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Product launched by city-state to lure investors from offshore tax havens could be used for money laundering, says regulator
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Hi all,

I just progressed to the VI stage for CMS.

If anyone can give information and insights for the VI, that would be much appreciated! Even insights from last year’s VI would be great.

I’ve done a range of VIs and a few ACs to trade insights for, so feel free to ask for something in return!

I’m also Head of Careers for a university law society, so even if I don’t have the info, I’ll know someone that does!

Thanks a lot.

Hi, I am preparing an application for Shoosmiths’ training contract, and I would love some feedback on areas to improve on how I have written my work experience. The maximum word limit for Shoosmiths for each experience is 250. I have used below this word count in each experience. I would really appreciate any advice.


Legal Intern – Nazir Solicitors (September 2025 - October 2025)

During my three weeks at Nazir Solicitors, I gained experience in both the commercial property and immigration departments.

In the property department, I demonstrated strong drafting skills by supporting my supervising solicitor in preparing a contract for the sale of a commercial property. Following client instructions, I incorporated key provisions, including an exclusion clause, ensuring the document accurately reflected the client’s requirements. While reviewing the contract, I applied strong attention to detail to identify inconsistencies and errors. This task helped me understand the importance of precision in transactional work.

I also assisted the immigration team and used my legal research and case analysis skills to support a client’s appeal against the Home Office's refusal of their visit visa. I analysed caselaw R (Iran) v Secretary of State for the Home Department alongside the relevant provisions of Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor to produce convincing evidence for the client’s case. I summarised how legal principles applied to the client’s circumstances and presented my findings to the team. My research supported the preparation of a pre-action protocol letter supporting the appeal.

Overall, being entrusted with this level of responsibility gave me valuable insight into the importance of careful research and drafting in legal practice.



Peer Coach – University of Sheffield - January 2025 – May 2025

As a Peer Coach, I supported ten students in setting goals to improve their academic progress and personal well-being.

I organised and facilitated one-to-one coaching meetings in the setting preferred by the student, which created an environment where they felt comfortable discussing challenges. I used open-ended questioning and attentive listening to help students reflect on issues such as managing academic pressure while balancing multiple responsibilities.

I adapted my coaching approach to suit different student needs. For example, I adopted a more structured format for students who preferred to prepare topics for discussion in advance, while taking a flexible approach for those who wanted to explore issues as they arose during the session.

At the end of this experience, students were able to identify practical strategies to manage their workload and wellbeing. They also reported increased confidence in setting priorities and working towards their academic goals.



Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer - Forage Job Simulation: International Mergers.

I completed a job simulation on mergers and acquisitions where I conducted due diligence for a multinational resources company considering the acquisition of the third-largest mining company in Brazil. My task was to assess whether the client should proceed with the transaction and identify any legal or commercial risks.

To conduct the due diligence, I reviewed documents provided by the target company, which included reports on labour relations, loan agreements, and a record of environmental incidents. I analysed the loan documentation to understand the repayment obligations and determine whether it could create financial risks for the acquiring company. I also examined the labour relations report and assessed the stability of the workforce. In addition, I reviewed the environmental incidents and evaluated potential regulatory breaches and liability.

As a result, I identified high-risk issues including strained labour relations, significant loan repayment agreements and records of environmental incidents that could trigger regulatory scrutiny and legal liability. I concluded these risks needed to be addressed before the acquisition could proceed.

This experience mirrored the work that trainees undertake during corporate transactions, and strengthened my ability to conduct structured due diligence, analyse legal risks through a commercial lens, and provide practical advice to support informed business decisions.



Family Services Volunteer- Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact)- November to Current

I volunteer at Pact, where I provide relevant information to help families understand prison procedures and ensure successful visitations. This involves me explaining the visitation process and the rules individuals must follow in a clear and simple manner.

I also assist in planning and delivering activities designed to strengthen family relationships, such as family days, homework clubs, play activities and peer support groups. These initiatives help children cope with conflicting emotions from being separated from a loved one.

Through this role, I developed the ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds in a sensitive environment. I have learnt to adjust my tone to meet the unique needs of families, ensuring that information is clear, supportive, and accessible.


Domestic Assistant- Sheffield Hallam University - 2025 – Present

Alongside my studies, I work as part of the Estate and Facilities team responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness across the university environment. This role requires strong time management, prioritisation, and the ability to complete tasks efficiently within allocated timeframes.

Hi all! I've got my first ever interview for a TC next week, it is a mid-size UK firm and I'm not sure what to wear. I've got black slacks, a white button up top and some flats, would that be acceptable attire? Should I get a blazer? Thanks!

Hi All!

I am extremely glad to have come across this forum – it is literally a godsend. I have been spiraling for the past few weeks, reading about vac schemes, TCs, SQEs, etc. etc. etc. There’s just so much to grasp!!! Finding this forum and going through its posts has finally given me ample clarity to dissuade me from spiraling further.

A bit of my background - I am going to pursue my Master of Laws in Corporate Law from Durham University for the academic year 2026-27. I graduated with an LLB (corporate law specialisation) back in 2019 in another common law jurisdiction and have been working in corporate and commercial practice (M&A, PE/VC, and corporate advisory) for the past (almost) 6 years in top law firms of my country.

While I am now well-versed with the process of TC applications, I do have one doubt I have noticed that almost all the firms have opened applications for TCs commencing in 2028 (whereas I will be graduating in 2027), which are open for final year and penultimate students. Now my doubt is - whether I (as an LLM applicant) can apply for TCs now, even before starting with my LLM, or if I can only do so once I've graduated next year? I am afraid that once I graduate, the cycle for 2029/30 TCs will have begun, and I won't have a sufficient grace period for applications due to visa restrictions.

Anyway, I’m glad to be a part of this forum now! Sending positive energy to you all!


-Aayushi

Victims of Chinese crypto fraud fight to stop Treasury capturing inflated value of the currency
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Lawsuit also criticised law firm Skadden for advising both Intel and the government
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Forum Upgrade is Live

Hey everyone - we’ve upgraded the forum to the latest version.

This includes:

• Improved security
• Improved stability
• Snappier performance
• Better image handling and optimisation
• Support for newer sign-in methods (e.g., passkeys)
• Better foundation for future improvements and add-ons

Please note that this is a small upgrade before we redesign the forum.

Please reply to this thread if you notice anything that is not working as it should.

Hi guys, I have an AC for a direct training contract coming up in April. I was wondering if any members on the forum who are around London would be interested in organising an in-person mock group exercise? I did one last year and it was super helpful in converting to a vacation scheme.

Creditors allege in filings ahead of urgent court hearing that UK mortgage provider lent to connected parties
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Hello,

I am currently a first year undergraduate doing LLB law at University of Exeter. I plan on dropping out at the end of this year as I don't enjoy the atmosphere and think I could be a more serious applicant in the future if I take a gap year and reapply. Over the gap year I am aiming to complete some work experience (in-person and online), volunteering (nationally and internationally) and complete the LNAT in September. I would like to apply to Warwick, Bristol or UCL.

My A-level grades are:
A* - Sociology
A - Law
A - Spanish

My GCSE's are weaker, with mostly 5s and 6s, but I will retake English and Maths to make myself more competitive.

I will likely achieve 2:1s and 1sts in all my first year modules at Exeter.

Does this seem 1) plausible to enter another university as a first year undergraduate and 2) a viable path to improve my chances of achieving a TC in the future?

Hi all,

I recently applied to Farrer & Co (my dream firm) and was unfortunately immediately rejected at the application stage. I put a huge amount of effort and time into my application (detailed firm research, structured answers using the PEE method, and even conducted various coffee chats with current trainees to better understand the firm) so I felt it was one of my strongest submissions.

I’m now stumped on how to improve. Does anyone have experience with training contract application review services they’d recommend? I’m particularly interested in smaller-scale mentoring services rather than larger ones like Rare, which feel a bit inaccessible. Also, if there are any current Farrer trainees around, I’d appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I know many of you will soon start thinking about the next application cycle, so I thought it would be helpful to create a thread to collect the written application questions used by law firms in the 2025–26 recruitment cycle.

If you applied to any firms this cycle, it would be great if you could share the application questions you received. Over time, the aim is to build a resource that future applicants can use to start preparing their answers well in advance.

We’re really keen to include questions from all types of firms, so if you applied to any boutique, regional or high street firms, please feel free to share your questions as well.

If you’re able to contribute, please include:

• Firm name
• Programme (Vacation Scheme / Training Contract / Diversity Access Scheme)
• Recruitment cycle (ideally 2025–26, but feel free to share questions from the past two cycles)
• The application questions (as close to the original wording as possible)
• Word count limit (if applicable)

Even if you only remember one or two questions, that’s still really helpful!

Hi everyone

I have a Marriott Harrison assessment centre coming up (in-person). The invite mentions a group activity, a technical assessment, and an interview.

If anyone has attended recently, could you share:

• What was the technical assessment (written/email task, issue spotting, proofreading, etc.), and what was the rough timing?
• What was the group task format (case discussion/prioritisation/presentation), and what worked well?
• Interview style/themes (competency + motivation, commercial, disputes/VC focus)?

Any practical tips would be much appreciated, thank you!

Hello,

What are your tips for balancing your applications preparation and your studies effectively and reasonably? Both are time-consuming, which I completely understand, but I have found it challenging to make very good applications and get very good grades. My concern is to spend too much time on applications at the expenses of my studies and vice versa. There is so much uncertainty about applications. I am also wondering how many applications I 'should' make during a recruitment cycle without compromising my studies; I am fully aware of the fact that quality should be prioritised over quantity and the crucial importance of tailored and genuine applications.

@Jaysen @Amma Usman @Daniel Boden May I please ask whether you would be happy to share your thoughts on this?

Many thanks.

Upcoming asset sales are expected to yield as little as $200mn to pay off debt pile of more than $12bn
Law

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For drivers under 21, the state has a zero-tolerance policy. The BAC limit is .01, not .08. Essentially, any detectable alcohol can result in charges. One drink could put a young driver over this threshold.

The consequences include license suspension, fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs. For young people who need to drive to school or work, losing driving privileges creates real problems.

For those in this situation, consulting with an underage DUI lawyer NJ makes sense. These cases have specific procedures and potential consequences that differ from standard DWI charges.

Something else worth considering – some defense attorneys previously worked as prosecutors before switching to defense work. A former prosecutor DUI lawyer NJ has seen these cases from the other side. They understand how the state evaluates evidence and builds cases, which can inform the defense approach.

Parents dealing with this situation are understandably stressed. Getting accurate information early helps everyone understand what's actually at stake and what options exist. Free consultations are typically available at most firms.

Regional lender files lawsuit against investment bank in New York state court on Friday
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Hi all, I am a career changer who initially went through the GDL/LPC/TC route to qualification, starting this whole journey in 2019.

Due to COVID and some family commitments, I left the UK in 2020 and completed by LPC during the lockdown period. Since then I have been working as part of an in-house legal team in corporate of an international company headquartered overseas.

I have been with this company now for almost 3 years, working on many corporate and commercial legal matters, and really being deeply embedded in all legal related goings-on in the business.

I now wish to restart my qualification journey via QWE. I believe my experience is acceptable, however I am now questioning if I can find anyone suitable to certify my QWE.

For clarity, it will need to be someone external to my company, and although I have SRA solicitors in my network, I'm not certain what is the process or etiquette in this situation. Can anyone who has been in my situation please advise what they did?

Thank you all in advance!

Case could influence wider legal questions about how long-term risks apply to fiduciary duties
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Banco Master’s Daniel Vorcaro detained amid allegations of illegal surveillance and intimidation of critics
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Does anyone have any idea when we will hear back about our submissions?

I'm planning on applying for a full-time research analyst role at chambers and partners but I don't know if it will be useful in my journey for a training contract. Or should I focus on getting a part time retail job so I have time for applications? Or paralegal roles if I can find any? Really lost.