practice interview skills in a group context.

I was wondering for the question below do I need to give specific examples. For example, do I need to mention example of a time where I had handled pressure well at work or just mention the skill I had developed in a experience.

How have you developed your skills and interest in the profession through your non-academic experiences? You may wish to include your hobbies, extra-curricular activities, employment, volunteering, sports or anything else that you think is relevant. You should outline why you believe that this experience has helped you develop the skills required to be a successful lawyer.

I want to make a post here to keep myself accountable for the next year, in my journey to get a TC.

Though I told myself to apply early this year, and be on top of things - I only started applying early/mid December.
I procrastinated and couldn't bring myself to start.
THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!!!

I've let my poor A-level grades affect my confidence a lot - I need to let this go and focus on bigger and better things.

Need to keep repeating positive affirmations to myself - I am a desirable candidate!

This is my first cycle, and my goal is to make it to an AC. Even if I don't, I'm in a better place for next year.
No matter what happens, it's okay!

i didnt say i was fluent but i put good/B2 italian and cantonese for the CC application, would they switch languages mid-interview to test my capability?