New Threads

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!

Hi,

Does anyone know how long Davis Polk averagely takes to reply back post application submission?

@Andrei Radu if you specifically have any timeframe in mind, please let me know.

Thanks

Hi,

I'm starting this to increase my resilience and hopefully my chances of success. I'm currently doing a law conversion and this is my first proper cycle (I did maybe 3 random applications last year though). I'm starting this to hopefully see my progress!!

I'm motivated to secure a vacation scheme this cycle, and eventually to secure a TC. Documenting the journey will hopefully allow me to see where I'm going wrong and motivate me.

Here's where I'm at as of 16th December 2025:

• Hogan Lovells - rejection post-Job Simulation/VI in Nov
• Taylor Wessing - rejection post-initial assessment (today!)
• Ashurst - rejection post-initial assessment (Oct)
• Mayer Brown - rejection post-VI (Dec)
• HSFK - rejection post-initial assessment (Nov)
• Bird & Bird - rejection (Nov)
• Simmons & Simmons post-initial assessment (Nov)

More recent & pending:

• Stephenson Harwood - app done
• Cleary - app & WG done
• Pennington Manches Cooper- app done
• Charles Russell Speechlys - app done
• Osborne Clarke - app & WG/SJT done
• DLA Piper (Dublin) - app&WG/SJT done
• White & Case - App & SJT done
• Eversheds - App & WG done
• Norton Rose Fulbright - App & assessment done
• Addleshaw - app & assessment done
• Dentons -app & assessment done
• Skadden - app done

Intending to apply for Mills & Reeve, potentially Paul, Weiss this week.

Also made it to the Skadden written exercise on Thursday!

Also... the TCLA courses have already helped me improve my applications & confidence in WG etc so much, definitely noticing big big improvements so thank you very much!!!

onwards & upwards !

Hi all! I posted this in the general Vac Scheme discussion thread for visibility, but am setting up this separate thread just in case. I applied for Skadden's VC / TC this winter, but got rejected. The below was my answer to "What are your reasons for applying to Skadden?" I never seem to get anywhere with my applications, so would be grateful for any feedback / tips on what I could improve. Many thanks!

***

There are two main reasons I am applying to Skadden.

First, despite its status as a leading full-service firm, Skadden has retained the mentality of a determined newcomer who continuously strives to prove themselves. Speaking with [Skadden Associate] at a [University] alumni event confirmed that this drive defines the firm that surpassed £1tn in deal value in 2015 and then became a top-two global dealmaker in 2024.

Having moved to the UK at 14, I know that success takes precisely that — proving yourself over and over again. To get accepted into a top university, I stayed up most Friday nights mastering an unfamiliar education system. Later, when qualifying as a commercial solicitor became my goal, I took on trainee-level work at [Law firm I worked at] to demonstrate my capabilities. For example, I built Excel models used by an international wholesaler in settlement negotiations to assess the commercial feasibility of offers. Although this required analysing granular data and conducting extensive legal research, showing myself I could do this was worth it. I want to work at a firm that shares this approach to work.

The second reason is Skadden's recent active growth in FinTech M&A set against its broad transactional practice. Taking financing, private equity and M&A modules at [University], I realised I would enjoy transactional work. Deals are firmly grounded in the present, something that the influential yet decades-old competition disputes I administered at [Law firm I worked at] could not offer. Through my dissertation on barriers to FinTech growth I became particularly interested in innovation and its future. I want to train in an environment where I can explore diverse transactions while focusing on how innovation scales. Skadden offers both. Alongside a wide choice of transactional training seats, the firm supported several major crypto- and stablecoin companies with entering US capital markets, where innovation accelerates. Together, these factors make Skadden the ideal environment for me to develop.

Hi guys,

So I have been working on my Simmons & Simmons vac scheme app for ages but, for various reasons, couldn't submit sooner. I finally clicked submit exactly at 23:59 on the deadline night (15-Dec-2025), but the submission receipt I received indicates that it was submitted at 00:00 of 16-Dec-2025. I am confident in the quality of the app, and I didn't rush it through.

Has anyone been in a similar situation, and did you then get invited for an interview or the next stage?

I've made my peace with this and written this firm off in my mind for this year but would massively appreciate if someone has good news for me! :-{

Thanks!

Dear All,

I have recently been shortlisted for a first round paralegal interview with a boutique dispute resolution firm in London. I have the interview in 3 days and wanted some guidance on what I should expect and prepare. They have only stated that the interview is going to have 2 associates and the HR. The duration of the interview is 30 mins on MS Teams.

Any tips will be really helpful!

Hi everyone,

I’m delighted to share that Perkins Coie has just announced its new LBA programme.

The programme is open to graduates, with applications closing on 2 January 2026. You can apply here.

To mark the launch, we’ll be featuring Perkins Coie in the forum this month. Use this thread to find out more about the firm and what sets Perkins Coie apart.

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What Makes Perkins Coie Different from Other Law Firms?

For more than a century, Perkins Coie have ‘been along for the journey’ and has grown alongside the world’s most ambitious technology companies, moving with founders from garage to IPO and embedding itself into the heart of the US innovation economy. This culture is rooted in the firm’s Pacific Northwest heritage, home to some of the most innovative companies in the world. While other firms retrofit “innovation” into legacy City or Wall Street structures, Perkins Coie was born inside the technology ecosystem and optimised around it.

This global identity forms the narrative that the London office scales into Europe: a firm defined by Counsel to Tomorrow, built on a culture where hierarchy is thin, information flows quickly, and teams prioritise technical depth, commercial clarity, and operator-level thinking. Internally, Perkins Coie invests heavily in legal operations, AI-enabled workflows, and data-driven coordination across practices. The firm also lives by its values, embedding them into training, leadership, and day-to-day decision-making. The result is consistent Cx: client experience designed for companies who expect counsel to move as fast, or even faster, than they do.

The London office mirrors the firm’s US strengths: deep exposure to high-growth tech, private capital, and institutional technology mandates. The office advises clients who scale aggressively, face complex regulatory change, and require counsel who reduce friction, not add to it. Its teams operate across borders without the inefficiency of mega-firm politics, giving clients fast, integrated, conflict-light solutions.

London takes that global DNA and sharpens it. From day one, London adopted a startup culture: a flat hierarchy, agile roles, and a refusal to replicate the slow, layered structures that dominate Big Law. Every person operates with ownership. Partners collaborate without silos. Associates are trained to become ‘partners in disguise’ early. And uniquely, London built the Legal Business Analyst Programme, which has now become the core expression of London’s differentiation and the most authentic embodiment of its Tx: talent experience.

The LBA Programme offers holistic training across business professional and legal professional seats and looks to shorten the traditional trainee pathway by blending full-time work and continuous learning, allowing second year LBAs to study for the SQE and avoid the need to take out additional debt during their study period.

LBAs are commercially aware, tech-enabled, and embedded in the business from day one. Training goes beyond legal skills: LBAs receive structured development across EQ, SQ, and IQ, producing lawyers who can operate with emotional intelligence, strategic capability, and analytical depth.

LBAs rotate across legal, finance, BD, marketing, regulatory, and operations, giving them a birds-eye view of how a high-growth office actually runs. The programme has a strong social-mobility focus, supported by initiatives such as the Welcome to London grant and the partnership with Zero Gravity. They work and earn while studying, avoiding the debt and disconnect of the legacy trainee model. By qualification, they have already spent years delivering value directly to partners and clients. These future associates are what the office describes as triple-threats; well-networked, fast-moving and fluent in the business of law. Perkins Coie London is like the firm’s innovation lab, with innovative winning outcomes are backed by a simple formula ‘Tx + Cx = a winning culture that sustains profitability’, a place that nurtures the Counsel to Tomorrow.

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If you’d like to see more posts about Perkins Coie like this, be sure to check this thread throughout the week!