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Exactly what the title says. I am set to graduate in June 2026, and am not banking on receiving a TC. My backup plan is naturally paralegaling, but I am quite unsure when I am supposed to be applying for these positions. Every job listing I've seen so far doesn't include a start date.

Hi everyone! I've just been notified I've gotten through to the next round for a paralegal interview (after having had a first interview with a recuriter). This will now be the second to last interview before the last and final one. It's for an in-house paralegal role and I've been told it will be around 1 hour 15 mins long. Any tips or advice would be really appreciated since i'm not sure what to expect seeing as it's longer than interview's I'm used to. I was told there would be a task involved in the interview too but haven't been given more to go off based on this. If anyone can let me know what I could maybe expect task wise or in the interview itself (I believe it will be two lawyers in the corporate team) I would be really grateful, thank you!!

Hi all,

I hope this is the right place to post. I'm looking for some advice about my options going forward. For context, I don't have a TC, I am sitting SQE 1 in the next two weeks, and need to decide whether to continue straight on to preparing for the SQE 2 exam, or to wait and begin SQE 2 preparation after I get my SQE 1 results in March.

I have no idea what the most common approach people take in this situation would be? I wonder if there is any correlation between going straight on to SQE 2 and success in passing that exam, since I know that retaining SQE 1 knowledge is an important aspect of it?

I would really appreciate any guidance you can provide on how I should make this decision, as I cannot see a clear best answer, especially for what would happen if I were to start preparation for SQE 2 and then discover that I had not passed SQE 1.

Thank you

Hi,
I couldn’t find any info on in-house training salaries for first and second year, maybe in Media specifically. But regardless of sector could you share example salaries that you know from companies for me to assess what’s the market rate is?

I thought I’d start this thread as I was looking for something similar, but could only find discussions on firms that don’t do an SJT/Watson Glaser.

So far these are the firms that I know had no application questions in their initial screening, just straight SJT/Assessment. Please feel free to add any further firms!

Milbank
Clyde & Co
Mills & Reeve
Linklaters
Freshfields
Irwin Mitchel

Hi, I'm a new TCLA Premium member. I joined very recently and have been finding the 3 news stories a day very helpful as I struggle with commercial awareness. With law firms now sending out tests/video interviews/doing assessment centres, how do you recommend I make the most of the platform in a short amount of time to show a genuine understanding of topics, concepts, etc.

For example, do you recommend going back to a particular month's news stories in the archive?
Any specific course recommendation(s)?
What do you recommend practising and how frequently?
My goal is to feel more confident in discussing commercial topics and an understanding of contracts, M&A etc...

Hi guys, I'm an oxbridge grad (2:1) currently doing the GDL in London.

I'm interested mainly in private client law (though obviously I'll hopefully end up with a TC in a full service firm), and was wondering whether anyone else in here is? I am aware this is a corporate/commercial focussed forum, but I presume a few of us are looking to specialise in private client?

Any advice with applications would be appreciated... this is my second cycle, and I have a decent amount of legal work experience (VS and informal, plus sitting in the public gallery in court). I'm just scared of another year of nothing, or screwing up tests, interviews, and assessment days. We're all in the same boat I suppose, but it's no fun.

Hi all,

Just wanted some advice on uni grades affecting vac schemes and TCs. I have averaged 63% in first year and 62% in second year, and I am aware that the threshold is a 2:1. But I'm worried it is too low a 2:1 and that despite having a 2:1, I will be filtered out. In those grades, I also have two 2:2s (56 and 56) and some firsts.

Is this something causing rejection?

Thanks.

k

Hi everyone! I will be sitting SQE this Jan 2026. However, I do not feel prepared enough to sit the exam. Is it possbile to defer the exam? I have already paid the money and if I cancel, I wont get my money back. So I was wondering if I could defer to July sitting.
Thanks!

Hi all just opening a new thread for CC AC discussion.

@elle woods (or anyone) If you have any insights please can you share? Thank you!

Hi everyone, does anyone have any insights on the Withers SJT? Is it amberjack that they use or another platform? Any tips would be greatly appreciated, feel free to PM me, thank you!

Hi guys! - I've applied for Baker McKenzie's vac scheme and don't really know what to expect. I've heard that they have both a Watson Glaser and their own internal test, is this correct or is it just the one? Does anyone know what SJT Bakers uses? I've also heard that their video interviews are also a bit different to other firms - if anyone could share any insights on their experiences I would be really grateful and am happy to do the same for Weil as I've sat the video interview and SJT, feel free to PM me

Thank you!

Hi all, hope all is well. Apologies for what is probably a stupid question.

I am a student in the third year of a non-law degree. I will graduate in 2027.

Am I therefore eligible for a TC starting in 2028? If not, why not, and what would be the earliest TC for which I would be eligible?

Thanks

Hello everybody,
I have decided to post about my journey into the law world, with applications for training contracts and vacation schemes.

My profile:
I graduated in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from a RG university in 2024, with a big focus on economics (and also data analysis). I worked a non-law-related job whilst at University, and took the last year off in a foreign country to focus on my sport (competitive at a high level). I earned a mid 2:1 at University (the majority 2:2 modules, a few 1st, and 2x2:2), achieved AAA (2021 covid grade assessments) at A level, and 5 x Grade 9, 3x Grade 8 and 1 x A* at GCSE level. This is my first round of applications, and I do not have much prior Law knowledge (but significant economic knowledge).

I chose the firms to apply to based on which seemed to fit my skillset, diversifying slightly to improve chances; however, I understand my strategy could be improved upon when focusing on the next firms to apply for. I have no idea what to expect (probability-wise and process-wise), and I know that law is extremely competitive. I am excited to learn and welcome any advice! I spent roughly one day focused per application for my first 5 applications, then after that, I was able to do 2 a day. I prioritised based on deadlines, and accept that I probably missed out on many opportunities starting late. I made sure to try to be as professional as possible in my responses, whilst maintaining creativity and unique concepts. However, as this is my first time applying, I have never received feedback on applications before, so I am unsure exactly what individual firms are looking for in terms of responses (although I try to get a cultural understanding of the firms I apply to).

Firms applied to (so far) for Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes:
- **Dechert (17/12/25)️
- Arnold & Porter (18/12/25)
- **Gibson Dunn* (19/12/25)
- **Hogan Lovells (19/12/25)
- Travers Smith* (19/12/25)
- Burges Salmon* (21/12/25) -
- Addleshaw Goddard (23/12/25)
- Covington & Burling* (23/12/25)️
- Katten (24/12/25)
- Debevoise and Plimpton (24/12/25)
- Greenberg Traurig (26/12/25)️

EDIT - here are additional firms since creating the thread:

- HFW (28/12/25)️
- Milbank (29/12/25) - ️
- White & Case (29/12/25) ️
- Bristows* (1/1/26)️
- Cripps* (1/1/26)
- Vinson & Elkins (1/1/26)
- Mills & Reeve (3/1/26) - ()️
- Clyde & Co (5/1/26)️
- Squire Pattern Boggs (5/1/26)️
- Womble Bond Dickinson (5/1/26) ️
- Fladgate (6/1/26)️
- BCLP (8/1/26)️
- Osborne Clarke (8/1/26)️
- Ropes & Gray* (10/1/26)️
- Cleary Gottlieb (10/1/26)
- **Withers (12/1/26)
- Wedlake Bell* (12/1/26)️
- Lewis Silkin* (12/1/26)️
- Charles Russell Speechlys *(13/1/26)️
- **Stephenson Harwood* (14/1/26)
- **King & Spalding* (18/1/26)
- Morgan Lewis (20/1/26)️
- Browne Jacobson (20/1/26)
- Stevens & Bolton (30/1/26)
- Harbottle & Lewis (31/01/26)


Thank you! And feel free to ask any questions or give any advice .
Key
* = worked multiple days over application
** = DTC
️ = rejection
= Assumed rejection based on timeline/other progression
= assessment as part of application : 5
= online assessment allocated: 4
= online assessment completed
= video interview: 2
= interview
= assessment centre (optimistic here down)
🏖 = VS
= TC

Edit: To clarify, I applied to many US law firms over UK ones as I read that extracurricular activities and interests (of which I have extensive lists) had more value in the application process for these firms. In addition, when I started to apply, I had already missed many UK deadlines. I am very interested in London for my long-term career, but also happy to look at other regional firms where I might have higher probabilities.

Hi all,

Just wondering whether there are any breaks in the SQE course done via BPP with the city consortium group, and if so if it is a smart decision to travel abroad during such breaks? Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone has experience at the K&E AC for a training contract position. I am attending this mid-January and would love to hear some insight into what to expect on the day.

Hi there, I'm currently doing the SQE (with a TC from alaw firm) and was wondering when is usually the best time to apply for a paralegal role for a start in October as a future trainee? Would really appreciate any insights from anyone who paralegalled straight after SQE or with a TC and what their experiences were like! Thank you

Hello
I am excited to use the forum and get tips!

Hi, I am an international Chemistry student applying for solicitor vacation schemes. Do I have to register intent in taking the PGDL as a finalist non-law student? From what I know, since it is no longer a prerequisite to do the PGDL before sitting SQE, I don't have to actually do it? If registering intent is advised anyway, could I just theoretically write a date and 'place not confirmed'?

Hi everyone, has anyone completed the SJT for Weil Gotshal and know whether you have to reach a certain benchmark on that test before they view your video interview submission?

Hi all,
I have my first ever written exercise to complete. I have no idea where to even start and the email has given no idea of what to expect. Any advice or insights would be really appreciated?

Hi all not sure if this is the right place for this but... What do I wear to an AC? I'm assuming a suit? Is there a thread/post anywhere about the dos and don'ts? E.g. should it be a plain suit or does a slight windowpane pattern work? I'm broke enough paying for my SQE1 course and exam and taking a month of unpaid leave to study, so not having to buy a new one would be great. Also ties? Yes or no?

Hi all!
I am currently in my second year of LLB Law, studying the modules: EU Law, E&T, Tort, Land and Competition Law.

Is anyone able to offer me advice when writing both essays and problem questions for me to break into the 70+ grades? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Thank you!

I'm halfway through my applications and feeling demotivated so I'll stop being a lurker and share my progress.

I'm almost 27, with a troubled educational history but lots of 'client-side' finance experience. I've also built a consulting business in a niche area and freelance for Private Equity and other startups.
Switching to law now as it was a long-time dream, I almost did the PGDL in 2020 but COVID + securing a decent finance job changed my path. Now I've come full circle because I love doing client advisory, working with funds and asset managers more strategically and enjoy the legal aspects of running my business.

A-levels: ABB (STEM +General Studies A ) (Had ECs but hard to prove)

Undergrad: Physics BSc @ KCL (RG) - 2:1 (barely- but had very serious ECs second year)

Postgrad: MBA (concentration in finance) with Merit (68%), Passed CFA level 1

Professional Experience:

• 3 Years at a top 5 US Investment Manager, technology + operations (lots of dealing with client proposals, data, and ensuring investment compliance)
• 1 Year in UK House of Commons working as MP staffer (Drafting policy/casework/helping with progression of bills)
• 1.5 Years founding a niche consultancy business while doing a full-time MBA (All the legal business admin)
• Half a year ish as a PE/VC consultant advising fund managers (fund-of-funds/advisory/evaluating LPAs etc)

Law Experience:

• Mini-pupillage at a Civil law Chambers (as a third year undergrad)
• Accredited mediation training
• A couple of Moots
• VP KCL Bar and mooting society
• Shadowing a startup solicitor

I'm aiming for firms with a large Fund/Investment and Private Equity practise, and thinking US firms because they value entrepreneurship and care less about grades...
I'm worried that my A-levels will come back to bite me- so I'm not applying to MC.
I interview well and have lots of commercial awareness from finance but feel like I can never outrun my grades.

Any feedback or tips would be appreciated!