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My name is Eke Victor Ukoha. I am an international law graduate of the university of London. I am seeking for an international trainee contract that will enable me qualify in order for me to be able to pursue a career in the legal profession.

Hello, am an international student with a UK law degree from the University of London international program.
Am seeking for a trainee sponsorship program that will enable me qualify as a solicitor.

Hello I’m planning on enrolling to either Barbri or QLTS for their SQE prep course, intending to sit the July 2024 exam for SQE1.

I work full time but I’m certain I can cram in 20 hours of studying over the course of the week. However, I just wanted some input from people about their experiences with Barbri and QLTS and which they would recommend.

The main reason I’m attracted by Barbri is (a) the personal tutor and (b) the personalised study plan. Given that I work full time, I need help planning and organising how/when I study. I do have Barbri textbooks for SQE1 and 2 but these are from 2022.

The only reason I’d go with QLTS is their mock exams as I’ve heard that they’re closer to the actual tests than Barbri’s mocks.

I’d love to hear from everyone about their experiences with Barbri and QLTS and which they would recommend, given my circumstances

Has anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn after second-stage interview?

An opportunity to undertake a vacation scheme at the firm, commencing in 2024.

Spring scheme dates: 15 - 26 April 2024.

Summer scheme dates: 10 - 21 June 2024.

Apply here by 31 January 2024.

An opportunity to undertake an insight scheme at the firm, commencing in 2024.

Apply here by 29 February 2024.

An opportunity to undertake a training contract at the firm, commencing in 2026/27.

Apply here by 31 January 2024.

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

Apply here by 31 January 2024.

An opportunity to undertake a vacation scheme at the firm, commencing in 2024.

Apply here by 31 January 2024.

An opportunity to undertake a vacation scheme at the firm, commencing in 2024.

Apply here by 31 January 2024.

Is the written assessment typed or handwritten? if you don't know, what is the normal standard at most firms?

I get really bad hand cramps when I write, that means I struggle with time-assessed things, so I'd just like to know in advance.

With the increase in solicitor apprenticeship opportunities, TCLA wanted to start a forum and thread for those seeking these opportunities in 2024.

If you complete a solicitor apprenticeship, you’ll receive the same qualifications as someone who has taken a traditional route to becoming a lawyer, but you’ll avoid student debt, earn while you learn, and get on-the-job training.

What is a solicitor apprenticeship?​

Solicitor apprenticeships are aimed at post A-level students, as well as those already working in the world of law, like paralegals who do not have a degree level qualification. As you complete a law degree and SQE qualifications during the apprenticeship, they are generally not suited to those who have already obtained a degree level qualification. For those with a degree, they should look for training contracts or Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships (which are typically 27-30 months instead of solicitor apprenticeships, which are 6 years).

A Solicitor Apprenticeship is a Level 7 degree-level programme, which is completed in six years. You’ll train as a lawyer and study the same qualifications as those completing a training contract.

How does a solicitor apprenticeships work?​

By the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as a solicitor. Apprentices will also obtain a law degree or degree level qualification through their training too.

You’ll receive these qualifications and training at no cost to you, meaning you won’t build up debt while training as a lawyer. On top of this, you’ll earn a salary.

You’ll spend approximately 20% of your time studying for these qualifications with a training provider, like a university. The rest of your time will be spent building practical skills by applying your knowledge in the workplace alongside experienced lawyers. Although you will have 20% of your time dedicated to the apprenticeship training, you will receive a full-time salary.

To be eligible to start the apprenticeship, you will usually need a level 3 qualification, such as A-levels, BTECs, or a Level 3 apprenticeship.

Hi there - I'd like to hear your views on the following 2 queries I have.

On the question why commercial law, is it fine to mention the areas I do enjoy mostly like researching and drafting and refrain from mentioning the areas I don't e.g. the due diligence side of keeping track of parties comments? I have attended a couple of law firm webinars and open days where international arbitration and class act litigation seems to be areas where research and drafting is used a lot instead of due diligence. Do I simply mention that I am drawn to these areas of law after attending webinars/open days and speaking to trainees who have done seats in these areas despite not having any direct legal experience in them? I have legal experience in banking and corporate but I am not drawn to these areas to work/train in.

I find it very difficult to be very specific in my applications if I don’t attend an open day of a firm to really get a good idea of the culture, the work and the people. There is only so much you can find out researching online after several hours which is available on the known sites like Chambers and Partners, Roll on Friday, Law Careers, etc. Would one say it is not worth applying to a firm if I have done as much research I can (usually 4 hours) and find I don’t have very specific reasons in my answers? Any ideas on how to gain more specific answers? I struggle on this part.

Thank you.

Hey!

This is my first 'real' application cycle, as last year I only applied to Eversheds Sutherland after an impromptu attendance at one of their Insight evenings.

Applications this cycle (2023-2024) - Vacation Schemes only
Baker McKenzie
Latham & Watkins
Covington
Mayer Brown
Dechert
Gowling WLG
Linklaters

Yet to apply to
Norton Rose Fulbright
Shoosmiths

Top choice firms that I did not have the confidence to apply to (maybe next year!)
Allen & Overy
Hogan Lovells
DLA Piper

Hello,

Recently started at BPP Manchester to study the PGDL course. They have delayed the start date of the course by a week and have not released the reading list or study materials for the course.

Does anyone who has studied this course previously at BPP have access to the reading list or can point me in the right direction for reading materials I should start with?

I am an English Lit grad with no past education in Law.

Thanks in advance.

Hi All!

Hope you are well. I just wanted to advertise a radio show my two uni friends (both final year law students - one being a future W&C trainee) are starting today called Talks & Tunes. Its from 8-9pm and essentially plays music from a specific decade (today is the 1960s (Hendrix, Beatles, Cream, Etta James)) and between each song they report on a piece of commercial news. Finally, for the last 15 minutes they discuss a commercial topic (either between them or with a university professor). Today they'll be speaking about the article Will slowing UK wage growth lead to early rate cuts?

Could help you further develop your commercial awareness and expand your music taste! Either way just wanted to share this and hope it doesn't break any sub rules.

Listen tonight here from 8-9pm UK time.

An opportunity to undertake a first year scheme at the firm, commencing in 2024.

Scheme dates: 22 April - 23 April 2024.

Apply here by 1 February 2024.

An opportunity to undertake an insight scheme at the firm's London offices, commencing in 2024.

Scheme dates: April 2024.

Apply here by 28 January 2024.

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

Apply here by 19 July 2024.

An opportunity to undertake an insight scheme at the firm, commencing in 2024.

Scheme dates: 2 April - 5 April 2024.

Apply here by 26 January 2024.

I have changed provider from BPP to COLP due to a couple of reasons.

Wanted to know if anyone has any experience with COLP or have enrolled to study from next month.

Hi guys,

I'm in a bit of a tricky situation and I've just been feeling a lil more stressed ever since those new visa salary reqs got released. Although it probably won't affect me as I've heard that I'll be qualified as a "new entrant", I still have some questions and probably need confirmation/reassurance

1. I'm currently in my final year studying the LLB, but I've chosen to do my LLM (SQE1+2) after I graduate, which gives me one more year to potentially secure vac schemes/TCs/work experience. Assuming I take the graduate visa after my LLM, will I be able to apply for paralegal roles and work full time in a firm as would any UK national? Would there be any restrictions or things I would have to look out for?

2. If I do work for 2 years as a paralegal, would that make me eligible to qualify as a solicitor in the UK? How would I go about applying to firms after I've had this "qualified" status?

3. If however, I do not secure anything, I'm struggling to see what I can do. I really do want to work in the UK once I'm qualified, but I feel like there's this constant barrier of firms having to be approved by the HO to sponsor work visas. Is there anywhere I can check that will help me find approved firms?

Sorry if this is so confusing but I'd appreciate anyone's help and advice!

Has anyone heard back from TLT and received an AC invitation yet?

I've heard that people have been receiving AC invites. I unfortunately have not received one yet (expecting a rejection) but I just wanted to know if people have actually received invites and when?

Hi TCLA!

It isn’t certain whether I will be kept on once I complete my TC in September. Its been suggested that I can qualify early (due to previous experience) if I find a job elsewhere in the meantime.

I am in the process of putting together a CV - does anyone know where I can find good examples, as there seems to be conflicting information what to include etc.

Grateful for any tips/advice/info