New Threads

Hi all, hope you're all well!

I'm a philosophy undergraduate student about to enter my final year, and I'd love to hear any advice from other non-law students on where you found relevant law experience please? I'll be applying for VS' and TC's throughout my final year, and I plan on doing a law conversion masters once I graduate next summer, but it'd be great to have something relevant to do this summer! Are virtual work experiences my only option considering I currently have no legal training? Or are there other avenues I could look into?

Thank you for any and all advice!

Hope everyone is having a great week! I am completely new to TCLA and wanted to introduce myself and get some sort of advice on my situation since ngl I have a wave of depression hitting me every. single. day.

I am International student, my age is in the higher 20s, have obtained an LLB from a UK based university (Non Russel Group) with a low 2.1; don't have the most impeccable academic results but I have got a drive like no other because I am relentless in my path to succeed. I can speak 6 languages (4 fluently, 2 on a more basic/intermediate level and currently learning 2 more), I have excellent networking & communication skills. I am currently applying to TC's within the Uk, outside of the Uk, applying to paralegal roles, internships, you name it (everything that has a legal job description under the sun basically) and so far, nothing. I also feel that because of my age and graduation date, I am truly losing in this race against time... Some days seem bleak, some hopeful but I will not give up no matter what. I guess what I am looking for here are words of encouragement and to feel like I am not alone in this path. I have many regrets concerning my academics especially having not tried as hard as I should have during high school and in university itself (I don't want to blame ADHD but after being diagnosed, it makes total sense: gifted child turned into incompetent adult).

If you were to ask me, well then why corporate law or why law at all, I would have to say I went into this field at a very young age with the dream of making an impact in people's lives through protecting their rights aka going into criminal/human rights side of things and while studying my LLB I wanted to actually take the BTC path but due to changes in my personal life and lack of access to certain opportunities, I had to resort to the SQE path and here we are I guess...

Thanks in advance for reading this incoherent post and look forward to garnering any sort of response.

Hi

I am starting my full-time SQE LLM with BPP on 1st September. It's been three weeks since I sent them all my transcripts and other documents, and I was assured that the CAS document (without which one cannot apply for a student visa) would be issued within five days. No one in BPP bothers to reply to emails or take phone calls. I am frustrated and on the verge of panicking. Even after CAS issuance, it takes time to schedule a biometric appointment and a few weeks to receive the visa. Is this how the admin team at BPP treats students during the course as well? Is there anyone else in the same boat?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks.

Hello everyone!!
As the new application cycle is approaching, I have decided to create my own thread and keep myself accountable.
A bit about me: I am an international student who recently graduated with a 2:1 from a non-RG uni and 3 Bs at A levels (was still getting used to the UK system at the time ). I was involved in some extracurricular activities while at uni: Secretary and Treasurer of my uni's law society (2nd and 3rd year), VC of the volleyball team, campus ambassador for an organisation. I also have some office and customer service experience (through part-time jobs).

My goal in this new cycle is for it to be my last. I didn't take this (2024/2025) cycle as seriously as I was focused on my grades. I applied to 5 firms, got 1 PFO post app, 3 post online test, and 1 post interview. I learned that I need to improve my commercial awareness and video interviewing skills. My applications could also be more tailored.

MY PLAN
I'm not fully sure what kind of firm I want to work in yet as I don't have any formal legal work experience yet, so I plan to apply to a range of them:

Vacation Schemes
HSF Kramer-
Pinsent Masons-
Reed Smith-
Addleshaw Goddard-
Osborne Clarke-
Gowling-
Trowers & Hamlins-

Direct Training Contract
DAC Beachcroft-
Womble Bond Dickinson (DTC)-
Kingsley Napley-
CMS-
Wedlake Bell-
Wiggin-
HFW-
RPC-
TLT-

Key: = application submitted; = test received; = Invited to 2nd test/met benchmark; = Written Exercise; = VI; = rejection; = Assessment Centre

MY ACTION PLAN

• Listen to the FT news briefing everyday. I have already started creating this habit so I could get a better understanding of commercial news and how they affect clients and law firms. I think what I'm struggling with now is how to communicate that in interviews and stuff.
• Practice each type of psychometric test at least once a week. I am currently using Graduate First and Assessment day.
• Pre-draft my 'why law', 'why commercial law', 'why me', and 'why this firm'. I think this will help me write applications faster. The first three can be applied to all firms and I can tweak the last one to whatever question the firm asks about them.
• Create an application timetable. I currently gave myself 3 applications per month so we'll see how feasible that will be.
• Create and experience and interview questions bank. Most firms ask for similar, if not the same, skills and/or experience so I think it'll more efficient to get this done early (though I've only actually started the experience bank haha)

NB: I am going to be working full time (like 30-45 hrs) while doing this so I'm not fully sure how I am going to be balancing it all. Pray for me *fingers crossed*. I'll try to post an update every now and again just to make sure I'm actually doing the work!
Also, if anyone has any other tips for preparing for the cycle beforehand, let me know. Please and thanks!

Hi everyone!

I've been reading some TC threads on here, which inspired me to start my own! For some background, I just graduated from an RG uni with a 2:1. I've applied for vacation schemes in my second and third years but none of the applications passed the first stages. In hindsight, I was feeling very lost for the past three years: I am coming from a low socio-economic background, attended a state comprehensive school, first generation university graduate, and neither of my parents have ever stepped foot in corporate. These factors really affected my confidence, as I was surrounded by peers coming from backgrounds entirely different from my own. However, I have still largely participated in the life at university, and held some really good society positions. I also have experience in office-based roles, legal advice roles, hospitality and customer service.

Now I'm back home and preparing for the next application cycle. So far I have:

• Been working on reframing my mindset regarding my background (it's a fake it till you make it situation sometimes, but I'm working on it!).
• Created a list of prospective firms I'd like to apply to. I am re-applying to some firms and adding others to my list.
• Started conducting a more in-depth research on firms from my list.
• Re-assessed my motivations for pursuing corporate law and law in general.
• Been reading and engaging more with news in attempts to improve my commercial awareness.
• Reached out to future and current trainees from 2 firms I'm interested in.

My goals:

• Improve my commercial awareness. To do this, I keep a digital commercial awareness diary, where I record news stories that interest me, summarise them, reflect on why I find them interesting, and how do they relate to law firms. I've already been recording at least one story every day.
• Improve my application technique. To do this, I will review my previous applications and analyse where do I think I went wrong. The goal is to review 1-2 applications weekly.
• Practice Watson Glaser. This is self-explanatory.
• Create better firm profiles. I want to understand the firms I'm applying to on a deeper level. To do this, I will research firm strategy, recent deals, recent hires, clients, and learn what actually differentiates the firms I'm applying to.

On my firm criteria:

• Must have a strong presence in at least one of the sectors I'm interested in: real estate, technology (including fintech and crypto), and / or financial services.
  • I find a lot of topics interesting, but these are some that I naturally gravitate towards usually.
• Must have an international presence.
• Ideally, it will offer either a client or an international secondment.

To be honest, it is a bit difficult establishing my criteria - I haven't been successful in the past, and I feel like I don't really have the privilege of being selective here. However, I am sure that as I continue my research, I will remove some firms from my prospective list. My goal is about 15 applications.

Finally, I am considering a TCLA subscription. It's quite pricey, so I've been indecisive, but it seems to have a lot of benefits.

This is the start of my diaries. If anyone has any comments or advise, I'd love to hear it. Good luck in the next application season!

Hi all, just for a bit of context I’m Swiss and was, until about a week ago, on a student visa in the UK. I deferred an exam which means I can’t get the graduate visa, but I wanted to ask a question regarding sitting 2 short SQE courses next year.

SQE 1 with my provider starts in Sep and teaching ends in December, and SQE 2 is from Feb 2nd until early March. However, the course also included the several revision weeks and holidays, which take up around 4-5 weeks. In summary, however, I calculated it by planning out when I would fly in and out, and I would only be in the UK for 5.5 months in total.

I just wanted to ask if anyone has experience with this.

Hi everyone, my name is Anjola and I’m a law student at the University of Kent, graduating in 2026. I’m originally from Canada and studying here in the UK as an international student. I’m starting to think seriously about training contract applications and wanted to ask how many people usually apply for. I’d also love to hear any tips on how to prepare well and give myself the best chance.

Also, do grades carry most of the weight in these applications? I’m a bit unsure about my second year results, so I’m wondering how much that might affect things and what I can do to strengthen the rest of my application.

Any advice or insight would really mean a lot.

Thank you in advance!

[unsure how to delete post]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some guidance.

I’m currently pursuing an LLM in the UK, and I did my undergraduate law degree in India. My issue is how to address my academic grades in applications. My overall percentage is 57%, which looks quite low by UK standards. However, my university had a very strict marking system—60% is considered a first class, and 55–60% falls into the “high second class,” which can roughly correspond to a 2:1 in the UK. Despite the percentage, I was ranked 6th out of a batch of over 300 students, and I have a letter from my university confirming this.

I’ve also done over 36 months' worth of internships, won several moots, and have a strong profile in terms of practical experience.

According to TCLA’s review, my application (cover letter, commercial awareness responses, etc.) was good, so I’m wondering if the grades are possibly hurting my chances.

How should I address this in my future applications? Should I include a brief explanation in the cover letter or attach the university’s grading policy?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I am currently applying for LLLM Law Conversion with SQE 1 at BPP and MA Law (SQE1) at University of Law. I studied English as my undergrad, despite undertaking legal work experience and attending open days for Law at Oxford. I now work at a magic circle firm in marketing and my spirit for law has been reignited.

Does anyone have any personal statement examples or tips for applications? I'm hoping to applying for a scholarship as well so any guidance would be immensely appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi everyone! I received an offer for the GLD assessment centre and I was wondering if anyone has any advice or useful resources for the written assessment section of the AC?

I found that many resources for written assessments or case studies are commercial law focused and I wanted to practice with more assessments more focused for the GLD.

If anyone has any help they can offer for this it would be greatly appreciated!

hi am also planning to crack SQE so I really need some help in getting SQE Revise notes and other study material here sothat I can download it...

Hi TCLA,

Just wanted to get a quick outlook on my application prospects this year. I go to a RG uni and had a blip in first year for two of my modules. Got a third for 2 them while still getting a good 2:1 for the other 2. I do have and applied with extenuating circumstances- but saw little success obviously.

This year(second year) had a academic turnaround---averaging a high 2:1 across all modules. I'm just looking to get the past the intial stages of applications- last year was a bit disheartening. Overall I am quite okay with my results since first year doesn't count.

But wanted the POV on how firms generally look/respond or react to a trajectory like this! I have excellent extra-curriculars so that shouldn' be an issue. But do not want to lower my ambitions, want to get that vac scheme/TC in my third year and will be going ahead applying to MC/SC firms as well!

Hello guys I need some advice.

So I’m currently doing the law conversion course (masters) at BPP and I failed one of my modules that I will have to resit and I imagine this will have immense consequences of getting a TC or a VS.

My mental health has also been completely down the drain and I am actively s*icidal. I know that is not an excuse but I think I do genuinely need help but I have no friends or support system so this forum is the only thing I really have…

I’m just wondering if it would better to drop out the PGDL and focus my time on applying for TC’s/VS’s in hopes I get it and a firm sponsors for my PGDL later down the line instead of me funding It myself. Thoughts?

Or maybe it’s better I drop the PGDL altogether and just start doing the SQE at my own pace.

Thoughts?

Hello, after an unsuccessful second year of applications, and a not so great second year grades I am a little bit worried and am looking for some advice,
For context these are my first year grades:
Tort- 76
Contract-70
EU Law- 68
UK Constitutional law- 63
Intro to English Law- 63
Individual and state- 56

My second year grades are:
Trusts- 72
Land-65
Public international-63
Criminal- 55
European Human Rights- 64
Legal Philosophy- 54 ( actually got 65 but grade was capped because uni didn’t take into consideration mitigating circumstances)

Even though I got an overall mid 2:1 I was wondering how much my grades would hinder me and if I wouldn’t apply to some law firms.

Additionally, I was wondering how much does law firms consider mitigating circumstances considering it was mental health issues in my case.

Thank you!

Hi everyone!
I'm Myra and am currently in the process of securing a TC.

Hi

Can anyone who has studied SQE full time or knows about it, help out? I am starting my sponsored full time SQE with BPP in September and as an international student, would like to travel to my home country in December to both rejuvenate as well as prepare for SQE1. Is there a formal break from studies for atleast a couple weeks in December to allow this? Do most international students stay put in UK through Christmas preparing for the upcoming SQE1 in January OR is it ok to travel out and study remotely and then get back to UK in time for the exams?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

.

I recently received my grades and I am quite worried about one grade in particular. Please let me know your thoughts on how likely this low grade could hinder my chances of securing a VS.

Criminal law: 45
Contract law: 70
Public law: 67
Legal methods: 77
Legal ethics: 70
Law and colonialism: 79

The only 'consolation' I have is that first year does not count. However it's all firms consider in their selection process, or least it plays a major role for vs in second year. No extenuating circumstances, tried my best in revising for topics, just didn't cut it. Any comments?

Hello Everyone! How are you all? I hope this message finds you well. First of all, this is my first time signing up on this website and posting a query. I honestly don't know anything about posting on right discussions threads etc. so I apologize for mistakes or shortcomings. I am a final-year undergrad averaging at 96% from a non-law background set in graduate in 2026. I plan to qualify as a solicitor from the UK and secure a TC 2028 at a Biglaw. I am interested in corporate law especially M&A practice. It would be really helpful to me if you guys help me on the following: 1) Is a PGDL necessary for a Biglaw or will MA(law conversion) work? 2) What courses shall I take as I have finished multiple courses related to law, finance from coursera so what else can i do rn as I can't start my intern except after graduation. 3) Also, I secured very low marks in A-levels but earned First-class honors since my first year of uni till now. Will it suffice at biglaw?
please help . Thanks

Hi everyone,
I’m a non-NLU Indian law student currently entering my penultimate year (4th year of a 5-year integrated programme). I’ve completed some internships — including at district courts, High Courts, and some judicial internships — and I’m now seriously interested in applying for vacation schemes in the UK.

However, I’ll be honest — I feel quite lost. Being from a non-NLU background, I haven’t had much structured exposure to how the application process works internationally. I don't know where to begin: the firms to target, timelines, drafting cover letters, or even building relevant experiences for UK law firms.
If anyone here is willing to offer mentorship, share their experience, or even guide me a little on how to build networks and navigate this path, I would be extremely grateful. Any resources, personal insights, or connections you can share would genuinely make a difference to me right now.
Thank you so much in advance!
Warmly,
Ananya

Has anyone heard back from Reed Smith about the direct training contract? I know they’re meant to get back about the next stage (situational judgement test) but it’s been over a week.

Hi,

I'm just posting this both to for advice and to hear from others in similar (or different!) positions as to what you plan on doing. My university workload will be demanding next year and I got my first AC of the ten VS applications I made this cycle.

Did you think it was worth applying to apps etc in your final year? Did you want to just focus on university, since that's permanent?

Hi all, my name is Charles. I've just finished my Final year and am waiting for my results. Hoping for a first as have worked hard for it, but will be happy regardless. Any ideas on any first steps to obtaining a TC? I understand I've started late, but had originally opted to go down the Barrister/ Consultancy route in my first three years.

As per the title I have been invited to a AC for a direct TC for Howard Kennedys. What worries me is that i have no idea what to do or practice. I started to just practice general interview questions etc but when it comes to commercial awareness i am completely stuck. I have the basic knowledge and have no idea how to go about it all. Anyone have any insight or has done an AC at HK that can help me please. This is my 4th Cycle and this is my 2nd AC over the 4 years. I really want this to be my last!

Thank you!