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Greetings all, I am relatively new to this community and I must say that it is perhaps, my greatest find to date in my endeavors of obtaining that TC so many of us want.

As for my situation, I am a third year non law student at a RG Uni, fresh off a month internship with International law firm CMS in Germany, working within Mergers & acquisitions divisions. Given the location of the internship and the culture differences between living in Germany and England, I believe it is in my best interest to apply for positions in the UK. However I am unsure if it is my best bet to apply directly for training contracts or for vacation schemes for this current cycle, given the way candidates on vacation schemes are put on a pathway to obtain a training contract at a later date.

Yet again many Thanks!!! ( all replies are welcome)


( Bit of context: I am a non law student, so will obviously have to complete the SQE)

Hi everyone,

I am a second year law student studying in London, and I am thinking about applying for summer vac schemes this year. As I am interested in doing the vac schemes either in HongKong or London, so I am wondering am I allowed to apply for one firm's different offices at the same time? Looking forward to hearing from anyone in the same situation as me. Thanks.

Hi everyone! I’m Ram, a future trainee at Cooley LLP, and I’m thrilled to be joining TCLA as a Community Assistant (along with @Andrei Radu @Kay Aston and @Amma Usman).

Some of you may know me from my previous account, when I posted as @Adrian_S during my time as a forum user. When I moved to London in 2019 and decided to pursue a legal career during the pandemic, navigating the world of large commercial firms felt overwhelming. Resources like Aspiring Solicitors and Chambers UK were certainly helpful, but TCLA was the first community that truly broke down the complexities of commercial law for me. As someone who was the first in my family to attend university and pursue a legal career, the forum also provided consistent encouragement. This was invaluable to me, particularly throughout a process that could feel daunting and isolating.

I’m also a career changer, having left academic political science in 2020. Like many other future trainees, my journey to securing a training contract took persistence—two application cycles, five vacation schemes, and countless applications. However, one thing I’ve come to realise is that many people, myself included when I first started this process, can underestimate the value of their unique experiences and skills. Transitioning from another field gave me a fresh perspective and a set of transferable skills that I initially struggled to recognise but that became key to my success. TCLA was instrumental in helping me identify and articulate these strengths, and I’m now eager to help others do the same.

I’m passionate about helping applicants—especially those who feel overlooked or struggle to find support—realise their potential and gain confidence in the diverse backgrounds they bring to the table. If you’re finding it tough to research law firms, write tailored applications, tackle Watson Glaser tests, or break down commercial news, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m also happy to answer firm-specific questions for those I’ve completed vacation schemes or interviewed with, including Charles Russell Speechlys, Jones Day, and Vinson & Elkins.

Every written application, video interview, and assessment centre played an important role in my own development – even when they might’ve gone badly for me. These stages of the application process taught me valuable skills. It wasn’t just about securing the offer – they helped me become more confident and ultimately a better professional. That’s something I wish I’d realised earlier on during my application journey.

A bit more about me: I grew up just outside of Toronto and have spent time living in Montreal and Chicago. I’m currently preparing for the SQE at ULaw Moorgate, and in my spare time, you can usually find me at any museum or exhibit in London, or else still delving into academic political science.

I’m really looking forward to connecting with you all. Feel free to ask me anything on the forum!

For the Sidley Austin VS application, I am asked to discuss a current commercial issue that interests me. I'm considering discussing a recent judgment, such as the DOJ v. Google antitrust case. I would touch upon two specific aspects of the case and then briefly discuss the potential future impact on firms like Sidley Austin (and their clients), which have significant antitrust practices in both Europe and the U.S. However, I'm concerned that my analysis of this topic might be too evident or basic, and I'm wondering whether I should opt for a more 'unique' topic. Any advice would be appreciated!

TC or Vac Scheme?

I graduated in 2023 with a law degree and this year I passed both SQE1&2. I do not have previous vac scheme experience but have done a lot of pro bono and have other work experience.

I am unsure whether to apply directly to TC or vac scheme as I do not want to miss out on TC applications by applying to vac schemes first.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Hello there,

This is my first post after just joining this discussion, so please forgive me and provide kind assistance if I have posted to the wrong subsection!

I am new here but a real enthusiast and loving this community so far. I have a background in Law and in education and feel I could help with documentation, at least for starters.

As a new member in this forum and wish to share and gain some knowledge. I am looking forward to create my own discussion to resolve my query and gain some knowledge though I have taken part in various discussion which is definitely helped me a lot.

Also in what category should be taken depends on what factors?

Thank you in advance.

I am an Indian Law student. We have 5-year law programme. I'll be graduating in 2027. Is there any vacation scheme I could apply for since most require that only finalists/graduates can apply? I wanted to apply this year, but I dont think I'll be eligible.

Hi all, very nervous to post this but I needed some advice. I originally undertook a Law degree and achieved a first class average in my first year. I further participated in various First Year Insight Schemes.

Due to severe mental health issues in my second year, I was forced to quit and was not provided with the opportunity by my University to redo the second year. I hence transferred degree courses and now take Accounting & Financial Management with Economics. I achieved a 83% average in my first year of this new degree and my mental health is in a much better position. However, I still truly do wish to be a lawyer and want to try applying to some vacation schemes this year. Do you think (given my degree change) that it is worth still trying to apply for legal experience? Or do you think firms will look at my history and reject me? Changing degrees had little to do with my ability or interest (and I can evidence that with the first year results). But l am apprehensive about partaking in the application season upcoming. Thank you

I'm Mehek, graduated with law in 2022 and now have recently completed and passed my LPC - looking for success in gaining VC/TCs!

Hello,

I don't know how to start this so imma just speed through it in the best way I can.

Basically, I came to England when I was 12 and I knew zero English, by the time I was somewhat good at English language I was in year 11. I only got the full grasp of English language by the time I was third year in sixth form (18 years old). Along with that I had a rough family matters (parents separation / addiction so I had to take care of one of my parents, negligence, social workers / police getting involved, emotional abuse, family members passing away) and my mental health wasn't really good (depression, anxiety, also bullying and racism in school)so throughout the age of 12 till 16/17 I was just focused on anything but education. I ended up getting only 4 GCSE's, English 4, science 4, business level 1 distinction and drama B (grade 3 in maths). At age of 17 where I basically realised that I cant let my future be wasted away because of these circumstances so, I tried my hardest since final exams were 3 months away and got A level in Sociology with grade D, BTEC in performing arts with a Pass, and I stayed one extra year in six form and did A1 and A2 in Psychology in one year and got a D (this was when covid hit so I got that grade because of the predicted grades which was mainly C's).

Then in uni I did Bachelor of science in Professional policing with 2:1 (65%). In my first year I did not do well since everything was online, but then I was assaulted by some girls where police was involved, then in my second year I was sa'd, police wasn't involved but my uni provided counselling; during my second year and third year I managed to bring my grades from 40's to 60's and 70's, and now I'm going to start my LLM Law Conversion with SQE1 (part time) at BPP university and am aiming for Distinction grade.

so, I'm wondering if I let the firms know of the circumstances will they be lenient or will that still not help? or should I just sugar code some parts?? Because I have started vacation schemes application and I have basically written all of that in my "mitigating circumstances" section, and added that this should be something that isn't viewed as a weakness but my resilience and determination to make it this far. I haven't sent off any application yet.

Please let me know what you think, and thank you so much in advance.

p.s.
Also, I'm not trying to trauma dump, I'm totally fine now, everything is fine I just wanted the full context to be known.

Hey everyone!

I am applying to the vac scheme in sidley and I ran into a bit of a problem. While writing about “why sidley” i mentioned how sidleys handling of an arb case involving IP rights was quite interesting.

Problem is, i am applying to the London office and although the website mentions that they deal with arb, its mostly done by the geneva office.

I can shift my focus and mention some M and A case handled by sidley, but it wont be genuine.

Any advise? Should I go ahead with my approach? Or tweak it a bit.

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing well.

As I'm preparing and sending out vacation scheme applications for the upcoming cycle, I wanted to get some thoughts from the community on how competitive I might be for schemes at top firms (US/MC/SC). I'm asking because, while I'm at a strong university for my LLB, I'm in my final year with just 'okay' grades so far—a 63 average (low 2:1), with one outlier third-class grade that brought my average down from a 67 (unfortunately somehow scored in the mid-40s on an elective module, oof).

Here’s a quick overview of my background:

School: Strong RG Uni (UCL/Warwick/Durham)
Year: Final year UG

Degree: Law

Grades: 63 average in the second year (low/mid 2:1), with one poor outlier mark

Experience: 4 x finance internships (IB/PE/HF), all with small/boutique firms
1 x legal internship at a large asset manager

Extracurriculars: Professional athlete, limited other activities due to training commitments

Diversity: Non diversity


I'm mainly concerned about my grades. While they meet the 2:1 requirement for most applications, I'm unsure if having a lower 2:1 and an outlier mark will significantly affect my chances. Additionally, I don’t have extensive legal experience, as I’ve focused more on the finance and investing side during my time at university. My extracurriculars are limited since I’ve dedicated much of my time to professional sports (not at the Olympic level, but still professionally).

Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Dear @Jessica Booker,

I had a query with respect to this question on the application form for BCLP:

"What is your understanding of how a business generates and maintains a profit? (Please provide examples)"

What sort of examples are they looking at? Do they expect us to discuss companies that have generally excelled at some aspect of what the question asks?

Thank you so much, cheers!

Hey everyone,

I had a question regarding CV's for paralegal positions because I am very confused at this point. Do you include the skills you've gained in CV's you send in for paralegal roles or should these CV's be purely factual (only including the "job description" of your activities)? I do not have any friends or contacts that I could ask about this so I am a bit lost. Some insight would be super helpful.

Thanks.

Hi- I just wanted to know- can you only apply to either a winter or a summer scheme for the same firm? Or is it only either for the application cycle

Hi guys,

I am currently an SQE LLM student with BPP. The issue is that I found the resources available for reviewing the "black letter" component of the SQE 1 rather lackluster. Therefore, I wanted to ask for recommendations in terms of resources I should use to review that component? I have heard that both the ULAW and Revise SQE books are good, but I am concerned that learning the stuff from the textbook will not be enough in itself.

Thank you for your advice.

Hello all, I would be grateful if anyone has any advice on the interview process and or any insight on the types of questions Trowers ask during the TC interview.

Hi,

I am at a cross-roads in my legal career and I would appreciate people's thoughts on the next logical step!

I am a non-RG graduate with a 1st class degree in law (I ranked 11th in my cohort) who then went to do an LLM at a RG Uni where I gained a Merit (70%). I then accepted a place on a graduate scheme working for a global areospace company as a commercial graduate (which is basically contract management). I have work experience at international organisations and experience as a research assistant.

I have been offered a permanent role following my two year graduate scheme that I am due to start in September. In the meantime, I have been applying for multiple paralegal roles and I have been successful in gaining multiple offers at both city and regional firms. Ultimately, I want to be a trainee solicitor so I do not feel that taking a paralegal role will necessarily get me any closer to the elusive training contract than my current role especially as the work I do now is on high-value commercial contracts. With friends in the profession already, I know my current responsibilities are similar to a lawyer working in procurement, commercial or projects.

I can't decide if it would be better to stay in industry or to take a paralegal role just to be practicing law. I'll also add that I have never applied to any training contracts before as I wasn't certain on the career path until now.

Thanks!

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have any insights into Skadden's London office. I'd be grateful if I could speak to someone who has gone through their process or familiar with their firm. I'm trying to get as much insight as possible- just missed their application deadline for the webinar launch as I only recently saw it announced and was volunteering all day so could not get the application in on time.

I would like to build a concrete picture of the firm so any golden nuggets or personal insights are welcome.

Currently, my CV in PDF form is around 1.5 pages with half a page blank at the end. Is it necessary to fill it out to the very end (2 pages) or is it better to have 1.5 pages of good relevant material?

Apologies for this basic question but I've heard varying advice, so would appreciate your thoughts!

Does anyone have any insight into paralegal average working hours in non-MC, city firms? Looking to apply to some roles, but I'm aware the pay is quite low. Wondering whether I'll essentially be doing trainee hours for much less. Thank you

Hello!

Thought I’d ask people to potentially save me from wasting further resources and time pursuing something unrealistic; it would be great to hear your thoughts.

I received BCC in my A-levels and went on to study law at a non-RG university. It also isn’t one of the well-regarded non-RG universities. I achieved a first and went on to do an LLM at a RG university. It was based mainly on criminal and human rights law; at the time, I fancied myself as a criminal barrister. I achieved a distinction on the LLM.

Whilst doing the LLM, I did the C Vis arbitration moot, and really enjoyed (to my surprise) the commercial law aspects and the more practical business considerations in the competition scenario. This made me set on practising commercial law, and my aspirations completely changed.

I graduated from the LLM in 2020, and following Covid had lots of family problems and my career went on hold and I spent three years as a paralegal.

Still wanting to pursue a practice in commercial law after the family issues were over, I applied, and was successful in receiving a place on the BCL at Oxford. I’m due to start this October. I’m planning on picking commercial electives.

Situations where I take on large amounts of responsibility quickly appeal to me, and am generally happier when I'm working extremely hard. US firms therefore appeal to me because of this and my interest in commercial law and working on big deals.

I'm worried, however, that the hours I'll spend on research and writing applications might be wasted if the bad A-levels, subpar undergrad and so long having passed since my undergrad degree will amount to a hard barrier to entry.

Given this profile, and considering I’m now 26, is there still a possibility of a job in the City?

Any advice would be very welcome!

Hello,

I'm looking for some success in vacation scheme applications this cycle. I graduated in 2019, so am unsure whether I'll have any success, but am determined to try anyway!

Look forward to seeing you all on the forums.

I have heard good things about both but Revise SQE seems to have more reviews and Revision Killers appears much smaller (saw it being prompted by legal influencers). Anyone have any insights on which is best?