New Threads

Hi,

I’m interviewing for a paralegal role in derivatives and ISDA. I’m curious if getting experience in this area is transferable to a more general commercial contract paralegal role in the future, as I’m not sure if structured finance is the route I want to go down. Would firms recruiting for general commercial contract paralegal roles accept my experience in derivatives as relevant to my application?

I would appreciate any advice.

Hi If I do a PGDL after a MBBS medical degree instead of an LLB will I be disadvantaged when applying for TC’s and corporate jobs at US and magic/silver circle firms ?

I am a current MLP (LPC equivalent) student, and I am new here. I look forward to meeting you all and contributing to this community! <3

UPDATE 22/11/2025 - So last application round did not go well for me. Honestly, I know everyone says this but being nearly 24 and not having secured anything is hard. I feel so behind my peers and very succesful friends who are earning high salaries and progressing in their careers. I know people say not to get bogged down in age/numbers but the thought that I will (finally) qualify as a solicitor (if I secure anything this cycle) at 30 feels so scary to me. I will just be starting my career whilst all my friends will be way into theirs. Comparison is the thief of joy and I keep reminind myself of this, but it is so hard to keep your head up and keep trying. I feel like everyone around me is so much more intelligent, commercially aware and overall better candidates, I'm not really sure what I have to offer that is special.

Despite this, all I can do is keep trying. I dont mean to be negative but I feel like this is a space where I can get it all out of my system, and probably hardly anyone will read it. I feel like I would really benefit from some mentoring but I dont think there are any open mentoring schemes at the moment. My strategy this year will be, send out as many applications as possible. People say it is better to pick a few and really work hard on them but in my experience, today it is all about luck of the draw. That is not to say I won't tailor my applications but before I would spend many weeks working on one application, just to get through the first few stages and then miss other deadlines.

I hope this year will be my year. I am trying everything I can to make sure I can be the best candidate. I did my Freshfields online assessment and prepared so hard for the critical reasoning section. Despite that, I dont think it went well at all so not off to a good start for the cycle. I will aim to keep this updated as much as I can.


ORIGINAL 28/05/2025 : I thought I would join everyone else in documenting my training contract journey. I guess this is more of a place for me to rant and keep myself accountable especially since the last few years of law school and trying to get into a legal career has been painful.

I can't say that I feel like a particularly standout candidate and I don't really know where to go from here. I have fairly average grades, 2:1 standard but nothing special or exceptional. I I've filled my life at uni with extra-curriculars and I have tried my hardest to make a standout application to firms but have been rather unsuccessful. I completed 1 vacation scheme secured as part of a mentoring scheme but didn't manage to turn that into a TC. I also had two vacation scheme interviews but didn't make it through to the next stage. Technically, this is my 3rd application cycle but the first and second time around, I only applied to a few firms and I cant say they were particularly tailored applications.

My difficulty is, is that from first year onwards I set myself up for the Bar, so I have done a fair amount of mini-pupillages and my extra curriculars are very mooting and Bar soc centred. I am now graduating this year, and feel completely lost. I don't feel like I'm good enough for the Bar academically but I also don't feel like I'm good enough to get a TC either because I don't have many vacation schemes. I have worked since I was 16 so I have a fair bit of work experience especially more recently in corporate environments.

Anyway enough of the sob story- these are the firms I am hoping to apply to for direct TCs in the remaining time I have.

• BCLP
• Dentons
• Haynes Boone
• Reed Smith
• Burges Salmon
• Watson Farley & Williams
• Morgan Lewis
• Paul Hastings
• Sullivan and Cromwell (Maybe)
• Macfarlanes
• White & Case
• HFW
• Stephenson Harwood

Applied already to

• Kingsley Napley - PFO post-second stage
• GLD - PFO
• Wedlake Bell - Waiting for a response

Hi all, this forum has been such a lifesaver when I was prepping for SQE1 so I thought I'd come back and return the favour.

About me:

• 23 y/o female. Graduated with law degree from RG uni in 2023. Future trainee at a US firm.
• Studied full-time at ULaw on the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) course from September 2024 onwards. I was sponsored by my firm to study there and I was also given a maintenance grant.
• Sat SQE1 in January 2025. Found out in March 2025 that I passed both FLK1 and FLK2 in the first quintile. Sat SQE2 in April/May 2025. I will find out whether I have passed SQE2 in August 2025 (fingers crossed!). I start my training contract in September 2025.

I will not be able to say much about SQE2 as I don't know if I have passed yet. But I am happy to share my preliminary thoughts on my experience prepping for it and how I felt going in and coming out of SQE2 exams.

I initially planned to write a long article detailing my experience but realised halfway in that it was taking me longer than I expected. Also I drafted it here but the draft didn't save lol RIP. So I figured it might be more productive to just start a new thread and answer questions as and when needed. I will monitor this thread and answer questions for the next few months until I start my training contract in September.

I might add to this thread bits and bobs that I think would be helpful as and when I remember them. I mainly just want to chat about my experience while it is still fresh in my head and hopefully that proves useful for someone prepping for these exams or are about to start their prep course soon, so you can learn from my mistakes and go into the exams feeling more confident.

I would also like to caveat that my experience will be specific to ULaw, so might not be applicable to you if you are prepping with another provider. But hopefully the more generic bits will still be helpful to you.

I am not claiming that whatever I say here is true. You should take what I say with a grain of salt, take on board what you think works for you and ignore whatever else I say that you think is untrue or unreliable. Exercise your own judgment to figure out what approach works for you as you prep for these exams. I am only sharing what I believe to be true in my experience. If you disagree or had a different approach to certain things, please feel free to share below — would be great to have a mix of different perspectives here.

Hi so im currently in the process of trying to find a suitable SQE provider. im currently thinking BPP is a good option as they offer the LLM SQE 1 & 2 as well as option for funding. however a lot of people have good reviews about Barbri who do just the SQE and The College of Legal Practice who do the LLM sqe 1 and 2... Does anyone have any recommendations.

Hi,

I initially went to university (non-RG) in 2018 after finishing secondary school abroad in an American school and doing the SAT (American university exam). I did a Foundation Year at uni (2018), did one year of Computer Science before deciding I hated it (2019), and took a gap year during COVID (2020). Will this be a problem when applying?

After this, from 2021-2024, I did a History degree and got a 2:1 overall. The problem is that, for various reasons which could be mitigating circumstances, I had to resit 2 modules in my foundation year (2:1), and one module in my first year of Computer Science (2:2). Neither of these affected my degree outcome with History. I did however have to resit one module in my first year of History because I missed the exam date, but that also did not count towards my final degree result.

I've also just finished my pGDL exams and expect a Distinction, worst case scenario a high Merit.

I also have about 9 months of work experience as a conveyancing paralegal in a high street firm.

Do I have to:

1) Note the resits on my TC apps or can I just put my final grades in the modules I resat

2) Include my first year of Computer Science in my application? It's not relevant to my main degree at all and it's a 2:2, which I really do not want to show

Thanks

Hi @Jessica Booker and everyone,

I’ve got a 2:1 in law and recently started the LLM SQE course, but I was withdrawn after failing one module. I’m planning to apply for vacation schemes and training contracts later this year, but I’m unsure how this might affect my chances.

There’s no official record of the failed course, but I understand any gaps on my CV might raise questions. I’m not trying to hide anything, but I’m not sure if it's still realistic to apply.

I meet the 2:1 requirement for most firms and still really want to qualify as a solicitor. Would really appreciate any honest thoughts or advice.


Thank you so much.

Does anyone know how us firms do their conversions from dollar to pound given that USD/GBP is at 0.745. Therefore, 225 dollars is now sub 169 pounds. Firms that used to top the market now do not ie Kirkland now pays almost 7k pounds below White & Case.
Do you think these US firms, who pay $ 225,000, will detach from US-linked pay, especially given that GS FX puts the rate to drop yet further, so it could end up being around $ 164, which is $16,000 below the top of the market ie GD, PW, QE etc ?

Hi! Just wondering how it is best to approach the question that asks for your understanding of how a business generates and maintains a profit?

Hello everyone,

I'm just looking for advice on what to do differently or if its time to call it quits.

I am a first-class law 2023 graduate from an RG Uni. I've had 3 cycles now. In my first cycle, I managed to get a vacation scheme but didn't convert. In my second and third cycles, I got up to the last stage interview (before the VS) and got rejected. Despite having a first-class degree, I have relatively weak A-levels (ABB equivalent, I did the IB in 2020, the year that no one did exams). I also did badly in my public and contract law modules, which were in my first year of uni, and I have mitigating circumstances for those results, which I have always detailed in my applications. The majority of my applications never progress past the first stage. If I could give some ratio, I'd say only 1 in 10 progress. I think the applications I write are honestly okay. I have been a gold user sometimes and taken advantage of the application review services and gotten advice from various TCLA mentors. I'm starting to think maybe my profile is wrong, or maybe I am just applying to firms that don't want me. It's taken a toll on my confidence, given I've been applying for 3 years now, and my parents think maybe it's time to move on. However, I do not want to give up on my dream. So if anyone has any advice, it would really be appreciated. @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hi everyone!

I am about to graduate law school in June 2025. After graduation, I intend to do the SQE and I have decided to go with QLTS as my Prep Course Provider.

I originally intended to sit for the July 2026 SQE1 exams, however, I wanted guidance on whether you believe I would be well prepared to sit for the January 2026 SQE1 exams if I were to devote 7 hours per day in a week of SQE prep.

Similarly, how long would you estimate I should spend in preparation if I intend to sit for the July 2026 SQE1 exams. I intend to prepare for the SQE1 without any work on the side.

Thanks and looking forward to hearing your insights,
Sohan Prasad

Hi everyone,

Just completed an exam today and I think I've failed or at least got a very bad pass. I'm not over-reacting either because a lot of things happened in the exam room today that made me completely lose my focus and not finish my answers at all (i.e. invigilator loudly taking the register after the exam has started, someone next to me having issues with his laptop and even more talking, people leaving early from the exam as they are done and more talking from the invigilator to tell them they can go etc.)

I have mitigating circumstances for my A Levels which are not good at all (BBB) and I also go to a non-RG uni, so my main aim for this year was to get at least get 2:1s in every module because I know that I needed to at least salvage some chance of getting a vac scheme/TC for the next application cycle, which I'll be in second year for. This is looking more and more unlikely for me unfortunately, and I feel that writing these additional mitigating circumstances just looks l'm making excuses when that is far from the truth.

I'm definitely feeling that pressure of becoming a commercial solicitor because not only is being one the only job I found interesting and have ever wanted to do, but coming from a lower socio-economic background, I feel this intense self-inflicted pressure to get a training contract and pass the SQE so that I can have job stability.

What can I do to make myself look like the best candidate possible for the next application cycle, or should I skip it altogether and just apply in my third year? Even after applying in third year, will they question me on first year grades?

Hey guys, has anyone heard back from RWK Goodman after completing their TC application?

I am just slightly concerned because it has been over a month since the deadline passed.

Has anyone heard back from the HSF Campus Ambassador Role for 25/26. My interview was just over a week ago.

Hey!! I thought it might be fun to turn what is likely going to be a long journey into a thread so that maybe others feel a little less alone?? Also because, to be brutally honest, if I don't have something to hold me accountable, I will procrastinate :')

I figured I should probably set the scene a bit. I've just finished all my assessments for my final year of my law degree and am now in the very weird gap between finishing uni and graduation. I went to a non-russell group uni and got 3 As at A-level (for context, I did my A-levels in 2022 when RG unis raised their law requirements to A*AA because there was more students than usual). I at least will finish with a 2:1, but have had firsts in quite a few modules (including my diss) and am toeing the line between a 2:1 and a first, so really these last couple results determine it.

As for where I went to end up, the goal is to be a commercial solicitor. I'm particularly interested in less litigious work, things to do with technology and where the law is still evolving to keep up interests me a lot (I'm a nerd lol). I've got a lot of artistic/creative hobbies so I like when stuff involves that part of my brain. Who knows what practice group I'll end up in, since I find a lot of things interesting, but hopefully that gives you some idea of the kind of person I am!

This cycle, I applied for like 6 firms I think? Got to the virtual interview and online assessment part of it (I don't know the fancy forum acronyms yet) and failed! What did we learn from that? Use your uni's careers team! That's probably going to be the running.. well, thread, throughout this thread since I intend to actually make use of them this time! I also intend to actually apply to all the firms on my list. I think I had around 12 I wanted to apply for but deadlines approached and I got so fixated on assignments that they just slipped through my fingers *cue ABBA* which was not good!

I also am currently jobless (woo) so, since there'll at the very least be year, if not two or three, between now and when I start my TC/SQEs I will find something to fill my time between now and then. Honestly, the idea of having an office job sounds fun (that itself feels like a giant recession indicator haha) so I'm happy to get that experience before entering my TC - it'll probably make me a much better candidate since I'm lacking in that department a bit. On the note of SQEs, I don't want to self-fund and am hoping to get it funded by a firm but, who knows, if anyone thinks that might be a good option, I'm always open to hearing it.

So what's the plan?

1) Get a job (yay income) OR/AND find some work experience to fill the time (yay cv fillers)
2) Do firm research between now & the start of the next cycle to get some basic answers written (yay planning)
3) Keep in touch with my careers department and use their help
4) Get a training contract?? :0

There'll likely be a lot of little steps between now and then so we'll see how that goes!! At the very least, even if I don't secure a TC between now and the next cycle, I will have a thread detailing all the smart moves and setbacks along the way that will help me do better next time

(the thread title from treacherous by taylor swift btw bc i couldn't help myself)

TL;DR
Jobless almost-graduate attempts to get a job and training contract - join her for wacky shenanigans

Hi all - hoping you don't mind me asking a couple questions! I'm also new here, so I apologise if this is in the wrong place/already discussed in a pinned forum.

For context, I'm a 2nd year non-law at an RG uni, and I'm just kind of exploring my options at the moment. I am aware that if I choose to go into Law, many hours studying, researching, and thinking about 'why' must be done.

However, for the sake of sheer information, I'm trying to parse together when and where things must be done if I were to go into Law. From what I can parse together:

1. As a non-law student, I am to be applying for vacation schemes in my final year. As it is May currently, I would be looking at applying for the winter 2025 contracts? Or Even Easter 2026? (This would be important, as I'd be looking at preparing over the summer, I suppose)

2. As I'm graduating in summer 2026, would I then be applying for Training Contracts for 2028?

3. Would a training contract sponsor me for a GDL course?

Any answers are appreciated, thank you!

Hi! I currently have two offers for CMS and Travers Smith and I’m having a really hard time deciding between the two. I would like to know people’s thoughts and what they would choose. I really want to go on international secondment.

I feel obligated to warn future applicants about my experience with Kennedys’ SQE Graduate Apprenticeship recruitment process for the London PEC programme — an experience which has been, frankly, appalling from start to finish.

The process dragged on for nearly six months, involving an application form, online assessments, a video interview, an assessment centre, a senior associate interview, and finally a partner interview. Each stage demanded substantial preparation, commitment, and emotional investment. Candidates were repeatedly reassured that timelines would be communicated clearly and outcomes provided promptly.

The reality could not have been further from the truth.

Following the final partner interview, which was presented as the “final stage” after being told I had “excelled in all aspects” of the process up to that point, communications completely collapsed. Weeks passed without any updates, despite repeated assurances that “decisions would be made soon.”

Candidates were kept in the dark for over two months, with constantly shifting goalposts (“end of this week,” then “end of next week,” then “end of next week” again — repeated endlessly). No transparency. No accountability. No respect for the time and careers of the individuals who had invested so much in the process.

When an outcome finally came, it was a cold, generic rejection email offering no meaningful feedback whatsoever. No acknowledgment of the ridiculous delays. No apology for the emotional strain caused. No demonstration of the “values” Kennedys claims to promote.

After six months of effort, candidates — many of whom had adjusted their lives around the possibility of this opportunity — were discarded like afterthoughts.

This entire process reflects an astonishing level of incompetence, disorganisation, and disdain for candidates. It raises serious questions about how Kennedys values its people — if this is how they treat future lawyers, how can current employees and clients expect to be treated?

Given the experience, it is clear that Kennedys’ polished marketing is nothing more than a facade. Behind the branding lies a firm that does not respect time, commitment, or basic professional standards. Candidates deserve far better.

If you are considering applying to Kennedys, think twice. There are plenty of firms that not only offer excellent training but also treat candidates — and people generally — with basic human decency.

Hi all,

I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has experience (or knows someone) who qualified as a solicitor “early” by using existing Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) plus passing both SQE1 and SQE2, rather than completing a full two-year training contract/graduate scheme. (No one replied to this old thread)

Questions:

• Has anyone here qualified early this way, or know someone who has?
• How did your firm handle the transition? Did you move straight into an NQ (newly qualified) role, or did you face any challenges?
• Did you encounter any pushback from HR or supervisors about “completing the programme” versus qualifying as soon as you met the SRA requirements?
• If you had to leave your firm, how did you approach applying for NQ roles as an early qualifier?

Would really appreciate any insights, tips, or stories.

Hi everyone! I hope the weekend has been great! I created this thread to share some last-minute application tips. I hope it proves useful, and please let me know if you have any questions. I, and the rest of the team, will be more than happy to help!


1. Commercial awareness should be a constant habit, not a last-minute scramble


One of the biggest things I’ve realised is that commercial awareness isn’t something you just pick up the week before an interview. It’s a habit you have to build constantly.

Something that’s helped me is listening to podcasts — both finance-related ones and law-focused ones. When I’m listening to finance podcasts, I try to actively think about how what I’m hearing would link to a law firm’s work. Like, if they’re talking about market volatility, I think: how would that affect the type of advice clients need? When I listen to law podcasts, it’s a way of checking if the links I made in my head actually make sense. You also end up learning how trends are actually playing out in practice.

It’s not just about staying updated. It’s about training your brain to always be making connections.



2. Talk to people. Network, Network, Network!


Another thing that makes a huge difference is networking. Not just in the sense of collecting contacts, but actually having conversations with people — whether they’re also applicants, future trainees, trainees, associates, etc. When you speak to different people, you realise that every single stage of the process teaches you something. You pick up advice you genuinely won’t find online, and you can use it to strengthen your own approach. Schedule coffee chats, send LinkedIn messages, just put yourself out there.



3. Prioritise mental clarity as much as you prioritise getting applications done


It’s really easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being productive means constantly doing something. But honestly, your best work — the best versions of your applications — come from a place of clarity.

Take time for yourself. Go for walks. Spend time around people who actually uplift you. Do things that ground you outside of the application process.

It might seem unrelated, but everything you do to take care of your mental health directly impacts how well you show up when you sit down to draft, interview, or even just think strategically about your next steps.



4. Reflect properly after every application, even (especially) the ones that didn’t go your way


It’s so easy to just move on after submitting something or after getting rejected. But the people who improve the most are the ones who take a few minutes to reflect.

Ask yourself: what went well? Where did I struggle? Was there a point where I felt unsure, and if so, why?

You don't need to overthink it or beat yourself up — it’s about getting curious. Those small bits of self-awareness add up massively over the course of a cycle. If you’re learning a little after each experience, you’re automatically improving your odds.


5. Understand that small consistent steps beat occasional massive efforts every time


It’s tempting to think you need to have these big "grind" days where you send 5 applications or study commercial news for 4 hours straight. But honestly, what moves the wheel is small, consistent steps.

One LinkedIn message today.

One podcast episode tomorrow.

One paragraph drafted the next day.

When you work steadily, you build momentum, and momentum is way more powerful than waiting for motivation to strike.

Trust that the small things you do every day are building towards the big results you want. Keep going. You are closer than you think…!

Hi all,

Just had a few questions about the Essentials for Practice Course?

1. How is it exactly examined?
2. Is it as challenging as the SQE or is it relatively straightforward?
3. Any other general tips about it would be very helpful!

Thanks

Hi everyone!

This is my first post here so apologies if I've put it in the wrong place. I’m currently weighing offers from both Ashurst and Baker McKenzie ('BM'), and I’d really appreciate any insight/advice from those who have experience with either (or both!) firms. I know I’m incredibly lucky to be in this position and I'm grateful to even have a choice, but now I'm here I'm struggling to decide.

I've put together a rough comparison list, and would be extremely appreciative if anyone could weigh in on any of these areas:

Type and Calibre of Work

My understanding of BM is that its work is mostly multi-jurisdictional, being a global firm operating in 46 countries. Meanwhile, my understanding of Ashurst is that it's much more UK-focused, sitting on the UK government's legal panel for example. Is there a perception that one or the other is more 'prestigious' (i.e. would I be wrong to think that Ashurst would be better known in London, but BM better known globally? And would this have any impact on future career progression i.e. lateralling down the line?).

Training

Both firms take between 30-40 trainees. BM requires you take a transactional and contentious seat, whilst Ashurst requires a transactional seat and a seat in Banking & Finance/Capital Markets. Does anyone have any further insights into the training I could expect at these firms? I don’t know where I want to qualify yet, so specific strength in practice areas is unlikely to hugely impact my decision.

Work/Life Balance

BM has 25 days annual leave and target hours of 1700, whilst Ashurst has 27 days leave and a target of 1600. However, I've heard anecdotally that 'silver circle' firms essentially work 'magic circle' hours, so I'm struggling to compare the two here.

Culture

I've met people from both firms, and they all seem lovely! This makes it hard to differentiate here.

Career Progression

Does anyone have any insight into what career progression looks like at these firms? As the larger firm BM obviously has more partners/senior associates, but I'd imagine you'd be competing with a greater pool of people for promotions?

International Secondments

I'd assume that BM has far greater opportunity for international secondments, given it has 77 offices? Saying that, I've remember reading somewhere that 1/3 of Ashurst trainees go on international secondment.

Remuneration

BM offers an NQ salary of £140,000, and Ashurst £125,000. I was curious if anyone knew what further salary progression/bonuses look like at either of the firms? If you start on a higher NQ salary, I'd imagine this is reflected in associate pay too? I've heard salary bunching is quite common at the associate level, so wanted to check for this.

Do let me know if i've missed any key points, and thanks in advance for any insights — looking forward to hearing what you all think!

Hello,

I am new to this forum community and very excited to get involved ! I am looking forward to contributing and learning from the community.

Hi all, this is my first time writing on this forum and I'm seeking advice on my legal education journey. I was studying law at a decent (but non RG) London University however I decided to leave halfway through my first year because of unavoidable personal circumstances. I come from an immigrant background so making this decision was extremely difficult and the response from my family honestly accelerated the circumstances surrounding my leaving. I have taken a considerable amount of time out of my studies, during which I secured a 6 month internship at a specialised civil law firm as well as completed virtual work experiences with Forage, I wholeheartedly want to study Law and I'm committed to it as a career path. I would love to complete an LLB but because of the time I have already lost and family pressure I'm looking at doing an accelerated LLB as a non graduate. I previously posted my query on Reddit and received some harsh but well meaning advice on how this is practically impossible and I should just re-apply to the standard LLB at a good university or a RG. I understand this opinion but with my A levels A*,B,B,B I was not able to secure admission into RGs in my first cycle and I cannot see why this would change especially as I'm competing with newer cohorts. The universities that offer a 2 year LLB which I meet entry requirements for are University of Hertfordshire, University of Law, University of South Wales and University of Northampton, I know that stereotypically these universities may not rank the best for securing TCs in major firms but I'm willing to work hard and try my luck. Which University would you advise I would have a higher chance of securing a job with? I am also looking at applying to a better University for a post graduate LLM which has always been part of my plan even before dropping out in 1st year (the main reason why I am not too fussed on these Universities not being the most prestigious). Another thing to add I might have to leave the UK altogether if I cannot return to my studies soon because of my family hence why I'm considering accelerated courses. Thank you and I'm open to anyone's advice on this.