New Threads

Hi everyone.

I am a recent graduate in the process of researching firms and hoping to secure a vac scheme soon, after which I am hoping to secure a TC. However, I am scared and disheartened about my circumstances and whether all my hard work will be for nothing.

I have a CCJ for unpaid rent for my university accommodation from 2021. This all went on during covid-19 and I was unaware how much the issue was escalating until I one day found a CCJ on a credit assessment. I have been repaying it slowly since but I still have a long way to go (somewhere around £4k due to the extra legal fees and charges I have incurred). No one knew about this at the time - I did not tell anyone until last year. The reason why this happened was because my father was meant to pay for the accommodation but we had a falling out and I was unable to pay it myself. I have a number of mental health issues as well as at the time undiagnosed neurodivergence that prevented me from dealing with this appropriately. I was also 19 when this first happened and had just moved to the country less than a year prior - I was scared and did not know what to do.

I am concerned the SRA will never even consider admitting me as a solicitor. Should I do the early character and suitability assessment to know for sure whether my dreams can never be achieved?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hi all,

So I am seeing a lot of trainee solicitor roles now that are stating on the job advert that they do not want someone who has completed the LPC.

I will finish the LPC in August 2025, I took an interruption of studies for 1 year as I've been self funding it and was struggling to balance my job and finances for it.

Anyway, my concern is, if this is the case and now firms are no longer wanting those who have completed the LPC - what do I do???

I didn't convert my LPC to the SQE because I would have still had to pay separately for the Barbi exams and did not have the funds for this. Also, the low pass rate and knowing people around me struggling so much to pass SQE1 deterred me further. Am I correct in saying that I also will only need to do the SQE2 as this was my understanding once you have completed the LPC.

But yea, seeing this addition to job adverts now means I cannot apply for these roles and with firms phasing out TCs.. what do I do? Is it either direct TC or Vac scheme?

Hi all,

As per the heading, can you apply to 2? Both are Vac Schemes at A&O with 1 being in Belfast at their delivery centre and another for London?
I am confused as they said you can't apply for two unless it's at for example one of their delivery places.. so I guess it means it's fine?

Anyone had this experience before? I don't want them to strike off my applications for applying to both.

Thanks!

Hi all, just wanted to come on and get some advice on what I should do (and vent just a little)...

My background: I came to the UK as an international student to study law with a russell group uni, graduated with first class results in September 2022. I have been applying to vac schemes and training contracts since my second year of uni and have never succeeded in getting into AC. The furthest I have gonee is a video interview with Baker McKenzie.

I was unemployed for a year following graduation. Understandably, the UK was in a recession at the time and economy probably played a part. At the time I was still applying for VS and TCs, as well as FT paralegal position. For that whole year I only got rejections, and I figured that in part I got those rejections because employers were unable to sponsor a working visa which I required at the time. It has taken a toll on my mental health and at the same time a close family had passed away which really hit me hard.

I finally got my first paralegal job in June 2023, and at this point I have stopped applying for any VS and TCs. I thought I would just work a little while and step back from applying for TCs to let myself get a breather.

Then I switched to a better job in December 2023, and have been paralegaling with my firm for a year now. I have since only applied to my firm's TC and have been offered an AC in March this year. At the time it was not confirmed when the AC would be as the date was not set. After 7 months, only earlier this week, I was told the AC will not be going ahead until further notice in 2025, as the firm has suddenly decided not to fund trainings this financial year etc.

Now I am left a little disheartened because I thought I was so close to getting that TC, and it's like all that hope and chance of getting that TC is gone. I have to reapply to other firms and wait for another couple years before I can train and qualify.

I am now back to square one of considering my next steps and reapplying to firms. I have only done this one TC application with my firm since June 2023 and I feel so rusty. I have had a look at most firm's websites and they are recruiting for trainees 3 years in advance (to start in 2027)?! When has it gone this wild? I remember it used to be 2 years in advance a few years ago when I was still in my final year of uni...I work FT right now and job applications a weekend job. It's difficult to get much done during the weekdays.

I am turning 24 in 3 months and I just feel so disheartened that I have gone this far to do everything I can but also it is so difficult to get a TC. I really want to give up because I really can't see an end to this application marathon. But also I don't know what other careers I can go into because I realise a law degree really isn't that transferrable to other industries (ie. many business roles would want candidates to have studied business for example).

I have not done my LPC/SQE yet so I am planning to self-fund it to start in September 2025, if I cant get a TC this application cycle. But even with that, finishing a LPC/SQE does not guarantee a TC and I still may not be able to train until after 2027/2028. By the time I start training and get qualified, I would be at least 26/27 to start and 28/29 to qualify. My partner and I would want to start a family by then and I feel that I would be putting life plans on hold because my career plans are not moving forward.

At this point I feel extremely discouraged and I dont know what I can do. All my friends from uni have progressed with starting a TC with big london firms, earning big bucks and almost qualifying. Meanwhile I am just a lost sheep roaming around not sure of what to do. Why were they able to get a TC and not me?

If i self-fund a LPC/SQE, which one should I do? So many people have told me the LPC gives you more practical knowledge of the law profession than the SQE, and from my research I know the LPC has much better pass rate than the SQE. ULaw is also no longer offering LPC at many branches (only limited to London and up North, which I don't want to be at as the former is expensive and I've never been up north).

I would really appreciate any advice, thoughts etc from anyone in similar positions or have gone through the same.

Sighs.

End of Week Motivation: Keep Pushing!

To everyone out there in the thick of vacation scheme and training contract applications: you've made it through another week, and that in itself is worth celebrating. This process is demanding, but remember, each form, interview, and even rejection is building resilience and refining your story. Here’s a reminder to:

Keep Learning – Take a moment to reflect on the week. Did you come across any new commercial trends, or was there a feedback note that made you rethink your approach? Embrace every insight, as it adds depth to your profile.

Stay Consistent – Consistency is your greatest ally. Even when motivation dips, stick to your application goals. Trust that every effort brings you closer to an offer.

Rest & Recharge – The journey is a marathon, not a sprint. For the remainder of this weekend, take time to recharge. Rest fuels resilience, and a refreshed mind is your best tool for the week ahead.

Your dedication is inspiring. Keep pushing forward, and remember that every application is a step closer to your goal. You’ve got this!

A first-year opportunity at Herbert Smith Freehills

A first-year opportunity at Slaughter and May

A first-year opportunity at Reed Smith

A first-year opportunity at Macfarlanes

A first-year opportunity at Linklaters

A first-year opportunity at Hogan Lovells

A first-year opportunity at Freshfields

A first-year opportunity at Clyde & Co

A first-year opportunity at CMS

A first-year opportunity at Clifford Chance

A first-year opportunity at Baker McKenzie

A first-year opportunity at Latham & Watkins

A first-year opportunity at Bird & Bird

A first-year opportunity at A&O Shearman

Hello,
On a vac scheme application there is a question asking 'provide details of your main extracurricular interests and achievements. how have these helped you to develop the skills you will need as a commercial solicitor?

I am the competition officer for my law society, treasurer for lawyers without borders, and welfare officer for the film society. i am also a peer mentor to first-year students. how do I include these in the question? Besides these, I have not made any real achievements.

An opportunity to commence a training contract at the firm. Apply here

An opportunity to commence a training contract at the firm. Apply here

An opportunity to commence a training contract at the firm. Apply here

An opportunity to commence a training contract at the firm. Apply here

An opportunity to commence a training contract at the firm. Apply here