New Threads

Hi!

I would like to preface that overall I did achieve a 2:1 at undergraduate from a very good RG in Accounting and Finance. However, I will provide my grade breakdown and it will immediately become apparent how much my grades fluctuated, much more than the average person's would.

The reason for this post is that I have been attending a lot of events with different firms and two firms including Travers Smith and Willkie have stressed the importance of consistent undergraduate results. Willkie in particular takes undergraduate results into account much more than postgraduate. I have completed the PGDL, the results of which I have also disclosed.

This is honestly kind of distressing because I feel like I am going to be discounted immediately because of the level of fluctuation in my grades. Does anyone have any insight into firms which have said either similar or have made contrary statements to Willkie etc, or does anyone have any advice on what to do.

@Jessica Booker I feel like you would be able to offer valuable insight as well. I do not want a sugarcoated answer if I'm honest, I need someone to be completely truthful about my prospects based solely on my grades.

First Year
Economics – 76
Business Law – 64
Financial Management – 80
Management Accounting – 49
Statistics – 76
Analytics – 40
Financial Accounting – 83
Foundations, Skills and Debates – 66

Second Year
Economics – 68
Financial Reporting 1 – 56
Financial Reporting 2 – 40
Finance 1 – 48
Finance 2 – 60
Business Law 2 – 67
GEB – 65
Entrepreneurship – 65

Third Year
Economics – 58
Equality – 68
CIM – 67
Company Law – 68
Law for Entrepreneurs – 67
Mergers and Acquisitions – 63
Accounting for Sustainability – 80
International Trade Law – 61

PGDL
Contract Law - 75
Tort Law - 79
English Legal System & Con Law - 79
Criminal Law - 73
Law of Organisations - 83
Land Law - 83
Equity & Trusts - 81
Ad Law and Human Rights - 81

I had mitigating circumstances in my first and second years of undergrad, the latter of which was marked as severe by my university's exam board.

Hi! I'm relatively new to this website but I just wanted to seek some advice/guidance about my prospects for a legal career.

For context, for my A-levels, I got A* A B. I completed my LLB at Lancaster Uni which isn't a russell group but it is in the top 10 2024 uni ranking (if that helps :/). Due to covid + family issues, I really struggled to get through uni so I only graduated with a low 2.1 and didn't apply for any vac schemes either. I am currently doing the LLM SQE1&2 course at BPP (funded through the postgraduate loan).

So my question is, am I wasting my time applying for vacation schemes/TC's at top law firms (in the top 50), should I aim lower/what type of firms would I be able to get into?

Also, should I apply for direct TC's?

I have almost no legal experience:

• one vac scheme I did back in 2018 at Allen & Overy (secured through my sixth form)
• Criminal Mock Trial Competition (2015) - one the case but not in the overall competition.
• Civil Litigation Mock Trial x2 - won both (2022)

-> I'm not sure if the mock trials are even relevant and if I should include them in my CV or cover letter.

Due to my lack of experience, I wanted to build up my spec by doing another vacation scheme. Tbh I dont know which to prioritize atm and self-funding the sqe isn't really an option for me rn so I am really hoping for a TC. Is this too unrealistic?

I'm currently studying a non-law course at King's College London (a Russell Group university), and I'm interested in pursuing a career in law. However, I’m concerned that my A-level grades (ABC) might affect my chances of securing a training contract at top law firms.

I understand that academics are important, but I’d love to hear from those in the industry—how much weight do A-levels carry compared to university performance, extracurriculars, work experience, or networking?

Any advice on how I can strengthen my application, given my circumstances, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your insights!

HI, this may sound like a stupid question, but what does this actually mean? I'm a student so I have a reference from my academic tutor, but I'm not entirely sure what I put here. Is it someone I worked for? Another lecturer? The thing is, I have had quite a bit of experience in the past for law, but it never been anything long enough to really warrant a reference.

Any help would be appreciated.

Hi folks!

To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories:

1. Firms which recruit a significant portion of their trainees through the direct training contract route
2. Firms that recruit primarily through vacation schemes, but have a healthy direct trainee intake
3. Firms that recruit from vacation schemes in the first instance
4. Firms that recruit only through their vacation schemes

50%-100% from direct TC applications

Brown Rudnick
Charles Russell Speechlys
Clifford Chance
CMS
Cripps
Curtis
Farrer & Co
Fieldfisher
Freshfields
Fried Frank
Greenberg Traurig
Harbottle & Lewis
Hill Dickinson
King & Spalding
Kingsley Napley
Macfarlanes
McDermott, Will & Emery
Paul Hastings
Slaughter and May
Stephenson Harwood
Winckworth Sherwood

Mostly from Vacation Scheme but with a consistently healthy direct TC intake

These firms recruit predominantly from their vacation schemes, but they have frequently made more than one direct TC offer every year in recent years – a direct TC app to these firms will almost certainly be read and considered seriously for a TC.

Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
Bird & Bird
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Burges Salmon
Goodwin
HFW
Hogan Lovells
Irwin Mitchell
K&L Gates
Linklaters
Mayer Brown
Morgan Lewis
Trowers & Hamlins
Watson Farley & Williams
White & Case

From Vacation Scheme in the first instance

These firms recruit primarily through vacation schemes. Although direct TC routes exist at these firms, they are typically only used by firms when they don't find enough future trainees on their vacation schemes.

Arnold & Porter
Eversheds Sutherland
Gibson Dunn
Orrick
Osborne Clarke
Sullivan & Cromwell
Travers Smith
*Womble Bond Dickinson

*There is only one option which is to apply for their placement scheme - after the AC they offer candidates who cannot complete the placement scheme a chance to complete a direct TC interview day instead.

Only from Vacation Scheme

Akin
Cleary Gottlieb
Clyde & Co
Cooley
Covington & Burling
Davis Polk
Debevoise & Plimpton
Dechert
DLA Piper
Herbert Smith Freehills
Jones Day
Katten
*Kirkland & Ellis
Latham & Watkins
Milbank
Mills & Reeve
Mishcon de Reya
Morrison Foerster
Paul, Weiss
Reed Smith
Ropes & Gray
Sidley Austin
Simmons & Simmons
Skadden
Squire Patton Boggs
Taylor Wessing
Vinson & Elkins
Willkie Farr & Gallagher
Winston & Strawn

*They have historically advertised a direct TC route, but in previous years they have cancelled their vacation schemes and awarded direct training contracts solely from their vacation scheme interviews.

This list is based mainly on information from Chambers UK and firm websites. However, please note that it’s a dynamic list, and we’ll keep updating it as we get more reliable information. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve this thread, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope this list helpful to you! Best of luck with your applications, and keep us posted on your progress!

Hey everyone,

I am currently working in corporate law but have been thinking about transitioning into tech law, especially with the way the tech industry is evolving these days. I’ve always been interested in the intersection between law and technology (AI, cybersecurity, data privacy, etc.), but I’m not sure where to start.

For those of you who’ve made a similar switch, I’d love to hear your thoughts! How did you make the transition? Are there any specific courses or certifications that helped? And what’s the work-life balance like compared to corporate law? When I was Googling for the same I came across these resources https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/legal-tech-ai.2432/ what is Generative AI however they are good but I want to learn more from community members.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

hi all,

its yet another application season and i feel so defeated by the last one that i am slowly losing hope of ever getting of tc... would love to hear some of your stories or words of encouragement!

i went to a red brick uni, completed the lpc and have 3 years experience as a paralegal incl 2 years in a MC firm. last year i secured 2 vac schemes and got to the final interviews, i also applied to some firms directly and also got to the final stages and then a big disappointment comes. the feedback is very rarely helpful too - the most recent firm said i scored the highest from all candidates across 3 weeks during a VC, my soft skills are great and yet the others were still better than me

slowly losing hope as i dont get much guidance on what to work on. i am not from the uk but lived here for over 5 years and really really want to stay and start working as a solictor!!

i am not considering qualifying under the sqe as im worried i wont get an NQ role (definitely not getting it at my firm).

any tips or words of encouragement v welcome!

Hey everyone!

Welcome to this thread, where I'll be sharing regular commercial awareness updates to keep you in the loop on the latest trends and news—perfect for staying sharp ahead of those crucial law firm interviews and assessment centres. My goal is to post a new update every day from Monday to Friday, covering a wide range of topics, so there’s always something fresh to discuss.

Why is commercial awareness so essential? It's one of the top skills every law firm looks for because it goes beyond simply having an interest in business. Commercial awareness shows that you understand how current events impact clients and the wider legal market, and that you can make informed connections between what’s happening in the world and how it shapes the advice lawyers give to their clients. Essentially, it's what transforms you from an applicant who wants to be a commercial lawyer into one who thinks like a commercial lawyer. When you’re able to discuss global affairs and industry trends through this lens, it sets you apart as a candidate who’s truly ready to add value.

Take your time to build this skill, and don’t worry if it feels challenging at first! Just a little bit of research and consistent reading will build a solid foundation. I hope these updates will help make this learning journey easier and more engaging.

Looking forward to sharing and discussing these insights with you all—feel free to comment, ask questions, or suggest topics. Happy reading!

Hi guys, has anyone done the initial interview for Pinsent Masons TC application? I'm really just looking for some tips to start with,

Hello! I’m seeking advice on leveraging my experience at the Bank of England for applying to training contracts. I graduated with a law degree and have previous experience working with Clyde & Co and Baker McKenzie through work shadowing. I also completed a vacation scheme at DLA Piper, where I was offered a TC but turned it down as I had already accepted the role at the BoE in banking supervision.

How can I effectively highlight my BoE experience in my TC applications/target any specific law firms? Additionally, if I’m considering alternative paths to enter the legal field outside of TCs, what options should I explore?

Thank you!

I know there has been a lot of interest surrounding the launch of the new training contract with Paul, Weiss.

Paul Gascoyne, the Senior Recruitment Manager at Paul, Weiss, is live right now to answer your questions in this thread.

We’re also very lucky to have four associates from Paul, Weiss, including:

1. Naomi Shode and Anthony Isichei, private equity associates at Paul, Weiss
2. Ali Wathan, an antitrust & competition associate associate at Paul, Weiss
3. Ali Fazeli-Nia, an associate in the IP and technology transactions group at Paul, Weiss

Please feel free to ask any questions you have for the firm in this thread and the team will answer your questions. You might want to consider: Is there anything you want to know about writing a stand-out application to the firm? Is there anything more you want to know about what it's like to work at Paul, Weiss?

---

Interested in Paul, Weiss?​

• Apply for the November or December Open Day.
• Apply for the Spring or Summer Vacation Scheme.
• Join TCLA and Paul Gascoyne on 14 October 2024 to learn: ‘How to Secure a Training Contract at Paul, Weiss’ - Register here!

Hi everyone,
I am currently writing vac scheme applications and for the work experience section, I'm not sure how to write about my retail experience. I have been working at a grocery store in my home country for 5 years. Im just struggling how to word this into a paragraph. I work in the produce section so I want to focus on things like attention to detail skills for having to monitor freshness etc.
thanks!

Hi everyone!

I am fairly new to the forum though I have been active here and there during my time applying for a training contract. I've since secured one and am set to start in March 2027, before which I have to give my SQE in September 2025. I'm in my final year at uni right now and wanted to get a headstart on SQE prep.

To that end, does anyone know where I can get study materials for SQE 1 (both the FLK exams). I'm not too keen on buying the whole textbook bundle as I will receive those from ULaw when I start, but I was wondering if there were resources (cheaper, preferably) that I could use to study for these two exams. I've seen a lot of mock assessments so should be fine there, but I am still to find resources to actually study the content covered in the two FLKs.

I would assume many people taking the SQE off their own back would find themselves in a similar boat- so it would be great to hear where you're getting your study material from.

Thanks!

Hi, I did my GCSE equivalents in the Scottish system and we have "applications of mathematics." Its basically a more practical course (think statistics) for those not very good at maths. I was wondering whether for VS/TC applications if law firms care about this - I did get an A, but I am anxious whether this will be held against me (if they even know what it is!)

Cheers,

@Jessica Booker

[REMOVED]

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all having a fantastic day. We’re entering the season of assessment centres (ACs) at law firms, and a hot topic for many of these ACs is Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)! So, in this thread, I’ll be guiding you through a short fictitious M&A case study and highlighting the critical aspects you should be mindful of in preparation for case studies.


First, a few key terms to familiarise yourself with: CLICK HERE


Case Study: Acquisition of Innov8 Ltd. by QuantumCore Inc.


QuantumCore Inc., a US-based data management company, is looking to acquire Innov8 Ltd., a UK-based technology company specialising in cloud computing solutions. The acquisition will allow QuantumCore to expand its technological capabilities and customer base in the European market.


Key Facts

1. Innov8 Ltd. is a private company with a strong IP portfolio. It has 300 employees, mainly software developers, and has been growing rapidly over the past 4 years.

2. QuantumCore Inc. has a global presence but lacks expertise in cloud technology. This acquisition would be strategically significant to enhance their service offering.

3. Concerns exist regarding regulatory approval, particularly from the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), due to the potential impact on market competition.

4. A few key shareholders of Innov8 Ltd. are resistant to the acquisition as they believe the company can grow significantly without selling.

5. Innov8 Ltd. has some outstanding legal issues, including an ongoing employment dispute and unresolved IP claims regarding one of their cloud software solutions.

6. Rumours suggest a rival tech company is also interested in acquiring Innov8 Ltd., which could lead to a potential bidding war.



Your Task: Present your advice to the client (QuantumCore Inc.) on whether to proceed with the acquisition and how to address the legal and commercial risks.



My Analysis: Acquisition of Innov8 Ltd. by QuantumCore Inc.


Due Diligence

First of all—due diligence. This is essential. A necessary first step. The law firm will need to know more about the specifics of Innov8 Ltd.’s internal operations to determine if it’s worth buying. Essentially, checks will be carried out on the company’s financial and legal health, among other considerations.

For example, if Innov8 Ltd. has an unstable cash flow or if an important financial statement is absent (note: this will rarely be the case as public companies are required by law to publish certain statements), a red flag exists. Thus, financial health is a key consideration for firms when acquisition talks are on the table.

It’s also worth noting that sometimes acquisitions can occur even when companies do not have the ‘highest’ or most ‘desirable’ revenues. This is because distressed acquisitions mean that the acquiring company can turn things around and make more profit by implementing new internal strategies, introducing the latest technologies, investigating market deficiencies, and catering to those needs.

Now, you will remember from the facts that Innov8 Ltd. is undergoing an employment dispute. It is necessary to uncover the true extent of this dispute. How serious is it? Is Innov8 Ltd. likely to win? Even if they are likely to win, the chances of succeeding in a litigation claim can change instantly with new facts. How do we know the other party doesn’t have more evidence on the way? Given these risks, the lawyers on QuantumCore Inc.’s side will consider advising a lower valuation of the deal based on this complication.

There also exists the issue, as we have seen from the facts, of unresolved IP claims regarding one of Innov8 Ltd.’s cloud software solutions. Have they infringed any IP rights? Do they truly have ownership of their intellectual property? Are there challengers to this ownership? If challengers exist, what is their basis? Is it strong enough to warrant ongoing litigation? If yes, can QuantumCore Inc. afford such litigation post-acquisition? The risks are significant for QuantumCore Inc. because they will be managing one more business alongside their existing operations. Additional costs are always scrutinized, especially if they could be avoided from the start.

All these concerns may lengthen the time gap between negotiations and closing. Is this time expense worth it? Businesses want to make money, and the longer it takes to complete the deal, the more money is lost. Nevertheless, such checks are necessary to ensure that the continuous and sustained progression of profits post-acquisition is not hindered by ongoing litigation.


Competition Concerns

Antitrust laws exist to ensure that M&A activity does not create excess competition in the market. If smaller tech companies are unable to float due to the strong market dominance caused by this M&A deal, the CMA (the primary body of enforcing antitrust laws in the UK) will correct this market error.

Lawyers will consider any competition-related risks and advise accordingly.


Regulatory Concerns

The tech industry is one that is highly regulated, largely because there are a lot of new and upcoming discoveries that have never existed before. When there are new discoveries, new laws need to be enforced to ensure smooth functioning within the wider industry. The deal will need to comply with the regulatory standards unique to the industry and other data protection legislation.


Shareholder Concerns

We are told some shareholders do not want to go ahead with the purchase. Why? We are told they believe the company can grow without the acquisition. Is this the only reason? What methods can be implemented to understand their concerns and positions better? Would an earn-out payment structure please them more? What if they are offered equity in the new business—would that please them? Communicating with the shareholders is a crucial step here.


External Bidders

If a new tech company wants to purchase Innov8 Ltd., should QuantumCore Inc. offer a higher purchase price? Can the company afford this? Will the shareholders allow this given their existing resistant position? Will drag-along or tag-along rights be enforced?

Should QuantumCore Inc. just walk away from the deal completely?

An exclusivity agreement may be offered here to ensure Innov8 Ltd. entertains purchase talks from solely QuantumCore Inc. for a specified period. The lawyers on QuantumCore Inc.’s side will need to explore the possibility of enforcing this.

A bidding war is not necessarily advantageous from QuantumCore Inc.’s perspective, as a higher price is undesirable for any business. Businesses want to buy good quality things as cheaply as possible. Competing with another company for Innov8 Ltd. may also lead to unwanted deal terms arising from the contract, as the pursuit for the target places both interested acquirers in a position of unequal bargaining power.


Post-Acquisition Concerns

It’s necessary to explore the legal and operational concerns for successfully integrating Innov8 Ltd.’s workers, IP, and technology into QuantumCore Inc..


Jurisdiction-Related Challenges

One company is based in the US, while the other is in the UK. The differences in laws and regulations, and their subsequent consequences on the viability of the transaction, will need to be analysed in depth.


Additional Discussion Topics

• Balance the need for QuantumCore Inc. to expand its technology offerings with the costs and risks of the acquisition.
• Look at QuantumCore Inc.s business plan. Evaluate the commercial implications of proceeding with the acquisition and the subsequent viability of this.

Deal Structure

How will the deal be structured? Asset Purchase or Share Purchase? This will determine whether an SPA or APA will be drafted.

Here, you will discuss the implications of both and decide which is most appropriate given the facts.

A share purchase will allow QuantumCore Inc. to gain equity in Innov8 Ltd., which is desirable, especially if they later own a majority stake in the business. This would allow them to have a greater say in executive decisions. At the same time, they inherit all the assets and liabilities. If the liabilities are greater than the benefits of running the business, this is a red flag. If the shareholders also have “unlimited liability,” this is not good because their liability is not limited to the price of their shares—the money they initially invested. This is quite risky.

An asset purchase overcomes the obstacles of liability uncovered by a share acquisition. It allows for cherry-picking the profitable divisions of Innov8 Ltd. However, many rules govern the transfer of assets, which can also lead to a time lag.


Valuation Methods

Next, discuss how Innov8 Ltd. will be valued.

A Comparable Company Analysis (CCA) will allow the price of the company to be judged based on similar prices seen by competitors in the market.

Looking at Precedent Transactions (PCs) will allow for the valuation to occur based on past similar M&A deals in the market.


Warranties and Indemnities

Warranties represent overarching representations regarding the overall condition and operational integrity of a company. They serve as a broad classification encompassing various potential risks that could affect the business. Conversely, indemnities are explicit commitments pertaining to particular losses, wherein the seller agrees to compensate the buyer for specified contingencies if those conditions are not satisfied.

In the context of our case study, indemnities are more appropriate for addressing employment disputes and unresolved intellectual property claims. Employment disputes often involve specific liabilities that can lead to quantifiable financial losses, making indemnities suitable as they directly address these particular risks. Similarly, unresolved intellectual property claims can result in substantial damages or liabilities that the buyer may incur. By utilising indemnities, the seller can provide assurance to the buyer that they will be compensated for any losses arising from these specified issues, thus effectively managing risk in the transaction.

Industry Trends

Discuss how industry trends impact this deal now or in the future. What happens when ESG is taken into account? There are 300 workers; if QuantumCore Inc. lets go of a few to take advantage of cost synergies, would this impact the company’s ESG credentials? Are there any ESG laws that need to be adhered to?

Does the target company produce any AI? If so, is it in line with the requirements of the relevant regulations? It is essential to note that while one business operates in the UK, retained EU law still exists post-Brexit. This means that we must consider the implications of both UK and EU regulations.

In the tech sphere, factors such as the rise of the EU AI Act become crucial. Although this act was introduced after Brexit, any subsidiary company in the EU that QuantumCore Inc. manages may still need to comply with EU laws. Therefore, it’s important to consider how these regulations impact the target company and the broader implications for the acquisition.

Tax Considerations

Deals from across the world warrant different tax implications. The UK and US have different systems, and the cross-border influence on minimizing the impact of this must be considered.

Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements

Protect QuantumCore Inc. by ensuring that skilled workers are not quitting to go elsewhere, or that Innov8 Ltd. doesn’t go and start up a similar competing business.


Finally, summarise your overall advice—should QuantumCore Inc. proceed, and if so, under what conditions?


Key Takeaways and General Advice

Take your time with M&A case studies. Some law firms will give you 20-40 minutes to read a case study and come up with a presentation, which can feel like a time crunch. However, be patient and don’t get overwhelmed too quickly. You will find that many hidden facts exist that can help you create a stellar analysis. Again, avoid the pressure to know everything in time for your assessment center (AC). This anxiety can make you more nervous and throw you off guard. You possess significant potential and knowledge; let that shine through. Law firms don’t expect you to have knowledge comparable to a Partner with decades of experience. Many candidates will be straight from university with little to no company law foundations. The knowledge will come, no doubt about that. Just give yourself patience and resilience, and you will get there.

Conclusions

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. I hope it has been helpful, and please feel free to drop any questions; I, or another member of the forum, will be here to assist.

The discussion is also intended to be interactive, so share any thoughts you may have as well!

Got a 2.1 overall but quite a few 2.2s in modules and one pass (31) - will this be a huge disadvantage for city firms?

Hey Everyone!

I really enjoy reading other peoples TC journey threads, so I have decided to start my own. Also, updating it will also hopefully provide another source of motivation, particularly when life gets crazy, as I very much expect it to soon as I am a final year history student. Incidentally, my first dissertation supervision is tomorrow...

I still haven't applied for any vacation schemes, mainly because my course finishes weirdly late and I would not have been able to make any of the winter dates. Also, gives me a little bit more time to bolster the noticeably light extracurricular sections of my applications. Societies at uni WILL be seeing my face, and enough to make them sick of me. What I have been applying for, however, are Open Days. I am currently writing out my Open Day application for Watson Farley & Williams, and am getting scared because the firm seems sooo interesting and aligned with my interests prepping for the heartbreak early ig. I was successful for my application for an Open Day at HL which is really exciting, and am still waiting to hear back from HSF.

I had to miss a pretty amazing event, to meet the entire magic circle at A&O's office because I was in the absolute trenches with freshers flu, which turned into proper flu. You win some you lose some ig haha I keep telling myself.

Also am waiting to hear back for an incredibly rogue event with HSF, which is cocktail making with current trainees and other solicitors. I cannot lie, it sounds incredibly fun. Being rejected (waiting listed) for a Reed Smith Open Day hurt a little, but I am still weirdly confident with my chances. I think it comes down to the fact I am yet to make a proper VC application though That will be my next challenge...

I guess another reason for the confidence was my success with an online assessment for BNP Paribas, which is apparently like an 50-80% fail rate. That confidence evaporated at the following 'interview', which was 30 minutes of commercial awareness, that was fine, but the second 30 minutes was all on MENTAL MATHS and mathmatical logic I still havent heard back, but something tells me it didnt go too well...

Hi all,

Some background:
- international student (LLB from a RG uni)
- No UK vac schemes, but did internships in my home country in mid-large commercial law firms
- I plan on self-funding the SQE + LLM in Feb 2025.
- I'll be on a tier 4 study visa with BPP / uLaw.

I took some time off to fully focus on applications, but realised so many summer 2025 schemes clash with (estimated) term time dates / the July SQE1 exam. I won't have a visa to do Winter'24 schemes. Realistically, I can only apply to easter 2025 schemes, even though many overlap by 1-2 weeks. I could potentially wait for the next cycle to do Winter'25 schemes, but I'd hate to waste this cycle.

To summarise my questions:

1. Have international students successfully done vac schemes during their SQE period?
2. Are firms usually willing to make special arrangements, or defer applicants to later cycles / consider them for Direct TCs instead? It would suck if I passed the AC but the firm turns me down because of Visa restrictions.
3. Realistically, what is my best application strategy for this 2024-25 cycle? I didn't feel confident banking on direct TC apps with just 3-4 internships under my belt and because I lack UK-based work experience.

Would appreciate your advice! @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

Hi,

Having studied law for five years, which is the norm in my home country, I may have obtained the equivalent to a 2:2 or 2.1 in the UK (the grading system in my home country is known to be quite harsh, as this has also been confirmed by several HR people from law firms in London) on my postgraduate degree, which is a fifth-year degree based on a competitive selection process. I got 61,25% on my postgraduate degree, so it may be a 2.1 as it is above 60% but I am not sure about this and of course I do not want to mislead any recruiter. The issue that I am facing is that I happened to read that students are required to have a 2:2 or above from an undergraduate degree. As far as I am concerned, I got that 2.2 on my postgraduate degree but not on my undergraduate degree. Therefore, I was wondering whether that would be acceptable even though my 2.2 was obtained on my postgraduate degree. @Jessica Booker Would you have any thoughts on this?

Many thanks.

Hey guys!! Long-time stalker, first-time poster. I graduated in 2022 and after battling the UK job market, got a job at a family law firm last year (business support more so rather than technical legal work). I have recently had another job offer at a firm that has a few specialities but mainly deals with family law.

I was excited to be able to gain some form of field related experience, even if it is sort of admin, but wonder if this is going to impact me negatively if I ultimately WANT to do commercial law, but just haven't broken in yet. Would appreciate any advice. I don't want to end up with 2 years of family law related experience. I can talk about my experience smartly and focus on the transferable features to commercial law, but I wonder if this is going to put me in a bad position. Really appreciate any advice - thanks!

Hi,

I previously posted on here a while back introducing myself and my journey and now I have come to a very important milestone in this journey, my first application cycle.

As a penultimate year law student, I am looking to apply to a few vacation schemes this year, I have selected the following firms as they align with my interests and I meet the academic requirements for them.

- Macfarlanes
- Freshfields
- Clifford Chance
- Akin Gump
- Linklaters
- Herbert Smith Freehills
- Milbank
- Skadden

I understand the level of competitiveness involved in each and every one of these firms but through all the hours I have dedicated towards my career, the research, the events and every person who I have met, some of whom have told me my dream was unrealistic, others who have been in my shoes and helped motivate me towards it, I believe that after all that, something certainly has to workout.

The firms above take applications on a non-rolling basis which means I will have a bit more time in terms of spacing out when I want to send them out, I have made a timetable on how I will work on each application and when, meaning I have enough time to dedicate for all of them evenly, my next steps are to work on my commercial awareness and Watson Glaser abilities, whilst balancing my time for university and BIUCAC, a commercial awareness competition which rewards its winners with great opportunities within the legal field.

That is what this thread will involve in a nutshell , I will try to update it regularly, not only as a way to keep myself in check but also in case anyone has any questions or would like to share any advice.

I wanted some thoughts on what the following question is asking in terms of scope:

'What work has OC done recently that is of particular interest to you?'

I'm having trouble working out how wide I could go with 'work'- the obvious is to jump to a case or a deal they recently conducted, but I don't feel I would have enough to talk about to relate it to myself.

Do you reckon talking about a report they have published, or a talk they gave would still count?

Hi,

I was just wondering if anybody could critique one of my responses for Dechert's vacation scheme questions.

Please explain why you want to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor and why you would like to practise at Dechert. Word Count (300 words)

My passion for commercial law has developed organically through practical experience and academic pursuits. As Lead Legal advisor for XYZ, a pro bono scheme providing commercial law advice to small businesses, I’ve gained invaluable insight into the challenges businesses face. While on a much smaller scale to the work carried out by Dechert, this experience has made me appreciate the role commercial solicitors play in creating tangible results, whether it’s as trivial as examining a businesses T&C’s or significant as handling multi-jurisdictional settlements.

The strategic thinking involved in commercial law also fascinates me. I recently completed XYZ internship which gave me a more holistic view of commercial transactions. My interest was piqued when learning about the nuances involved in large-scale merger and acquisitions, particularly the difficulties in balancing all of the varying competing interests involved in such deals. This complexity intellectually invigorates me, and with Dechert being recognised as the top M&A firm across multiple continents (Bloomberg, Chambers) it is the perfect place to develop these skills.

Dechert’s expertise in handling cross-border matters also aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. Unlike many American firms, where international offices are merely ‘satellite’ offices, Dechert’s integrated global network ensures seamless collaboration across borders. This cohesion was exemplified in the firm's recent role in the Chubb case, involving disputes over seized assets in Russia, which showcased its strength in managing complex international litigation.

Furthermore, Dechert’s small trainee intake and flat hierarchy guarantee hands-on responsibility from the outset. I thrive in tight-knit teams, evidenced by my role as a XYZ Ambassador at my university, making Dechert’s environment ideal for my growth.

Overall, Dechert’s dynamic and impactful work aligns with my drive for intellectual challenge and real-world contribution, making it the ideal firm for my career as a commercial solicitor.

Hi,

I'm an undergrad non-law student at Cambridge. In April I was forced to intermit before I could take my 2nd year exams after discovering I had a chronic health condition. I'll be returning in January, still technically in 2nd year, but obviously without an academic result from the 2023-2024 year.

Should I bother applying for summer vacs this autumn? For context I did extremely well in my 1st year (ranked in top 5 of ~200), but I have nothing from 2nd yr.