New Threads

Hi guys,

I did my GDL in 2020 and I've worked at a couple of rubbish firms since then. When applying for jobs at decent firms, it helps to be someone recruiters are familiar with, and going to an open day allows for that. My question is, are open days just for people new to law such as students and people who just graduated, or can anyone go to an open day even if they've been working in law for a few years now?

I have considered applying to open days, but I'm a bit anxious about being out of place there as someone who has a fair amount of work experience. It would be reassuring to hear of anyone in a similar situation who is still attending open days.

Thanks so much for any help you can provide xx

Really keen to get some advice on this issue I've had with one of my applications.

Submitted an application before the midnight deadline for a VS (non-rolling application). Re-read through the application after submitting and everything's on there perfectly except for the work experience section - all but two of my work experiences are missing. I am certain I inputted this info but it's not there, I don't know if this is because of a technical error or because I didn't save it, I don't remember. I've had issues before with other applications where I have pressed save and it hasn't gone through. Point is 6 work experiences are missing from this form.

Luckily I notice that the application form in question allows you to add additional info past the submission and deadline (only to the qualifications and work experience sections, not for long answer questions) and of course I have drafted my whole application in the format of the form in a google doc so all I do is copy and paste it into this 'additional information for work experience' and submit it. I did this right away (middle of the night at this point) to avoid any impression I was 'buying myself time' to write more of my application past the deadline. Also immediately sent an email to graduate recruitment explaining the situation.

Now have checked again this 'additional info' I have submitted and it's all in one huge unreadable block of text instead of how I submitted it, with double line spaces between experiences. There was zero option to preview the formatting before submitting it. Of course don't know if that's how it appears on their end, but it does on mine.

So have sent ANOTHER email to graduate recruitment re-explaining the situation, attaching a correctly formatted pdf summary of my work experience. All exactly the same info as on my application form, just actually readable. Additionally made sure to give my sincere apologies for any confusion, I hope my application can still be considered in light of these genuine technical issues etc etc.

Just still very worried my application will get binned due to poor formatting and with the multiple emails making me appear disorganised. I can understand that from a recruiter's perspective, seeing one application with weird unreadable formatting when they have 100s to get through doesn't work in my favour. All I can hope is that my email is seen before they get to my application so that a readable version of my form is on hand right away.

Any advice at all? Just very frustrated with myself as this was one of my top firms

Hi everyone, has anybody heard back from HL in regards to AC for summer vac scheme. I have heard that a few people are now receiving AC invites and I have not received a response yet

I did Watson Glaser in mid December for context. Anybody who has been invited to AC please let me know (and also been rejected so I know what my chances are looking like.)

Thank you!!

I have just received a Video Interview for Kirkland and Ellis' vacation scheme.

Does anyone know if they offer this to everyone, and secondly- any tips on preparation for this would be amazing!!!

thank you!

Hi everyone

The anxiety from VS apps kept me up so I decided to open this thread! I thought about creating this thread in November but it would be too embarrassed cuz i didn't submit any apps back then lol.

I am an LLB graduate currently working as a paralegal. It's my second year on the graduate visa so the clock is ticking! If any fellow international students has questions re graduate visa/paralegal works feel free to dm me! More than happy to help : )

This is my fourth cycle applying to VS/TC and I'm really hoping to land something this year. Here are the ones I have so far.

Gowling - VI invite
PwC - VI invite
Taylor Wessing - WG invite
CMS - PFO
Eversheds - VI invite
Simmons - Submitted
Fieldfisher - Submitted

and a few more to come

Some Firms I decided to apply for Direct TC

Ashurst (not the biggest fan of their orange logo pls bring the old one back )
Addleshaw
TLT
Dentons
Shoosmiths
Farrer & Co

Wish everyone best of luck with their applications this cycle!

Hi all,

was wondering if anyone had any insight on doing the MA Law conversion at the University of Law?

I'm considering it, but I'm unsure about whether it will do anything to help my prospects. Of course, the main reason I am considering it is to gain knowledge as a non-law student, but I just wanted to know if anyone here has done it and has any advice/insight to offer regarding the course's helpfulness!

Hi! I am currently submitting applications for Summer Vacation Schemes and a few of them ask you to talk about any Open Days or events that you attended, but as someone who goes to university in the US and therefore, is out of the UK the majority of the time, I haven't been able to go to any either in person and/or online. What do I write in the section where it asks me to talk about events/open days I haven't attended? I am slightly worried this will hurt my application, but not entirely sure what I can do at this point.

Would really appreciate any advice!

Hi everyone,

This may come across as a bit of a silly question, but I am struggling to find out who the Training Principal I have to address Davis Polk's cover letter to is? There are a few people who work under the same recruiter's email so do I just address it to Graduate Recruitment?

Thank you!

RPC Watson Glaser test sent on the 28th Dec and needs to be completed by the 4th. If anyone has any experience with this test or could share any insights / tips that would be v appreciated

I am applying to TLT's Vac Scheme and I am a little confused on how to approach and structure this question:

"The TLT values are at the core of everything we do. Which of TLT’s 5 values are most important when working with our clients? (250 Words)"

TLT's values are: Go beyond expectation, Challenge convention, Work side-by-side, Be open and inclusive, and Drive sustainable action.

Some advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

With the introduction of the SQE, is doing the LPC in 2024 a bad idea?

I am struggling to talk about a private client work a law firm did because there isn't much details about it, they only talk about the nature of the work e.g X firm advised a Internationally mobile family from India who lived in Dubai in a multi-jurisdictional succession planning. I do have points I can say about the firms strength on this but I'm worried that what I'm going to say will sound speculative.Can someone let me know how to go about writing about my interest in Private Client work or if I should even mention the recent work?

Hi, I'm a non-law final year student at uni of Manchester. I've only really properly started researching law and a legal career this academic year, so I am a bit behind the schedule of this application season, but this forum is very helpful. My plan is to do my best this round but focus on my uni work, and then next year properly go for it with hopefully good uni grades.

For the applications I am doing, I was wondering if I should worry about a very low mark 1st year of uni? I got ~50 in 1st year but 64.7 in 2nd and am averaging 78 (based off of only 1 module mark though!) so far in 3rd. Tbh, I just didn't work in 1st year and knew that it didn't count towards my degree. I have all A*s at A level, maybe that will balance it out.

For TLTs VS application, they say "Please list your undergraduate modules and scores:". Could I just list my second and third year modules and take this question to mean all relevant modules that count towards your degree, or are they clearly asking for all my module scores?

Thank you & any advice appreciated.

Hi! I'm prepping for the HSF assessment centre and am a non-law student. I've been throughly researching the firm to bulk up my answers for the interview and have a few questions.

1. I was wondering if anyone knew which clients HSF secconds to? I can't find this information online

2. The website says trainees rotate through 4 seats out of dispute resolution, corporate, finance, competition, regulation and trade, IP, employment, pensions and incentives and tax. How well do we need to know these areas for a vacscheme interview? Additionally I don't know enough about law to know which 4 I would pick

3. I also wanted to ask, does M&A activity fall under corporate? But on the website corporate lists corporate governance and funds and wealth and M&A is listed separately

4. Do I need to list examples only from the London office or can I draw from their expertise in other offices around the world, particularly as they are big on seccondments to other offices.

Thank you! Any help would be appreciated, this is my first assessment centre and I haven't studied law!

Hi,
Does anyone know if it's good to answer questions like 'Why X firm' by focusing on their diversity & inclusion programmes / pro bono / environmental consciousness?

Hello everyone!

I'm an international student currently pursuing an undergraduate law degree at a university outside the UK. My program covers a broad spectrum, including comparative law (encompassing both civil and common law jurisdictions), European law, and international law. My aspiration is to work in a law firm in London.

I understand the challenges I face as an international student who hasn't studied in the UK and being a good, though not "exceptional", student grade-wise. Despite this, I have some notable extracurricular activities and work experience, including a role as a consultant in my university's legal clinic, which I believe adds value to my profile.

This year, I've begun applying to training contracts at various law firms. However, I'm aware that my chances might be limited due to my background. The most feasible path seems to be securing a training contract that includes sponsorship, considering the current visa requirements.

I'm keen to explore all possible avenues to work in the UK and would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Are there alternative options I should consider if securing a training contract doesn't work out?

Additionally, I'm very interested in hearing from or about international students who, without prior studies in the UK, managed to secure a training contract. It would be especially encouraging to learn about those who, like me, aren't necessarily top-ranking students but have still succeeded in this endeavor.

Thank you so much for your time and any guidance you can offer!

Hi, I have been asked this question: As an independent UK firm what do you think are the main challenges and opportunities that Burges Salmon could face over the next five years?

Just wondering if you know what an independent law firm is and if I should refer / acknowledge this in my answer? Or is this just a law firm like any other. @Jessica Booker

Hi,

I am posting here as I am in a bit of a conundrum. I am supposed to start my SQE with BPP in February which is starting in February 2024, however over the Holidays I have been informed that my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Albeit not at a severe stage with very high chance of recovery in the next 6-12 months after surgery + chemotherapy/radiotherapy, I am thinking of potentially asking my firm to delay my SQE start date for the next intake in September 2024.

I am not from the UK and neither are my parents so it is not easy and quick to go back home often and I feel that given the timeframe for the SQE prep we were given, I would benefit from delaying my start date. The only thing is it is a bit last minute (start date is around mid/end Feb), so do you think there is a chance my firm will agree? My dad is also not the easiest to deal with and has been very secretive/isolating himself about it so I am unsure as to how I would be able to provide evidence of my dad's illness to the firm if that were required so I am quite unsure how to go about it.

I appreciate anyone's help about the above.
Many thanks

Hello I have a question which might sound silly but I’m genuinely curious!
What does the abbreviation “TC” stand for? As it is used in so many different questions and threads in also so many different contexts.

Thank you in advance.

Hey everyone!

I received my A-Level results in August 2023 and was disappointed with my results, which were A*BBC. I ended up missing my place to study law at a RG university, and decided I didn't want to settle through clearing. I've reapplied through UCAS and I'm currently re-sitting my A-Levels for the 2024 examinations. Does anybody know how this will impact my applications to law firms in the future? I understand that many law firms, especially the magic circle ones, do not look favourably upon those who have resat their A-Levels. I don't have any serious mitigating circumstances either. I know it's silly to think so far ahead in the future, but this is something that is worrying me

Hi everyone!

I have received an offer for HL's commercial awareness scheme, which guarantees a spot on the assessment centre for a direct TC/VS. This means I am expected to go to their London office for three days over Jan,Feb and March to attend talks and network with trainees. Please could you advise on the best way to prepare for this? I am not sure what to even expect! Thank you!

Is this TC suitable for career changers with no law qualifications/ experience. It's not clear, but judging by the timeliness, I'm wondering if it's for people with a law qualification already

Hi everyone! I am currently applying to Clyde & Co's Middle East TC and I do not know where to post my university/ high school grades. Under the 'Academics' section there are only two big text boxes for PGDL and LPC grades (I have not done either). Should I just list my university courses and my grades under either one of those? Can anyone who already completed their application help me out on this?

Thanks in advance!

Hi

Does anyone know if we need to type or handwrite our response for the Dechert written exercise (not during the AC, but it's a virtual assessment)? If it is handwritten, does it need to be scanned and uploaded?

Thanks,

Good Afternoon,

I have a question that I would like some advice on whether it personal or professional.

I am really struggling to gain any type of legal job specifically paralegal work, I admit my academic record is a bit hit and miss, my epilepsy has caused problems with exams and ended up withdrawing from my LPC both for health and another reason. I always get responses from firms with no substantive feedback, I know they are dealing with excessive applicants and I understand that. However, if I do not know what went wrong or what they really need I am not going to improve, and could find myself going round in circles.

Therefore, I am wondering whether to take my original route for law qualification. During college I really wanted to study in America and qualify in the US. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to NYU and Berkeley in California, however, this did not work out as I was deemed not disadvantaged to gain financial help (single parent household). So, I made the hard decision to withdraw from the universities for this reason as it was way too expensive for the duration and completed law school here. but not as prestigious to those. Looking at my situation now, I am determining whether to take the leap and start studing for the American bar, but still deciding which as I planed to see whether or not I could pass the NY Bar once there and vice versa.

This would result, if I pass the bar and their character test like ours, I would be a qualified US lawyer but not a UK lawyer (eligible for NY bar not the CA) and wondered whether this would be impressive and help me stand out? The route to being dual-qualified something I have always desired to be will mean I have qualified in reverse order; US qualfied --> UK qualified. I am aware I will be still required to the take SQE and if not gained in the US, the QWE part of qualification here. The focus I have is the QWE and using that with SQE, but also have advantages of already having a qualification so I can do cross-board transactions. I hope to work in-house with the tech giants but I am aware in my circumstances, I cannot be narrow minded rather opening my options.

Thanks for reading, again I am open to advice or even opinions on this decision.
Ellie Branagh