Vacation Schemes Training Contract Training Contract Journey SQE

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Individual module marks

R
I want to be a corporate city lawyer. I am likely going to graduate with a first in a non-law degree from a bottom RG uni but got six 2:2s - I done 26 modules across my 3 year degree. My A-Levels are also weak at ABB. My concern is: will firms actually consider the structure of my course and thus the impact it had on individual module marks? I don't really want to waste my time applying for firms that will likely discard my application straight away.

Apologies if this question does not make sense.

I appreciate anyone willing to help.
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Career Changer Guidance - becoming a solicitor

J
Hi everyone,

I’m coming to law as a career changer, and wanted to use this to get some some advice and hear from others who are making / have made the switch!

I’m coming from a career in foreign policy and public affairs. I initially wanted to become a diplomat, and got into the Foreign Office - but after a lot of soul searching, I realised the path wasn’t really for me. I’ve worked alongside solicitors a fair bit in my career, and after speaking to some, I’ve decided that I want to make the switch. A brief history of my career to date:
  • 1.5 years at a corporate intelligence and strategic advisory firm
  • 1.5 years at the Foreign Office (in a strategic communications role)
  • 6 months (to present) at a boutique public affairs firm
Academically, I have a good non-law 2.1 from Cambridge (humanities, 68%) and got the full 45 points in the IB, so hoping that might help me clear some bars at least.

I’m planning to apply for winter vac schemes through the autumn. I’ve applied to both BPP and ULaw for the part time GDL starting in September - currently waiting to hear back on Career Changer Scholarship applications that I’ve put in with both providers, and will make a decision based (at least in part) on whether I’m successful in securing funding.

I have an open day coming up with a US firm, and they’ll be opening up vac scheme applications shortly thereafter, so that’s my immediate priority.

I have a few questions that I’d really appreciate guidance on from anyone who feels well-placed to give it:
  • Assuming I’m able to secure funding, is studying the GDL part time worth it as a signal of my commitment to law? Conscious I have no legal background, and I want to show that I am dedicated to this path.
  • Relatedly, how might I be able to secure some relevant legal work experience? I’ve read up on volunteering for Citizens Advice - is this something that would be looked favourably upon by recruiters for someone in my position?
  • Is there anything else I could helpfully be doing between now and when vac scheme applications open to boost my chances of success? I’ve been having a few informational interviews with associates at US and MC firms, but very keen to hear any other ideas people may have!
Thanks so much in advance - it’s a daunting journey to be embarking on, but an exciting one too!
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GDL Jan Start - when do you end?

P
I've been fixed on the September start for the GDL & TC for as long as I know but due to recent life circumstances, I'm thinking about the March GDL start. Does that mean I'm able to study the GDL with the January start date and be done in time with the SQE 1 & 2 for the March T.C. start? UofL said that this might be tricky timings-wise and I would appreciate anyone who has gone through the Jan start option?
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balancing vacation schemes with exam revision

S
i have two vac schemes (one US firm, one MC) coming up very soon which will be back to back. however, almost immediately after my vac schemes end, i will be sitting for some LLB exams which i had to defer from the normal may/june exam period due to personal circumstances.

i essentially will definitely have to balance both revising and doing my best in my schemes (ideally i'd like to convert them both). has anyone ever been in a similar situation and has tips on how they went about handling this? is balancing revision w two schemes possible, as i've heard from many others about how tiring the schemes themselves can be? any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!
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Firms which sponsor Visa for Vacation Schemes

aanushhhkaaaa
Hi, unfortunately I was not very successful in this cycle of Direct Training Contracts for 2028. Now, my only option is the vacation scheme cycle thats upcoming in August. Before I start my prep, I wanted to understand which firms sponsor visas for vacation schemes (I understand that there are very few and this considerably limits my options!), nonetheless, it'd be grateful if you could let me know.
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Cycle Update

swagata
2025-2026 cycle update between March - June for DTC:

1. Kingsley Napley - PFO post VI
2. WFW - PFO post VI
3. Orrick- no update
4. S&C - PFO post App
5. Morgan Lewis - PFO post App
6. Reed Smith -rejection post horrible amberjack
7.BCLP- PFO directly after the WGT
8. Wedlake Bell - PFO post App
9. Wiggins - PFO post App
10. RPC - Test Invite

July:
1.HFW
2. Maples Teesdale
3. K& L Gates
4. Walker Morris
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Vac scheme with a 3rd in first year? (mitigating circumstances)

alexx778
Essentially, I had mitigating circumstances in my first year during my exams as a non-law student at a top 5 RG (had to pick up full-time work in April/May to support both parents after they suddenly lost their jobs, and essentially self-funded my sibling's school), which led to me getting 2:2s and 3rds across all first-year modules, and a 3rd overall. Now that the situation is much better, I expect to finish second year with a first or high 2:1.

I have competitive legal experience, including several open/insight days, exclusive internships at elite city firms and human rights orgs, university student law-related competition wins, etc. I also got AAAA at A-Level and majority 9's at GCSE.

I'm wondering how badly affected I'll be when I apply to vac schemes in 3rd year. Will my mitigating circumstances and the clear upward trajectory from first to second year be enough to get my foot in the door as an otherwise competitive applicant? What else can I do?
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