New Threads

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

Location: Bristol

Scheme dates: 3 - 14 June / 17 - 28 June 2024.

Apply here by 12 January 2024.

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

Location: Bristol

Scheme dates: 15 - 26 April 2024.

Apply here by 12 January 2024.

--

Location: Edinburgh

Scheme dates: 8 - 12 April 2024.

Apply here by 12 January 2024.

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

Scheme dates: 17 - 28 June and 15 - 26 July 2024.

Apply here by 23 February 2024.

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

Scheme dates: 2 - 12 April 2024.

Apply here by 23 January 2024.

Hi all,

I am in a rather specific situation as I am reapplying for Ashurst. My last application in 2022 was unsuccessful and I was not invited to an interview. I am making a new application for the 2024 Summer Internship programme after getting two new work experiences at a pro-bono clinic and a paralegal firm. I also got some expert advice on writing a persuasive application so I am feeling more confident than last year.

There remains a problem which I would love to hear your thoughts. I know that Ashurst is quite unique in the way that applicants are asked to complete a Cognify psychometric test. I read somewhere that I can only take the test once every 12 months. I am eligible to apply again since it is a new application season but I did the test last year in December, so technically I can't complete another test right now. I heard that what will happen is that I will be using the same old result again in my application.

Is there a way I can take a new test? I remember my previous test result wasn't too satisfactory so I would appreciate it if I will be given a new chance. Or should I wait until December when the one-year period expires? (Even though I know Ashurst is 'non-rolling'.)

Hello this is my first post

I know this is still a long way down the line but I am first year Law student at Royal Holloway and most of the Firms I want to apply to for TCs later on usually give it to people that have gone to Russel Group Universities or Oxbridge

Should I do a masters at a Russel Group University after I graduate?

Hi all,

I've just finished my Latham & Watkins October open day application (submitted form and SJT).

Just wondering how others in a similar position feel it went? This was definitely the most challenging open day application I've ever submitted, so I'm not feeling overly optimistic.

Hello everyone. I've been scouring this forum for a couple of hours now and am therefore a bit embarrassed to post due to my query. However, for the most part this does seem like a safe space, so here goes:

I graduated from UEA back in 2010 with a Ba (Hons) in Film & Media. My result was a 2:2

Do I have any hope of getting on a PgDL course? And later some kind of SQE prep course before sitting the SQE1 & SQE2 exams?

I'm 36 and after 10 years of living in Dubai (and an upcoming divorce!) I wish to relocate back to the UK permanently and start on the road to becoming a solicitor.

It's something I've always had an interest in, and despite not having worked properly in the field, I did take 2 of my past employers to court here in Dubai as a self-represented litigant (and won both times!) so at the very least I feel as if I do have a little bit of a knack for it.

Please be kind as I know my degree subject, result, and age might not be the best launching pad, but I still wish to know if I have a chance of changing my life.

Thank you!

Please explain your motivations for pursuing a career as a commercial solicitor and why you think Norton Rose Fulbright would be a good match for you (Maximum 750 words).*

Generally, id approach this as 1) Why am I interested in commercial law? 2) Why I would be well-suited for corporate law 3) Why NRF. However, the way this question is phrased makes me think I should skip why I'd be well suited??

Any help here is appreciated

Hi

Does anyone have any tips for the Simmons blended assessment please? Especially the VI portion, not sure what to prepare... thanks so much!

Hi all,

I'm about to start drafting my cover letter for Slaughter and May's winter vacation scheme, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what needs to be included for a strong application? I've read what the firm wants us to include, but if anyone has more detail to offer, I would really appreciate it!

Hi,

I am an incoming year 3 law student (final year) at a Russell Group uni in London. I received my module grades recently and my grades overall were fairly okay, as I averaged a 66 (compared with a 62.75 in first year). However, I have a really poor 2.1 in my contract law module and only scrapped a first in one module. All my grades are 2.1 though. I just realised I am pretty poor with timed tests (whereas I do really well with coursework which unfortunately has a way smaller weighting in exams) which does drag my score down.

Currently, I am aiming for MC (particularly A&O) and US firms (Skadden, Davis Polk etc.). Do you think I have a shot with these firms or am I being too ambitious? Seeing that most of my alumni in these firms either having awards for being top scorers in their cohort / have completed the Oxford BCL, it does make me feel a lot more anxious to apply. Sorry, I know this has been asked so many times before already but I just want an honest opinion on this!

For further information, I don't have any mitigating circumstances besides completing my first year during the pandemic. I do have really strong ECs (leadership position in school societies + mooting experience) if that helps.

Thanks in advance!

Dear @Jessica Booker, @WillkieGemma & other senior mentors,

Increasingly, most of the firms are exclusively recruiting via VS. Now, given that most of the VS are clustered around the same dates (April for Spring VS and June for Summer VS), even if one were to theoretically qualify for 10 VSs, one would only be able to attend two or three due to date clashes. This greatly reduces the hit ratio of conversion to TCs. Due to high competition, if one is unsuccessful in conversion, one has to start all over again the next year. This looks like a big problem as lots of effort goes down the drain, not to talk about its mental health effects. Have I articulated it right? Is there a strategy to go around it? E.g. will firms consider bypassing the assessment centre for a direct TC interview? Any other creative ideas in case one is not able to attend a VS due to a clash? I would hate to decline a VS.

Secondly, if one has not attended a VS due to a clash, for firms that have an exclusive gateway through VS, will they welcome a direct TC application next year since one has already gone through the laborious process the previous year?

On the face of it, it looks like an extremely inefficient system to me and I wish the industry acknowledged it and coordinated to spread the schemes better across June, July and August.

Any guidance will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi,

How does one go about finding training contracts in house. A simple google search doesn't seem to show much- is there any other way of finding such job postings?

Hello!

I am a future trainee solicitor and a new member of TCLA! I actually never knew of TCLA during my TC journey but wish I had after seeing the amount of resources on here.

The platform was recommended to me by a friend who said that members may benefit from insights from a future trainee. If you have any questions send me a message!

Hi,

I've been offered two roles:

1 is a Collections advisor role in a flagship firm in Derby that's growing quickly. And the other is a paralegal role with potential to become a trainee, but it is in a very small firm with about 5 people.

I'm confused which to go for. I am currently a part time lpc student. And I just want some advice - any is appreciated.

Thank you!

Hi. So I have defaulted on two payments (one on a student overdraft account and one on a phone contract). It has been a couple of years and I am currently in the process of settling these two defaults. They are both on my credit report and I have a low credit score. How will this effect my chances of meeting the SRA's character and suitability?

Hi guys,
I was wondering if any of you know of any opportunities for non-law first years? Any sort of internships or schemes? With req of ABB or less? I couldn't find any so far.

Hi all,
I have received my A level results but I'm a bit disappointed as I have not achieved my desired results. I achieved ABB, and I'm starting 1st year at UoB(Birmingham). Do I even have a decent shot at securing a TC at a MC or US firm, those with requirements of ABB or lower, like CC, linklaters?.

International applicants - this ones for you!​

If you're planning to go down the SQE route, but you aren't sure how this would work for you as an international applicant, let us put your mind at ease.

In this live webinar, we will be joined by @College of Legal Practice team to discuss:

️ What the SQE means for you as an international applicant;

️ Visa requirements and qualifying work experience; and

️ Successful case studies from international applicants.

This is completely free and open to everyone, all you need to do is register for the session here.​

Come along and ask any questions that you may have around the SQE in a supportive environment. I look forward to seeing you there!

Hi everyone, Erin here! How are you finding the beginning of this new cycle?

I'm jumping in the forum today to talk directly to our international applicants.

With the 2023/24 cycle now underway, I want to remind you that we understand the extra pressures that come along with being an international applicant.

You face visa restrictions, limited access to vacation schemes, and I know being outside of the 'London bubble' can make this training contract journey feel even harder.

You may be feeling isolated. You may feel like no one around you understands what you're going through. You may have nowhere to turn to for help.

Please know that we are here, we care, and we want to do everything we can to make this process as stress free as possible for you.​

If you're planning to go down the SQE route, but you aren't sure how this would work for you as an international applicant, let us put your mind at ease.

'The SQE for International Applicants'​

with​

The College of Legal Practice​

-​

26 September 2023 at 6pm.​

Feeling a little lost when it comes to the SQE? You're not alone! In this live webinar, we will be joined by @College of Legal Practice team to discuss:

️ What the SQE means for you as an international applicant;

️ Visa requirements and qualifying work experience; and

️ Discuss successful case studies from international applicants.

This is completely free and open to everyone, all you need to do is register for the session here.​

Come along and ask any questions that you may have around the SQE in a supportive environment.

Have questions in the meantime? Feel free to post them in response to this thread!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Erin

Hi

I know SA is not appropriate for applications as per Jessica's advise on not abbreviating Gibson Dunn. So, should we call Sidley or Sidley Austin?

Thanks

An opportunity to undertake a vacation scheme at the firm, commencing in 2023.

Scheme dates: 4 – 15 December 2023.

Apply here by 31st October 2023.

An opportunity to undertake a vacation scheme at the firm, commencing in 2023.

Scheme dates: 11 - 22 December 2023.

Apply here by 31 October 2023.

An opportunity to undertake a vacation scheme at the firm, commencing in 2023.

Scheme dates: 4 - 9 December 2023.

Apply here by 31 October 2023.