New Threads

Jones Day - Winter Vacation Scheme 2025

HSF Kramer - Winter Vacation Scheme 2025

Dechert - Winter Vacation Scheme 2025

Ashurst - Winter Vacation Scheme Deadline 2025

A&O Shearman - Winter Vacation Scheme 2025

Sidley Austin - Winter Vacation Scheme 2025

Hello all,

I am in the middle of applying for winter vac schemes, but have noticed a theme with the majority of firms hosting their insight days after the closing date for the winter vacation schemes. In terms of 'interacting' with the firm, I know I could there are some mass virtual 'open days' ie legal cheek, but I feel like going through the process of and attending the firm's own open day would be a bit more insightful.

Or wondering if I should gamble trying to get an open day, and then just apply for spring/summer?

Is anyone else stuck in this same position? Do you have any advice?

Thank you

Hello everyone! During my first year exam period I unfortunately received very poor results due to struggles in my personal life and also a war happening in my home country while my exams occured. The latter did affect my performance completely as an international student worried for my family back home and I received barely passing grades in the exams due to this. I fear despite my circumstances this may result in me being unable to receive any vacation schemes and training contracts. Does anyone know if I can do anything to rectify this or if I have any options at all? My A-level results were also not the best but that was my failing wholly

I graduated my non law degree with a 1st class and distinction. And a merit in GDL with one failed module that I retook. I had a previous training contract at a magic circle law firm which I lost after failing my SQE2. I failed my SQE2 following a mixture of 1) preparation/underestimating the difficulty of the exam 2) severe personal family and financial circumstances that gave me little time to prepare for the exams. I am 25 now turning 26. I was fired from my previous waitressing job and haven't been working for the past two years to focus on my exams and improving my mental health and resilience. I have had to defer some modules in my llm sqe as a result.

I'm feeling a little lost right now in terms of job applications. I have been non stop applying for paralegal roles and any job right now just to build my references up again. Meanwhile I still have deferred exams and contemplating whether I should fund my SQE2 again next year amidst some debts.

I do not want to give up on my city law career path. I just want to know what my chances are right now and perhaps what the best path is moving forward? Trying not to lose hope. I would be so grateful for any career advice and if anyone has been into a situation like mine would be greatly thankful for this.

Hi all,

Has anyone heard back yet from the TCLA X Willkie open day?
I know you get a response regardless of if you're successful or not, and I read somewhere on here that applicants would hear back by the 9th(?)
Can't find any further information online.

Thanks

I have applied for Clifford Chance’s insight day and I am planning on applying to the SPARK scheme later in the year. I have read online that you can’t apply to more than one of their schemes per cycle. I assume this is just for the training contract or SPARK scheme, and doesn’t include their insight day?

I just progressed to the second assessment for Macfarlanes (the job simulation one). If anyone has advice about how to approach that I would be very grateful! I don't know if they just introduced it this year and it confusingly says it is both timed and not timed.

hi,

I'd like to get some work experience next summer, but I don't think I'm ready yet to apply to my choice firms. Is it worth applying to less competitive firms, just to get some experience this summer? my worry was that when I eventually make my applications for my chosen firms and they see less competitive firms on my cv it might somehow disadvantage me? but I have no idea if it works like this so wanted to ask. For context I am non-law at Oxbridge, going into my final year and hopefully doing a master's degree after BA. Thank you!

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice as I feel stuck with my career options.

I graduated with a law degree and for the past two years I’ve been working as a Case Officer at a healthcare regulator. I previously applied for training contracts, but quickly realised that even if I were successful, the maintenance allowance wouldn’t realistically cover my London rent while studying full-time for the SQE.

Now I feel caught between options. From what I understand, my realistic path would be to self-fund the SQE and then try to secure two years of qualifying work experience as a paralegal (either in-house or at a firm). But self-funding feels like a waste if my end goal is to work at a larger firm, as they could have funded it from the start.

At the same time, getting a commercial paralegal role is very competitive, and many adverts already require SQE1 as a minimum. So I’m unsure if self-funding upfront is my only option, or if there are alternative routes I’m not seeing (e.g. in-house, compliance, regulation, etc.).

Has anyone been in a similar position or found a practical way forward? I’d love to hear your experiences or advice.

I have a question for people who received more than one offer for a training contract:

How did you make the decision about which firm’s offer you would accept which which you would turn down?

Of course, everyone’s priorities will be different, and we may look for different things from a TC experience. But I’m interested to get a sense of what people take into consideration when making this important decision.

Hi everyone,

I've just started my second year, and I wanted to share my situation because I’m facing a bit of a dilemma and could use some advice. I’ve applied for a solicitor apprenticeship (TC for simplicity) at a boutique firm, and I’m through to the second-stage interview next week. I feel hopeful about my chances as I’ve had positive feedback on my CV and work experience, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know the team.

I applied to this firm early because of recent changes to funding for L7 apprenticeship routes. While on their VS, they told me that doing a placement year would make me ineligible for funding, so I applied quickly to secure a TC while eligible. I also genuinely liked the firm. If I get the offer, rejecting them now feels difficult, as it’s a guaranteed opportunity in a competitive market.

I then completed another VS shortly after applying and realised I prefer a different firm. They’ve said they’re open to taking me on for a placement, which has a strong chance of leading to a training contract, and funding/age isn’t an issue. However, nothing is confirmed until I’ve applied and been offered a place. Their applications open later in the year, so a final decision wouldn’t come until months after the first firm’s offer, creating a timing mismatch. Also, taking that placement would make me ineligible for the first firm’s TC because of the funding rules.

The dilemma is:

• The first firm is a guaranteed TC while I’m eligible.
• The second firm is my preferred choice, but nothing is confirmed yet.
• Taking the second firm’s placement would make me lose eligibility for the first firm’s TC.
• If I decline the first firm and the second firm doesn’t offer me a placement, I might regret not taking the safe option.
• How can I use the first TC offer as a safety net without acting unprofessionally?

From what I’ve read, SRA and Law Society guidance suggests offers cannot expire before 15 September of your final year or four weeks after the offer date, whichever is later, which gives students time to make considered decisions.

My main questions are about etiquette: should I hold onto the first firm’s offer as long as possible? Does the 15 September deadline apply in my situation? Has anyone been in a similar position, balancing early offers against firms they genuinely prefer? Could I accept the offer and change my mind later, as I'm only in my second year? I’d love to hear how you managed the timing and made your decision.

Hi everyone, I could use some direction with a training contract application I’m currently completing. There are three questions on the application form with no option to upload a CV/cover letter. The three questions are as follows;

1. Tell us why a career in corporate law interests you? Tell us why you want to be a corporate lawyer, what appealed you about a career in law. (Maximum 300 words)
2. What makes you a good candidate for *Firm Name*'s Trainee Solicitor Programme? (Maximum 300 words)
3. We are keen to understand more about you and your achievements. Please share your interests and highlight any achievements. (Maximum 300 words)

There is also a section for work experience, with the description;
Your experience to date (what you did). Please detail three specific experiences - these can include examples from work experience, voluntary work, college or broader life experience. Please include the skills and abilities you have acquired through these experiences that will be relevant to a career in corporate law?

I was planning to answer the first question by dividing 150 words to why law and 150 words to why corporate law, the second question using the firm’s core values, and the third question by linking my achievements to competencies from the job description. I was also going to link the work experiences section to more competencies from the job description.

However, I can see that none of these questions are the traditional “why this firm” question. Do you think I should devote the second half of the “why corporate law” question to why that firm in particular, or is this not answering the question properly? I’m just not sure where I can show my particular interest in this firm over other firms on this application.

Also, in general, do you think applicants should highlight competencies from the firm’s core values, or rather from the attributes listed in the job description for the training contract? These can often be different.

Hey all,

For both accountability purposes and because I thought it might be interesting, I am starting this thread to keep track of all my applications for this cycle!

A bit of background information on me: I graduated last year from a RG university with a first, studying law. I have since worked as a paralegal at a nationally operating firm. While I did submit a couple of applications last year, I am treating this as my first “real” cycle. I did, however, attend two open days last year. I now plan on giving it my all this year and to see what comes of it, if anything!

I will try to post on here periodically or when I have any significant updates - so far, I have submitted my application for Sidley’s Winter Vacation Scheme (first application of this cycle!)

Wishing anyone who reads this thread the best of luck throughout the cycle – I really do hope that we all receive some good news this year <3

When answering "why this insight scheme?" - can you mention how the environment at the firm is ideal for training, or does this show a lack of understanding of the specifics of the question?
Is there also room to discuss why you, with regard to the attitude that you would bring to the scheme?Thanks

Hi

If someone on the forum has experience with these two SQE1 centres in London, could you please share your experience? Here is what I have gathered so far-

- Tobacco Docks - dedicated to SQE only (so no candidates taking other exams like accountancy, etc), large SQE1 centre, highly recommended but lots of candidates
- Southwark - smaller and more peaceful, but probably has mixed Pearson Vue candidates (not just SQE), so can be distracting

The candidate has mild depression/anxiety and will ask for reasonable adjustments if that helps.

Any other centre experience is also welcome

Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone,

Note: This is an old thread. Please see our up-to-date version here.

Training Contract Deadlines 2025/26:​

Specific Dates Released​

Hi everyone,

I find BPP's visa policy very confusing and not transparent, and I would really appreciate your insights — especially if you’ve been in the same situation.

I’m an international student with a training contract at a City firm, due to start the PGDL at BPP this September. I have also indicated to my firm that I'll start the SQE prep course (they call it CCP) in September 2026. A few days ago, BPP told me (via my firm’s advisor) that I should consider starting in January 2026 instead, but they still haven’t issued me a CAS.

Here’s my concern: if I start PGDL in January 2026 and finish in August 2026, I might not be able to secure a visa in time for the SQE prep course starting September 2026. My understanding is that I’ll need all my PGDL results before I can get an unconditional offer and CAS for SQE. But realistically, results may not be available immediately after the course ends.

I called BPP for clarification, but got two completely different answers:

• One staff member said I could get a “Highly Likely to Complete” letter, which would allow BPP to issue a CAS so I could extend my visa from within the UK.
• Another insisted I must have all my final results released before applying for a CAS and visa.

So now I feel stuck. Which PGDL start date do you think would be more suitable in my situation — September 2025 or January 2026?

Thanks a lot for any advice!

Im filling out an application for an insight scheme, the first question is 'why are you interested in a career in law'. Should I structure this in the same way that I would answer 'why commercial law'?? Should I touch on commercial law too??

Hi everyone,

Applications to the Reed Smith Vacation Scheme are now open!

You can use this thread to chat about your applications to the firm. The deadline to apply is the 19th December 2025 at 5pm GMT. Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

If you want to learn more about Reed Smith first, you can apply to the Open Day on the 23rd September 2025.

Wishing you all the best of luck!

Jaysen

Please note that this thread is kindly sponsored by Reed Smith.

---

Vacation Scheme 2026

Hi everyone,

I'm very happy to say that applications to the Willkie Farr & Gallagher Vacation Scheme are now open!

You can use this thread to chat about your applications to the firm. The deadline to apply is midday on the 10th December 2025.

@Kirsty Wilkins is currently live to respond to any queries until the end of November 2025.

Wishing you all the best of luck!

Jaysen

Please note that this thread is kindly sponsored by Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

---

Vacation Scheme Page
Upcoming Events