New Threads

Macro specialist brings lawsuit against UAE-backed landlord over disturbance at London headquarters
Law

Continue reading...

David Handler, a technology dealmaker, wins reversal from Delaware Supreme Court
Law

Continue reading...

Investigation follows failure of Mayfair-based lender and linked companies owned by founder Paresh Raja
Law

Continue reading...

I am a medical student studying at oxbridge who decided during my intercalated third year to pursue a career in corporate law. During my intercalated degree, I received a 2:2 as the BA classification, which I recognise is below the typical standard expected for top UK MC and US law firms.

I plan to complete my medical degree (MBBS) and aim to perform more strongly in my clinical years (which are graded by deciles). I understand that many doctors transition into corporate law without an intercalated degree, relying primarily on their MBBS performance.

Given this, I wanted to ask: in applications to top law firms, would strong performance in my MBBS (e.g. high decile ranking) mitigate or outweigh a 2:2 in my intercalated degree, or would the 2:2 remain a significant barrier?

I would greatly appreciate your insight.

Has anyone had a SPB PFO yet after VI?

Hello everyone, I’m a law graduate from Nigeria applying to Training Contracts this year. I was unsuccessful with VS applications and I hope to get a TC this year. I’ll be documenting my journey here.

Hi all!

With the application season for Training Contracts upon us, I have created this thread to track the deadlines for different law firms. Below, you will find a list of firms that have applications currently open, including their closing date. Please feel free to drop any suggestions below to better utilise this thread!

It is worth noting that many firms have varying training contract start dates, ranging from 2027, 2028, and 2029. For more information, click on the specific link in each row to be directed to a law firm's graduate recruitment page.

Good luck in your application and please keep us posted on your progress!

(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows) LAST EDITED: Tuesday 21st July, 2026

Training Contract Deadlines 2026/27:

Specific Dates Released

Company denies any accounting irregularity or retaliation
Law

Continue reading...

Australian financier must go to trial over fate after Insolvency Service launched probe
Law

Continue reading...

Completed the CMS VI for the Insight Programme.

If anyone else did, how did it go? Not the nicest questions but I think it went mediocre. First one I stumbled, second one content was good but not delivery, third went well overall.

Businessman barred from spending more than £5,000 a week without administrators’ consent
Law

Continue reading...

Chicago-founded law firm becomes first to break $10bn barrier for annual revenues
Law

Continue reading...

I'm currently a first year student and I applied to Linklaters' brand ambassador role. After submitting the initial application I was then asked to submit a video introducing myself and answer two questions.

I still firmly believe that video was the best I've cooked up since I learned how to edit, and I think the written questions I've done pretty well too. But after I submit all that I was invited to do the Watson Glaser and subsequently failed (which is weird because I've done and passed WG a few times in the past, but oh well)

My question is WHY IN THE WORLD did the ask us to do a high effort assignment (edit a whole video) BEFORE assigning WG, and binning the effort of everyone who didn't pass? It seems like a video introduction is something similar to an interview so why didn't they just put it after the WG, if the purpose is to wipe out candidates in the first place? It's not like I'm mainly upset about not passing (kind of, but not really) but rather the fact that I put in so much effort for the video just for it to probably not get looked at, or get binned over a (in my opinion) pretty arbitrary test.

But oh well, I guess such is life and I'll get used to it when I apply to more. Still don't think this is an okay practice though. (if anyone have some particularly useful WG tips pls let me know as well haha cause obv that's something I need to improve upon.)

Lender’s shares drop 14% as Viceroy says it could be forced to raise provisions to as much as £1.23bn
Law

Continue reading...

Hi all! I've never actually spoken on here since I'm applying for solicitor apprenticeships - but I've gotten to the final stage for A&OS and they generally have the same AC structure for trainee applications.

Does anyone have any advice on approaching preparation? I've been completing M&A case studies and studying up on the terms using the Commercial Law Handbook and a thread I saw posted here, and for the scenario-based interview, I practised ones I had gotten in previous ACs as well as formulating questions based on A&OS' assessment framework.

If there's anything else I could prepare for, or any general tips for the case study/scenario interview, please let me know!

British broadcaster asks Florida court to dismiss US president’s case on basis of lack of jurisdiction
Law

Continue reading...

Product launched by city-state to lure investors from offshore tax havens could be used for money laundering, says regulator
Law

Continue reading...

Hi all,

I just progressed to the VI stage for CMS.

If anyone can give information and insights for the VI, that would be much appreciated! Even insights from last year’s VI would be great.

I’ve done a range of VIs and a few ACs to trade insights for, so feel free to ask for something in return!

I’m also Head of Careers for a university law society, so even if I don’t have the info, I’ll know someone that does!

Thanks a lot.

Hi, I am preparing an application for Shoosmiths’ training contract, and I would love some feedback on areas to improve on how I have written my work experience. The maximum word limit for Shoosmiths for each experience is 250. I have used below this word count in each experience. I would really appreciate any advice.


Legal Intern – Nazir Solicitors (September 2025 - October 2025)

During my three weeks at Nazir Solicitors, I gained experience in both the commercial property and immigration departments.

In the property department, I demonstrated strong drafting skills by supporting my supervising solicitor in preparing a contract for the sale of a commercial property. Following client instructions, I incorporated key provisions, including an exclusion clause, ensuring the document accurately reflected the client’s requirements. While reviewing the contract, I applied strong attention to detail to identify inconsistencies and errors. This task helped me understand the importance of precision in transactional work.

I also assisted the immigration team and used my legal research and case analysis skills to support a client’s appeal against the Home Office's refusal of their visit visa. I analysed caselaw R (Iran) v Secretary of State for the Home Department alongside the relevant provisions of Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor to produce convincing evidence for the client’s case. I summarised how legal principles applied to the client’s circumstances and presented my findings to the team. My research supported the preparation of a pre-action protocol letter supporting the appeal.

Overall, being entrusted with this level of responsibility gave me valuable insight into the importance of careful research and drafting in legal practice.



Peer Coach – University of Sheffield - January 2025 – May 2025

As a Peer Coach, I supported ten students in setting goals to improve their academic progress and personal well-being.

I organised and facilitated one-to-one coaching meetings in the setting preferred by the student, which created an environment where they felt comfortable discussing challenges. I used open-ended questioning and attentive listening to help students reflect on issues such as managing academic pressure while balancing multiple responsibilities.

I adapted my coaching approach to suit different student needs. For example, I adopted a more structured format for students who preferred to prepare topics for discussion in advance, while taking a flexible approach for those who wanted to explore issues as they arose during the session.

At the end of this experience, students were able to identify practical strategies to manage their workload and wellbeing. They also reported increased confidence in setting priorities and working towards their academic goals.



Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer - Forage Job Simulation: International Mergers.

I completed a job simulation on mergers and acquisitions where I conducted due diligence for a multinational resources company considering the acquisition of the third-largest mining company in Brazil. My task was to assess whether the client should proceed with the transaction and identify any legal or commercial risks.

To conduct the due diligence, I reviewed documents provided by the target company, which included reports on labour relations, loan agreements, and a record of environmental incidents. I analysed the loan documentation to understand the repayment obligations and determine whether it could create financial risks for the acquiring company. I also examined the labour relations report and assessed the stability of the workforce. In addition, I reviewed the environmental incidents and evaluated potential regulatory breaches and liability.

As a result, I identified high-risk issues including strained labour relations, significant loan repayment agreements and records of environmental incidents that could trigger regulatory scrutiny and legal liability. I concluded these risks needed to be addressed before the acquisition could proceed.

This experience mirrored the work that trainees undertake during corporate transactions, and strengthened my ability to conduct structured due diligence, analyse legal risks through a commercial lens, and provide practical advice to support informed business decisions.



Family Services Volunteer- Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact)- November to Current

I volunteer at Pact, where I provide relevant information to help families understand prison procedures and ensure successful visitations. This involves me explaining the visitation process and the rules individuals must follow in a clear and simple manner.

I also assist in planning and delivering activities designed to strengthen family relationships, such as family days, homework clubs, play activities and peer support groups. These initiatives help children cope with conflicting emotions from being separated from a loved one.

Through this role, I developed the ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds in a sensitive environment. I have learnt to adjust my tone to meet the unique needs of families, ensuring that information is clear, supportive, and accessible.


Domestic Assistant- Sheffield Hallam University - 2025 – Present

Alongside my studies, I work as part of the Estate and Facilities team responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness across the university environment. This role requires strong time management, prioritisation, and the ability to complete tasks efficiently within allocated timeframes.

Hi all! I've got my first ever interview for a TC next week, it is a mid-size UK firm and I'm not sure what to wear. I've got black slacks, a white button up top and some flats, would that be acceptable attire? Should I get a blazer? Thanks!

Hi All!

I am extremely glad to have come across this forum – it is literally a godsend. I have been spiraling for the past few weeks, reading about vac schemes, TCs, SQEs, etc. etc. etc. There’s just so much to grasp!!! Finding this forum and going through its posts has finally given me ample clarity to dissuade me from spiraling further.

A bit of my background - I am going to pursue my Master of Laws in Corporate Law from Durham University for the academic year 2026-27. I graduated with an LLB (corporate law specialisation) back in 2019 in another common law jurisdiction and have been working in corporate and commercial practice (M&A, PE/VC, and corporate advisory) for the past (almost) 6 years in top law firms of my country.

While I am now well-versed with the process of TC applications, I do have one doubt I have noticed that almost all the firms have opened applications for TCs commencing in 2028 (whereas I will be graduating in 2027), which are open for final year and penultimate students. Now my doubt is - whether I (as an LLM applicant) can apply for TCs now, even before starting with my LLM, or if I can only do so once I've graduated next year? I am afraid that once I graduate, the cycle for 2029/30 TCs will have begun, and I won't have a sufficient grace period for applications due to visa restrictions.

Anyway, I’m glad to be a part of this forum now! Sending positive energy to you all!


-Aayushi

Victims of Chinese crypto fraud fight to stop Treasury capturing inflated value of the currency
Law

Continue reading...

N/A

N/A