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New listing rules come into effect on Monday and are intended to revitalise the LSE. Many companies are attracted to NYSE's huge pools of capital and London's not even the go-to destination in Europe anymore for IPOing.

Say a firm dabbles in public markets work but the vast majority of work is in private M&A, will they benefit if such changes to the listing rules are successful?

Hi there! I have secured a training contract with a firm which starts in Autumn 2025. However, I am now considering applying for an LLM (particularly, the Oxford BCL/Cambridge LLM). Although my grades seem to be good enough for these programmes, of course I may not get in. So, my question is, how much notice do I need to give my firm to defer my training contract? I do not want to defer my TC if I do not get into either of the two Masters courses. But I equally do not want to be rude asking my firm for deferral just a couple of months before my training contract starts (the BCL/LLM decisions come out sometime in March 2025). I know that ultimately it is up to the firm whether or not they will agree to the deferral.

I am also thinking of doing a Masters following the completion of my training contract, but I do not know how realistic that would be in practice.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hi, in 2023 I achieved CCC in my A-levels and decided to take a gap year to work and figure things out on what to do next as I knew that with my grades it would be difficult to find a decent university that would let me onto the LLB course. During my gap year I did apply to universities and firmed to study at University of Surrey (Law with foundation year). However, the more I research about law firms, the more concerned I am becoming of the fact that my poor a-level grades will prevent me from getting a training contract. Recently, I've been wondering if I should take another year out and resit my A-Level, as the foundation year at university will be a level 3 qualification anyways. However, I am aware of the fact that there is no certainty that I will achieve my desired grades and the grades that law firms want (ABB), so I am a little confused on what to do, especially as some individuals say that getting a good grade at LLB and relevant work experience etc will be more valued than my a level grades, but a person who recruits trainees had told me that in most cases law firms cut people with poor a-level grades. Any advice on what would be the best next step for me will be greatly appreciated.

Hi.

I really need some advice!

If I am self-funding my LLM SQE, does the course provider matter? I am leaning towards City but have noticed most firm-sponsored students go to UoL or BPP. If I go to City, will that impact my chances when applying for TCs?

I am also an international student - unsure if that makes a difference.

Hi

If I am self-funding my LLM SQE, does the course provider matter? I am leaning towards City but have noticed most firm-sponsored students go to UoL or BPP. If I go to City, will that impact my chances when applying for TCs?


Would really appreciate some guidance!!!

Hey TCLA users,

Which vacation scheme (Winter, Spring or Summer) is it best to apply to if a firm offers all 3? Is there any difference that you guys can think of?

Thanks

Hello,

I have a query regarding the routes to SQE qualification and what is advisable to do in terms of the course itself.
I am a recent graduate of the University of Birmingham and intend to qualify through the SQE route. I was unfortunately unsuccessful in securing a training contract during the last cycle of applications, and am now going to be working as a paralegal.

I am unsure on whether to apply for BPP University's LLM SQE course which is full time, or continue at my paralegal role and enter the application process for TCs again this next cycle. I am not sure which is more common or whether there are more merits to one than the other. I am just quite lost with it all essentially.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks in advance,
Scarlett.

Hey everyone,

Vacation Scheme application season is fast approaching! To make things easier for those of us preparing to apply, I have put together a list to track all the applications and their due dates for the Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes. I will keep this list updated! Please feel free to drop any suggestions to better utilise this thread.

Good luck in your application and please keep us posted on your progress!


Here are the firms that have announced their application opening and closing dates for Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes 2023/24 so far:

(This list is dynamic and will be updated as firms release their application windows)

Winter Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2024/25:​

Specific Dates Released​

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Spring Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2024/25:​

Specific Dates Released​

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Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2024/25:​

Specific Dates Released​

​

Tentative Dates Released​

Additional Firms (TBC)​

The following firms are yet to release dates for their Vacation Schemes. We have included them below and would update them onto the above lists in due course.

I already have a TC offer and can't get the master's loan because I have already used, it is there any difference in the teaching for the SQE LLM course or should I just do the straight prep courses?

Will law firms be concerned if I've not been busy over the entire summer? I've been free since the middle of June but I've done a week of work experience and I started a job last week. Between those events, I have been trying to find short-time work but I had no success. Will the short gap be a concern?

hello everyone! I would like to ask an honest question, do you think firms like Freshfields and Clifford Chance actuallly consider applications from international students who have not studied in the UK? If so, is anyone in contact with an international student (that has not studied in the UK!!!) who has made it into a magic circle firm?
I am also wondering whether a good cv with several international experiences in the legal field is enough to compensate not having studied in the UK?
Thank you all, I'll be incredibly greatful if anyone has answers!

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An opportunity to undertake a training contract at the firm, commencing in 2026.

Apply here by 31st July 2024.

Hi Currently completing a VS at a mid-sized firm. In this cycle, I was lucky enough to get on 2 other VSs earlier in the year. I'm aware that GR teams at these firms are making their decisions in the next few weeks. Is it a good idea to reach out to them, and send them an email outlining; other VSs I've been on in the cycle, further work placements, and GDL results? None of this specific info was known to me when I sent off my applications much earlier in the cycle. I'm just wondering if over-loading GR teams with info, and mentioning I've had other VSs elsewhere, will help me, or if it'll have a more positive effect? Thanks

h

Hello, I have an interview with Aspiring Solicitors/ BCLP for the role of campus ambassador and was just wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions regarding the process?

Hello everyone, I have just finished my first year studying law and I’m hoping to gain legal experience next year. I have just discovered this forum and I look forward to talking to people here.

Hello all,
I have yet to hear back from a lot of law firms I applied to for direct TCs and wanted to know if anyone has heard back yet so I can manage my expectations: RPC, TLT, Slaughter and May, Freshfields, Dentons, White and Case. I would really appreciate your help guys!

Hi everyone,

I am in the process of applying for a paralegal role via Howard Kennedy's website. There is only one question in the application process, which asks, "Why am I interested in this opportunity?" What would you advise me to say?

Maybe @Jessica Booker , if I could take your expert advice, it would be highly appreciated.

Please note that no cover letter is needed.

Thank you very much for your time.

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