Introduction and question

Hello everyone, I’m Sofia and I’m currently in my first year of global law undergraduate program in Bocconi University(Milan); I’m studying both common law and civil law systems.
How can I start in the right way? It’s next summer too early for an internship? I don’t want to be passive during my university path.
thank you all in advance :)
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BPP vs Uni Of Law Masters Conversion (in person)

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of applying for a masters conversion course in person and was wondering which university BPP or Uni of law is more sought after by the likes of magic circle, commercial/finance law firms?
Id appreciate if anyone who is currently at one of these universities or who is a recruiter/practicing lawyer in this area of law, could give me their opinion on this.


I have a very unique academic background having completed a degree apprenticeship this year with a high 2:1 and consider myself very academic having never dropped below an A in secondary/sixth form and naturally find myself wanting to perform at the highest levels in whatever I do.

Thank you :)

Online LLB from UOL credibility

Hi, new member here but aspiring lawyer and current student, I was studying law at a decent UOL university in september 2023 but due to medical issues had to drop out and completely move out of London. I was wondering if doing the UOL LLB online for 2024/2025 is a worthy pathway as opposed to going to a less recognised university nearer to me albeit it being in person. Do firms look down upon this route as a non mature law student also feel like doing a degree online will give me more time to get legal work experience as I just completed a 6 month internship in my “gap year” pls advice me as my family are not too supportive of my career ambitions right now

The Importance of Personal Branding in the Law Firm Application Process

Hello everyone! In this thread, I’ll be diving into why personal branding is a crucial part of the law firm application process.

Personal branding is so important—it is, quite frankly, the cornerstone of a good law firm cycle. Why? Well, if you don’t sell your experiences, if you don’t leverage your background to showcase what you can bring to the table, then ultimately no one will know what you are truly capable of. It’s not enough to just have a strong CV or be knowledgeable about commercial news; you need to be able to communicate your strengths and position yourself as the ideal candidate for the firm’s unique needs.

But how do you go about creating a strong personal brand? The key, in my view, is confidence. And let’s be honest—building confidence is no easy task. It’s not like those technical skills where you can read a guide, pick up a few pointers, and master it in a week. Confidence is a soft skill, one that develops over time through consistent self-reflection and practice. It’s the ability to articulate your experiences in a way that makes an impression and sticks. And if you’re able to master that, then you’re already halfway there!

Understanding the Value of Your Own Story

Often, I speak to candidates applying to law firms, and I hear a lot of industry noise, making it appear as though one must have years of experience interning at banks or other global law firms to stand a chance at securing a training contract. The truth is, every experience is valuable. I’m sure you’ve heard this from many people, attended countless webinars, or read articles reiterating this point. It’s likely something that’s brushed past your ear because you feel it’s not entirely accurate. But the reality is that law firms appreciate diversity of thought as much as any other business enterprise!

There will be those of you who come from non-law backgrounds, international backgrounds, and many other paths that may make you feel disconnected from the traditional process. It’s overwhelming. It almost feels like there’s so much to learn and so little time to figure it all out. I certainly felt that way. But I can assure you, realizing your true potential will help bring you out of that cocoon. Sure, legal experience is a plus—it can demonstrate that you have a strong understanding of the day-to-day work. But let’s take a moment to look at the kind of clients law firms work with.

Looking Beyond the Legal Domain

Who are their clients? They work with businesses, right? Perfect. Let’s take this further. To provide astute legal services to a business, a law firm needs to understand that business inside and out. They need to learn the ropes about how the sector operates, the challenges and opportunities facing that sector currently, and those that may arise in the future. This aspect has absolutely nothing to do with the law itself. In addition to being legal advisors, law firms are business advisors. So, have you had any experience with a business so far? Or any other enterprise?

Even if you haven’t worked in a traditional legal setting, there are countless ways to showcase transferable skills that you’ve picked up. Maybe you managed a family business over the summer, organised events for your university’s society, or led a charity initiative. In so many ways, you would be able to highlight these experiences and showcase how you’ve diversified your portfolio—how you’ve diversified your thought process. Your ability to translate these experiences, no matter how seemingly unrelated, can be done effectively through...personal branding.

And what does personal branding require? A deep awareness of what you bring to the table and how to connect those skills with the value you can add to the firm. It’s understanding how your non-legal experiences have equipped you to excel as a business-minded lawyer. And believe me, it’s not something you should gloss over.

My Journey: A Short Snippet

I remember starting my own charity foundation and managing a social media business a few years back. I stepped into my first-year scheme cycle almost completely lost on what I could bring to these global law firms. I forgot that law firms were, at their core, a business. I overlooked the fact that there was so much I could leverage from my business interactions and connect it to a passion for a legal career. It never crossed my mind that these interactions were what initially drew me to the commercial aspect of law in the first place!

It was through my charity and social media work that I realised I enjoyed weighing challenges and providing optimal solutions to business problems. I enjoyed thinking strategically, being analytical, and bringing people together to achieve a common goal. I had valuable insights to offer. But none of that would have mattered if I couldn’t articulate these strengths effectively in my applications.

How to Build Your Personal Brand

So, where does that leave you? Start by reflecting on your journey so far. Ask yourself:

1. What experiences have shaped your professional journey?

2. What have you learned from these experiences that sets you apart?

3. How can you communicate these lessons in a way that aligns with the firm’s needs and values?



When crafting your applications, bring these points to the forefront. Make it clear that you have a diverse skill set and a unique perspective that can contribute to the firm’s success. Whether it’s through your CV, your cover letter, or during interviews, the goal is to position yourself as a candidate who not only understands the law but can also think commercially and adapt to different business contexts.

Final Thoughts

All of you would have had some interaction with a business within the span of your lives, in whatever capacity. Businesses surround us—they are one of the three main economic agents. The extent to which you can truly leverage that experience is what will distinguish a good applicant who understands the work and the clients from one who does not. And this all ties back to personal branding, which will help you realise and communicate your unique value.

I hope this helps, and best of luck with this cycle! And remember: Personal branding is not about fitting into the mould—it’s about creating your own and showing firms why that makes you an asset.

Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

Hi TCLA Community! 😁

I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are thousands of law firms out there—so why, for example, ABC Solicitors and not DEF Solicitors? What is it about ABC that makes it stand out to you? Why does it stand out? Couldn’t you find similar opportunities at DEF or GHI Solicitors?

This thread dives into how to craft a compelling “Why This Firm?” answer, helping you elevate your applications from generic to targeted and persuasive.

🔄 Convincing Reasons vs. Generic Reasons

You’ve probably heard me emphasise this point before, and I keep coming back to it because it’s crucial. Understanding the difference between an answer that sells and one that feels generic can be tricky if you’re new to law firm applications.

So, what makes a response generic? A generic answer is one that could be applied to multiple firms or even different industries altogether—whether investment banking, consulting, or marketing. If your response is too broad, it won’t reflect a genuine interest in the firm. On the other hand, a compelling response captures your personal journey and demonstrates why this firm is uniquely suited to your goals and aspirations.

The key is to pinpoint your motivations clearly and align them with what the firm offers. Let’s distinguish between a strong and weak answer through the examples below:

📝 Compare Two Responses

Example 1:


“I am applying for a training contract at ABC Solicitors because my father was a law professor, and I’ve always been interested in a legal career. Studying law confirmed my passion, and I know ABC is the firm for me, as it has offices worldwide, which will allow me to build my understanding of multiple cultures. The chance to work on cross-border deals is a significant selling point, and regional law firms may not offer me this exposure.”

Example 2:

“I am drawn to training at ABC Solicitors due to my interest in a private equity career. Attending an open day at XY Fund piqued my interest in value creation within private markets. I then attended an open day at GHY Solicitors, where I observed how legal teams navigate private equity deals from start to finish. During a practice case study, I assessed business and legal implications during fund formation and exit and received valuable feedback from a senior partner. ABC Solicitors’ Band 1 ranking for private equity solidified my desire to explore this practice area at a firm of its calibre.”

Breaking Down the Difference

It’s clear the second response is stronger. But why?

The first example, while it shows interest in a legal career, is too vague. It doesn’t demonstrate a strong motivation for a commercial legal career, nor does it highlight anything specific about ABC that differentiates it from other firms. Additionally, when articulating your passion for a firm or a career in law, it’s essential to ensure that your motivations come from a place of personal interest rather than solely external influences. While having a parent or mentor in the legal profession might have sparked your initial curiosity, attributing your desire to pursue a legal career entirely to them can weaken your narrative. It can make it seem like you’re following someone else’s path rather than carving out your own. External influences can certainly play a role in shaping your early exposure, but law firms want to see what excites you about the work, how you have explored this interest independently, and what experiences have solidified your unique perspective. By focusing on specific encounters—whether through legal work experience, research, or events—you can better demonstrate genuine interest and show recruiters that this is your chosen career, not just a decision guided by someone else’s influence.

The second response is detailed and compelling because it ties directly into the candidate’s experiences and interests. It reflects the candidate’s knowledge of the firm’s strengths, their passion for private equity, and the steps they’ve taken to explore this interest further. This specificity is key. Without it, even a well-written response will lack the personal touch that sets top applications apart.

But there’s a catch—if ABC is not known for its private equity practice, this answer could raise a red flag. A recruiter might wonder: why is the candidate referencing private equity when our expertise is in, say, competition law? If private equity is their core interest, why not apply to a firm with a stronger practice in this area?

The takeaway here is that specificity needs to be backed by accurate research. Even if your interest is genuine, if it’s not aligned with the firm’s strengths, it can weaken your application. Make sure you know the firm’s specialities inside out before you craft your response.

🔎 Another Example: Pro Bono Work

Let’s say a candidate expresses interest in ABC because of its strong pro bono practice. That’s a good starting point, but it needs more detail. Pro bono work is something that many firms do. So, what is it about ABC’s pro bono work that appeals to you? Maybe they collaborated with a charity that focuses on educational support, which links to your own experience mentoring young students. If there are additional intricate points which show this type of pro bono work is unique to the firm and not commonly found elsewhere, then you’ve successfully shown a deeper and more tailored interest in what sets the firm apart. Now you’re demonstrating that you have a genuine and specific interest in what makes ABC’s pro bono unique, rather than offering a blanket statement that could apply to multiple firms.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. Be Specific:
Reference firm-specific attributes—whether it’s their standout practice areas, or unique approach to training.

2. Personal Connection: Connect your experiences to what the firm offers.

3. Research, Research, Research: Thoroughly investigate the firm’s core strengths. LinkedIn, firm websites, and even casual conversations with current trainees can help you gather details that make your answer stronger.

Ultimately, when asked, “Why this firm?”, your answer should combine your personal journey, research-driven insights, and a clear understanding of what makes this firm special. With these tips, answering the “Why This Firm?” question should feel much less daunting. 🌟

Monday Motivation: For All Aspiring Solicitors and Professionals!

This one is for all of you applying for vacation schemes, training contracts, apprenticeships, and everything in between. It’s a brand new week, and we’re just about to step into October. Take a moment to appreciate just how much progress you’ve made this past month! September might have been filled with applications and deadlines, but every single step you’ve taken—no matter how small—shows your commitment and determination.

Remember, every application you send, every cover letter you write, and every interview you tackle is helping to shape your path. If you’re refining your skills, learning something new, or gaining insight into what the industry looks for, you’re moving forward. Keep building on that momentum!

The entire TCLA community is here rooting for you. We believe in your potential, and we’re excited to see where your hard work will take you. Whether it’s landing that dream opportunity, connecting with a mentor, or simply realising your own growth, there’s so much ahead of you.

So step into this week with confidence and positivity. Keep pushing forward, and know that you’ve got a community cheering you on every step of the way. You’ve done amazing so far, and the best is yet to come! Keep going—you’ve got this!

Happy Monday!

Good response to Norton Rose Fulbright

Hi, I am completing the VS application and saw this question for Norton Rose Fulbright:

"Norton Rose Fulbright has a sector led approach. Which one of our sectors do you think has the most potential for growth over the next 12 months, and why, and what opportunities do you see for the firm to maximise this potential? (300 words)*"

I'm not certain the best way to approach it or what the discuss and I was wondering if anybody had any examples of responses or any talking points or advice?

Why Commercial Law? Investigating Your ‘Why’

The question that often makes you pause for a moment. You know why you want to pursue this, you’re certain it’s what you want. Yet, putting it into words — especially in a way that resonates with recruiters — is a challenge. Then, you see it in an application form, and it’s just like “argg!” How do you craft an answer that shows you really want this? What would be a stellar response to get you past the application stage? The truth is, authenticity is key. Being yourself and effectively communicating your unique ‘why’ is what will make your answer stand out.

It’s a difficult question indeed—we’ve all been there.

Let me reiterate the importance of communicating your ‘why’ and why it’s so crucial for law firms. It’s because it demonstrates individuality. Many candidates might say they want to become commercial lawyers because it’s highly stimulating, involves cross-border deals, or because they want to help people—many professions offer that, including investment banking, consulting, and marketing. So what makes answering this question for commercial law different?

The answer lies in the intersection between commerce and law. Before being lawyers, it’s arguable that commercial lawyers are business advisors first. This is what sets them apart from other types of lawyers. They understand their clients, they advise, and they execute. A deep understanding of this dynamic will help you frame your answer to “why commercial law?”

So, why does the commercial aspect appeal to you? Why do you want to work with businesses rather than, say, the government (public law) or individuals on estate management (trusts and estates law)? This requires you to reflect on your interactions with businesses. Have you managed a family business? Set up your own? Attended open days at law firms? Why did those experiences appeal to you? What was it about the business connection that intrigued you? Really dig deep—this will help you uncover your ‘why.’

Personally, it took me a while to find my own ‘why.’ I had to take a week off during my first-year scheme application cycle to truly understand my motivations. It did two things: it helped me craft more compelling answers because I knew what was driving me, and it affirmed my choice to pursue commercial law. By the end, I was convinced this was the right path, and I was ready to work hard to achieve it. Once I understood my drivers, the practice areas I was interested in, and the kind of firms I wanted to target, communicating why I wanted to become a commercial lawyer became much easier. I no longer felt the need to apply to every firm—I knew exactly what I was looking for in terms of work and fit.

Now, to the second part of the question: why do you want to be a lawyer? For me, it started with studying a law degree that I genuinely enjoyed. I was also drawn to how commercial lawyers work on some of the most impactful deals in the market. I liked the idea of waking up and seeing in the news a deal that I had been working on with my firm. These are all valid reasons, and they were some of my initial motivators. But I soon realized that this wasn’t enough for an application answer. On paper, it appeared generic. So, I took time to reflect deeper. I found the best way to answer this was through my past experiences and how they all aligned with my desire to be a trusted legal advisor.

I referenced interning at the Ministry of Justice, which introduced me to public law. Then, I worked as a legal advisor at a local city law clinic in Leicester, which confirmed that I enjoyed working in the law, irrespective of specialization. However, it was through my internships at L’Oréal and an insurance company that I realized I preferred the intricacies of commercial law—the client-centric approach, the opportunity to provide fresh perspectives on global deals, and the interplay between strategic thinking and legal execution.

So, take your time with this question. Your ‘why’ should be constant. A setback today shouldn’t influence why you want to become a commercial lawyer. Your answer should reflect the core, foundational reasons for choosing this path. As you progress, new experiences may reinforce or complement your ‘why’—mention those in your applications. The bottom line is: Tell your story. Show your journey. Our journeys are more compelling than we often realize. See that value and convey it confidently in interviews and online applications.

Best of luck!

Advice on getting a TC with bad A-levels but in RG Uni and potential mitigating circumstances?

Hello, I would like advice on how to increase my chances of having a TC. Unfortunately, I didn't get the grades I wanted as I got BBC in Bio, Chem and History A-levels with an A in the EPQ. I was able to get into my Firm in York, as I had completed a Summer School program between Years 12 and 13, which lowered the grade requirements. Whilst not trying to excuse the results, I have been homeless and living in temporary accommodation during my GCSEs and sixth form, with the situation worsening this year as my council forced my family to move on short notice in the middle of Year 13 despite me writing a letter of appeal to postpone the move
.This caused a lot of mental strife as I felt severely depressed and anxious due to feeling that I didn't have any stability in my life and being scared at the time, I still deal with it as sometimes I feel that I didn't deserve to get into York.

I want to get advice on what I should do next as I am aware that some law firms have AAB minimum requirements, and many others don't have any requirements but will heavily scrutinise poor A-levels. I am aware that some Law firms do take in mitigating circumstances, but I don't know if mine would count as one(I have the paperwork from the council forcing me to move as proof). I also want to ask if could UCAS tariff could be used to overcome some firms' minimum requirements as the BBC(112 pts) + the EPQ(24pts) would be equal to 136pts which is equivalent to AAB as I am aware that some accept a tariff score.

Finally, I would like to know what I can to do equal the playing field towards those with higher grades. I am considering doing a Placement year at a firm or somewhere to have stronger experience and work experience as well as get advice from career personnel about what to do next.

Thank you for reading and I hope I don't sound like I'm victimising myself.

Essential Terms For An M&A Interview

Hello TCLA family! I’ve listed below a non-exhaustive list of M&A terms/definitions that should help out with interviews. As this becomes a hotter topic for law firm case studies, we hope you find this useful.

  • Merger: When two companies join to form a single new entity, usually to expand their customer base, reduce costs, and increase market share. It’s like you and a friend bringing together two toys to make an even better, more valuable toy.

  • Acquisition: When one company buys another, with the acquiring company taking control of the target company’s operations, assets, and liabilities. In the example above, it’s like you asking your friend for the right to own their toy, if you give them some money for it.

  • Synergy: When the value of a combined company is greater than the sum of its individual parts. There was a very thorough way @Jaysen had explained it on TCLAs instagram page a while back, and it has stuck with me ever since; using the 2+2=5 mechanism, the 1 represents the added value from the M&A activity, whether cost reduction (cost synergy) or revenue enhancement (revenue synergy). These could be through strategic hiring, employing the latest technology, etc.

  • Due Diligence: A thorough investigation by the buyer to check if the target company is healthy, legal, and worth buying. It’s like looking closely at a toy before buying it to make sure it doesn’t have any defects.

  • Deal Structure: The way a transaction is set up, such as asset purchase, share purchase, or merger. Deciding if you want to buy just some parts of the toy, all of it, or combine your toy with someone else’s to make a bigger one.

  • SPA (Share Purchase Agreement): A contract that states the rules for buying and selling shares in a company. It’s like making a promise with a friend to buy their share of a toy, so you own more of it.

  • APA (Asset Purchase Agreement): A contract where some assets are sold, not the entire company. Like buying just the wheels and headlights of a toy car, instead of the whole toy. It’s like a cherry picking game.

  • Representations and Warranties: Statements the seller makes about the company to reassure the buyer about its condition. It’s like your friend saying, “I promise my toy is not broken, and it has all its parts intact.”

  • Indemnities: A clause to protect the buyer by making the seller pay for specific problems if they arise. Like saying, “If this toy breaks tomorrow, you have to give me my money back.”

  • Earn-Out: Part of the payment is made later, based on the company’s future performance. If the toy works really well and doesn’t break, I’ll give you an extra juice box later!

  • Escrow: Money held by a third party to ensure all promises are kept after the deal. Like giving your candy to a grown-up until you and your friend keep your promises.

  • Completion/Closing: The moment when ownership of the company officially changes hands. When you finally swap toys and they’re all yours!

  • Conditions Precedent: Specific requirements that must be met before the deal can close. You can only get the toy if you clean your room first, just like the rules your parents set.

  • Break Fee/Reverse Break Fee: A fee paid if one side backs out of the deal without a good reason. If you say you’ll swap toys but change your mind, you have to give your friend some of your candy.

  • Material Adverse Change (MAC) Clause: A clause letting the buyer cancel the deal if something seriously bad happens to the company. If your friend’s toy suddenly breaks before you swap, you don’t have to take it anymore.

  • Drag-Along and Tag-Along Rights: Drag-Along lets majority shareholders force a sale; Tag-Along lets minority shareholders join the sale. If your big brother sells his toy, you can make your little sister sell hers too (Drag-Along), or she can choose to join in (Tag-Along).

  • Locked Box Mechanism: Purchase price is set at a historical date, and no value is allowed to leave the company afterward. Agreeing on the toy’s price based on how it looked a week ago, with no changes since.

  • Post-Closing Adjustments: Adjustments made to the purchase price after the deal closes to show certain changes. If you see later that the toy’s lights are missing, you ask your friend to return some of your candy.

  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): An agreement to keep shared information confidential during the deal process. It’s like making a promise to keep a secret and not tell anyone.

  • Non-Compete Agreement: An agreement preventing the seller from starting a competing business post-transaction. After selling your toy car, you promise not to start making new ones and competing with your friend.

  • Anti-Trust/Competition Clearance: Approval needed to make sure the deal doesn’t reduce market competition. Making sure you don’t have ALL the toys, so other kids still have some to play with. A Competition practice in a law firm will oversee these aspects of an M&A deal.

Conversion course including an SQE1 preparation course

Hello,

As an international student with a civil law background, I am planning to undertake a conversion course at the University of Law. I am hesitating between the MA Law (SQE1) and MA Law Conversion. I do not really know whether an SQE1 preparation course included in a law conversion course is worth considering. For those of you who have enrolled into/completed the MA Law (SQE1) or MA Law Conversion, what are your thoughts? How did you make your decision?

Many thanks.

CV for Paralegal Positions

Hi Everyone,

I have completed both my LLM and LLB and am wondering whether I need to list out individual modules in my CV or just the final results (eg 2.1)?

Also, should I follow the Google XYZ resume format for my bullet points (i.e. in one sentence, what I’ve accomplished (X) + the qualitative results (Y) + the skills or experience I utilised to achieve the outcome (Z))?

Thanks!

Extra curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance question

Hello everyone,

I am applying to multiple TCs with non-law background. So I apologize if this question is very basic.

1. For extracurricular activities I didn't participate in any activities due to covid can I put part-time jobs (working at 7-11) as extracurricular?
2. In my free time I participate in game jams every 3-4 months. Is it ok to put it in extracurricular? I am afraid this is not as "serious" as doing volunteering (probably overthinking on my part)
3. For positions of responsibility and achievement of importance can I mention an example from work? I have not mentioned it in the work experience section.

MA Law (SQE1); MA Law Conversion; PGDL – University of Law

Hello,

As an international student with a civil law background, I am planning to undertake a conversion course at the University of Law. However, I am hesitating between the MA Law (SQE1), MA Law Conversion and PGDL. I have researched about those courses and I am wondering whether law firms pay particular attention to any of them. I would be more interested in the MA Law (SQE1) or MA Law Conversion, but I have noticed that some law firms require non-law students to complete the PGDL, hence my doubts. @Jessica Booker Could you please let me know your thoughts on this? Also, I do not really know whether an SQE1 preparation course included in a law conversion course is worth considering, hence my hesitation between the MA Law (SQE1) and MA Law Conversion. Many thanks.

I would like to add that I am aware of the fact that completing a qualifying law degree or a conversion law course is no longer a regulatory requirement by the SRA.

Many thanks.

SQE1 Practice / Mock Tests

I am currently studying full-time at ULaw, sitting for SQE1 in January 2025 and would like to get more insight into practice / mock tests in preparation for the SQE1.

  1. I am aware of this thread posted some time ago for free / paid practice tests — was wondering if any new ones that anyone is aware of that might have come up since then and maybe we can compile a more comprehensive list?
  2. For those who studied the SQE prep course with ULaw and passed the SQE1, did you find that the ULaw question bank was enough practice? Or would you have appreciated more external practice tests? If so, which ones would you recommend? I have heard feedback that ULaw questions are perhaps too easy compared to the actual assessments — I wonder if there are any merits to this view. I know a lot of this can come down to personal preference / learning style, but would nevertheless still be helpful to get thoughts from a few more people.
  3. I heard that the QLTS mocks are very convoluted / weirdly worded and not very commensurate with the difficulty / style of questions in the actual assessment but nevertheless is good exposure to more difficult questions. However, the whole pack costs £2,000+. Even if I managed to convince my whole class to chip in to buy it together it would still cost a bomb for each of us. And for us who are already studying full-time with another course provider, we don't need all the other content in the pack, only the mock tests. For those who studied at ULaw or BPP, did you or your classmates eventually invest in QLTS or any other external practice tests together in addition to the practice questions provided by your course provider? If yes, did you find it was necessary and if no, did most of your cohort survive just fine without?
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Different ways of studying and learning SQE1 content

Hi all, I just found out I didn't pass SQE1 a couple of weeks ago...disappointing to say the least.

Just wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to best retain and memorize the huge breadth of material? I find just reading the material and doing practice questions to be soul crushing and not particularly engaging. It's hard to simply recall the relevant legal knowledge to be able to answer the questions properly.

I feel like I have decent exam-taking strategy, but struggle with just the sheer amount of base content.

Any tips on how to improve knowledge retention?

Thanks in advance
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SQE 1 for Non Law Graduate

Hello Everyone - Mid life Career changer here 👋 I have a Non Law Masters (MBA), always had the urge to get into Law but life got in the way 😀. Looking to start slow with SQE1 course however confused by the myriad of options. I have whittled the selection down to

Barbri - Structured but lacking depth
QLTS - In depth, great MCQs however not that structured
FQPS - Easy on the pocket, however looks and feels like a social media outfit.
Any suggestions for which provider you'd recommend for a Non Law Graduate in full time employment?

TIA

What do graduate career changers do for work during PGDL/SQE training before the actual training contract starts? -silly beginner question

Hi all, please can you help me answer a potentially silly and obvious question but I cannot find the answer anywhere - IF (big if) I were to be successful for a training contract ( for example, Chance & Clifford etc), they say you have to have the PGDL and SQE finished before the Training Contract starts in 2027/2028.

They do sponsor these exams. But so do I have to figure out my own job/living arrangements during this time until I pass all exams? As I understand they do not just hire you without no law degrees and offer full time work alongside this training? I assume the PGDL and SQE training is full-time also, so what do people do for work during this the studies are pretty intense. I am asking as I really want to apply for this but I can't afford to stop work for these years to 2027/2028, my parents also live in Latvia so I can't move home. Have I completely misunderstood how this works?

To give a little background about me, I (31F) am a career changer with 2:1 in Performing Arts (I know), graduated in 2020 from the University of Sussex, Latvian nationality but lived in the UK these last 10 years with a settled status. Before university I worked a variety of customer service and hospitality jobs, these last 4 years I have worked for a start-up that is a government approved Endorsing Body for a certain type of business visa, in this time I met a lot of entrepreneurs, had a lot of exposure to business law, contract law, immigration law etc that has fueled my interest in law.

Thanks all for your help!

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