New Threads

Heya, so I applied for a Slaughters TC as a graduate over the weekend. I wanted also to get insight and experience through the workshop. I want to know if I can also apply to the workshop - given it's the same application process should I change anything i.e. cover letter or CV? They seem to ask for the exact same things regarding commercial trainee aptitude, why law, why Slaughters etc. Would I be hindered by any chance for the TC application if I apply? Thanks very much in advance

I did two vacation schemes last summer but didn't get any TCs from both. Both firms are well-known for taking in a lot of VS students and that really makes me lose my confidence in applications. I am worried that if I get invited to an AC and they figure out I haven't gotten any TCs, they might think I am not capable.

Hi, I am international and due to start my TC in Sept 2025. I was on a Graduate Visa from 2021- early 2023 before I switched to my current Skilled Worker Visa. I planned to do the LLM SQE full time from Sept 2024 - Sept 2025 with Uni of Law under a Student Visa before I start the TC in Sept 2025 under a Skilled Worker Visa. There is an overlap of about a month between the end of course date and start of employment (“overlap”).

Earlier this year, I was told by ULaw that the whilst the end date appears to conflict with my start date with the firm, my start date in the office does not overlap with the course - Teaching concludes in July 2025 and I will have coursework assessments to complete in late July/early Aug 2025. Following the submission of this coursework I will be required to attend a 30 min online viva (oral presentation) in Sept 2025 to be questioned on the content of one of my coursework submissions. It appears that this takes a short time and I will be given notice in advance so I can notify the team I’ll be working with in the office.

Having being told this, I made plans to start the course as planned in Sept 2024 and to continue with my current employment until then so I can have more time to save up to help support myself during the year of study. This is important to me because while I appreciate the firm’s support in providing a maintenance grant and a small loan, I am concerned about the increased cost of living and increase in visa and immigration fees (The firm is is not helping with the Student Visa costs). Based on my calculated projections, which factors in planned reductions in expenses such as rent and other living costs, I have come to the realisation that managing finances may present certain challenges.

Last week, the firm got in touch with me saying there might be a problem if I were to start the LLM SQE in Sept 2024 due to the overlap. They told me that I should start the LLM SQE earlier in March 2024. That was when I was made aware of the recent immigration rule changes that the employment start date for the Skilled Worker Visa Certificate of Sposorship (CoS) cannot be earlier than the end date of my course. I did some research and came across rule ST26.6 which says seemingly says that I can start the TC in Sept 2025 under my Student Visa anyway. (See Appendix Student, Paragraph ST 26.6: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/appendix-student)

I feel disheartened because I had already worked out a financial plan that would enable me to support myself (in addition to the firm's maintenance grant) during my studies according to old timelines. I also made a lot of important personal plans which would be impacted if I have to start the SQE earlier than planned.


Has anyone got any advice as to what I can do to start my studies as planned in Sept 2024? I intend to do the SQE full time so that I can concentrate on my studies.

Hi guys,

I hope you are all well.

I am currently doing the preparation for SQE 2 and in real need of a buddy to practice the oral skills. Preferably you are a Barbri SQE 2 prep student as well.

We can parctice advocacy and client interviewing together.

DM me if sounds good to you.

Thanks.

Hi

Is it ok to mentioned full name "Gibson Dunn (GD)" for the first time in the application and mention only GD from then on ? or is it considered cheeky ?

Thanks

Hi @Jessica Booker , @WillkieGemma ,

Say I have graduated from my LLB at the end of 2023 and pursuing a self-funded SQE ALONG with a paralegal job while applying for VS/TCs in the 2023-24 cycle for TCs commencing Sept 2026,
1. Will the firms negatively view my attempt to self-fund SQE , and/or
2. If am successful (and assuming I pass both SQEs myself) , can I treat 2024-25 as a gap year and do whatever I like in that year OR are most firms likely to ask me to join their preferred course again ?
Sorry if it sounds confusing
Thanks.

Hi

I am really interested in structured finance and derivatives. I have been trying my best to understand the sector and it’s been weirdly enjoyable.
However most things I read are from finance experts / scholars and not the legal side.
It’s quite difficult finding information about what lawyers do in those transactions and how they add value specifically. Does anyone have any experience or know any books/resources to gain a bit more insight?

I see that links, A&O and CC are both strong in those practice areas but how can I find out if they do just standard CLO stuff or more bespoke structuring?
If anyone has any insight I’d really appreciate it. A US law firm perspective would also be really helpful.

Thank you in advance

Hi I’ve come across a few revision guides/notes for the SQE 1 - namely being:

- Revise SQE
- Law Answered SQE notes
- Brigitte Notes

And I was wondering what people recommended/have had the best experience with or if there’s any other ones I haven’t mentioned that people recommend.

Many thanks

Hi
As a penultimate year law student, I am looking to divide my applications between VS and direct TCs. For TC applications, what is the minimum bar for legal experience that firms expect ? I did 2 continuous weeks of full time internship in small law firm (in Yorkshire) during summer. Apart from that I volunteer as a social media assistant for a small law firm as well as a couple 2 week law internships during high school. That's about it. Will my direct TC application be binned ?

Thanks.

Hi guys,

I’m an international student applying for training contracts. I understand that I need to do the SQE prior to my actual training contract. I’m currently doing an LLM at UCL and previously completed the BPTC.

What visa would I be under if I secure a TC and am sponsored by the firm for the SQE? Would it be skilled worker or student?

If it is student, would I be able to get a student visa to study for the SQE? My concern is that I would be doing a third masters level course, and with the UKVI’s academic progression requirements.

I would really appreciate any help in this.

Hello!

I'm currently applying for a vacation scheme, and for the "tell us about yourself" section, I'm unsure whether or not to include that I love reading. I'm going into my final year of an English Literature degree, so it's all related of course. But I'm just a bit unsure as to if it's relevant to talk about my passion of books, and if it is, how to talk about it in a way that would make my application stronger.

I would really appreciate any feedback!!

I believe that I may have failed my LLM element of Law Foundations Course at BPP, and I had a few questions regarding next steps. At present I don't intend on resitting the Professional Project (if I don't have to), and would like to know more about the interim exit award (the PGDL). Therefore I was wondering whether there would be any evidence that I failed the Professional Project on either my transcript or diploma certificate.

I am also interested in knowing whether there are any ramifications with the SRA for failing the Professional Project as there are with failure of the core PGDL modules. I did particularly well in my PGDL, and would not mind graduating with it; I would however be relatively annoyed if the LLM element of the course tarnished my qualification in any way.

I’ve recently qualified and I’m working with a law firm who have a strong presence in banking, bridging finance and secured lending. I thoroughly enjoyed these transactions on my training so I’m excited to get more experience and specialise on these as a Solicitor

In terms of a longer term career goal, I’d like to consider moving in house with a bank or financial institution. The thought of colleagues being the client, you’re working closely with underwriters as team will bring different challenges and pressures but the billable hour, pledges and being a business source isn’t something I think my heart’s set on (at this stage as it’s sensible to reassess at 1-2 PQE+)

Are there any thoughts in the TCLA junior law community about moving in house, working as legal counsel for banks, the process for making the jump etc?

Hello,

I am an international student who recently completed my LPC in July. Currently, I'm in the process of applying for a graduate visa, and I expect to receive the results next month.

I have a question regarding whether it's advisable for me to apply for a vacation scheme or a training contract. The typical TC start date is two years away in 2026, which coincides with the end of my graduate visa.

From my research, it appears that vacation schemes in any case are really for people who are still doing their legal studies; they are not usually aimed at people who have already passed the LPC.

I have limited legal work experience and haven't participated in any vacation schemes previously. I am considering applying to Slaughter and May; however, I can only choose between a vacation scheme or a direct TC application due to the rolling basis.

Does anyone have any advice on the best course of action in my situation?

Thank you.

In two of the final stage ACs I reached last year, one at a firm I plan to reapply for in October, I was let down mainly by my performance in a proofreading markup exercise, part of the exercise also involved reading through a large amount of text to then check whether this had been conveyed appropriately in the email.

I wonder if anyone has any suggestions as to how I could improve, as I wouldn't like to make the same mistakes the second time around!!

Education:

Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow, Russia (2022)

Bachelor in Law (Upper Second Class Honours, 2:1, no particular specialization, non-core studied disciplines (minors) - management and marketing.)

Thesis title “The Interim Results and Tendencies of Further Development of the Pension Reform in Russia”



Employment

July 2022 – September 2022 (firm dealing with intellectual property, included in the Law-300 rating of Russia), Moscow, Russia

Paralegal/Associate

• Preparation of pre-trial claims and lawsuits through clients owning various intellectual property objects
• Detection of intellectual property violators (mainly counterfeit stores) and suing compensations.

December 2022 – present (LLP, engaged in logistics and customs clearance of goods), Almaty, Kazakhstan

Assistant of the Legal Department Head

• Author genuine pre-trial claims and lawsuits, correction of agreements with contractors
• Dealing with receivables, due diligence of potential clients and contractors
• Handling of cargo insurance issues
• Issuing typical contracts for transportation, forwarding services, customs representation, storage in various warehouses, services related to storage
• Participation in state and non-state tenders

* I am expecting a promotion to the position of a lawyer by November of this year, because I have been given only positive feedback from management. At the same time, my boss is going to hand over a considerable part of his duties to me due to the emigration planned.

Other activities:

• Internship, 2 weeks (2021)
• The Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law (translation of legal work about the Digital law).
• Internship, 1 month (2021)
• The Moscow district court, the criminal office (assisting in the court apparatus)
• Participation in The International Practical Conference on Labour Law (2021)

Languages:

• English (up to IELTS completion, at least 6.5-7.0), knowledge in English for Law purposes.
• French (A2).

Enquiry:

It is planned to move to the UK: the exact dates are not yet clear, but migration is scheduled for the next year. I consider options for both work and study but without changing the professional environment. Hence, the following questions have arisen:

• It is not clear how employers will treat such an applicant as I am – as far as I understand, a paralegal can work without a legal education, but could you describe what is the reality? The bachelor’s degree in law is recognized in the UK, but how will it be regarded there?
• What is the best thing to do considering my circumstances – to look for a job or to get an education first?
• To consider the way of education, a large variable problem opens up: if I go to university, what step should I choose as an overseas young lawyer – for a master's degree 1 year (LLM) or GDL?

I will have a right to work in the UK as my partner’s dependant but can’t qualify for home education fees for 3 years. If I went to the university, fees would be a very important point to consider as it is difficult to knock off the cost - scholarships are less than 10% of the cost of a year of study.

I will be glad if you share your ideas and insights on my situation. It is vital to hear the opinion of someone involved in the law field in the UK, especially in education. Thank you in advance!

Best wishes,

Yury Bulatov.

Does anyone know if the Latham vac scheme is paid? I might not be looking in the right places but can’t seem to find any info on their website

Hello
During Video Interviews, does a stopwatch appear on the screen while preparing and speaking ? Or do we have to use own stop watch ?.
Thanks

Hey all!

Hope you're keeping well and application season is going well too. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the University of London Law LLB degree or the University of Law online LLB starting in Jan 2024 and whether firms see it as on par with campus taught degrees. I'm currently at a Russell Group Uni going into my third year with a 2.1 average but I'm thinking about switching. Anybody gone through anything similar. Thank you in advance!

I would like to train at a City firm but have no opportunity to move from Leeds where I’m currently based (family reasons). Is it possible for any City firms to fund my GDL and SQE which would both be completed fully remotely?

I am a recent non-law grad from a Russell Group university. My final degree classification has not been confirmed due to the strikes, but I will receive either a high 2.1 or a first

I have been applying to paralegal roles since I graduated at the start of summer. I have not found any success - maybe due to the fact I do not have any law qualifications...?

I am considering self-funding the PGDL, starting in January, and applying to TCs from now, onwards. I have never applied to TCs before, as I previously wanted to pursue the bar.

I would really appreciate some advice. I am not sure if I am good enough to be trying for a TC. Scared about self-funding the PGDL - what if I don't get any offers!

Anyone in a similar position or have any advice? Would appreciate it so much.

Hi all,

I am a final-year law student who is rather confused about my eligibility to apply to the MoFo vacation scheme. On their recruitment site, it states:

"If you are currently a law student, you should apply in the penultimate year of your law degree."

I am unsure as to whether this means I cannot apply, or whether I will be disadvantaged in applying now. I cannot find their grad rec contact anywhere so thought I would ask here.

Hello everyone!
I was wondering if some of you knew of firms that do not require the Waston Glaser test - I had a trainee mention this but didn't give me an example of firms.
Thank you!

Hi everyone

I graduated this summer 2023, with a first class law degree but failed to get a training contract for the 24/25 cycle.
I recently started the LPC at a Russel group university and I'm panicking. I chose this route firstly for the connections the uni provides
but also preferring the examination methods of the lpc. I'd heard the SQE horror story rumors and was put off.

I'm a week in and I think I've made the wrong choice. Firms recruiting 2 years in advance want the SQE and even after completing the lpc
I'll have to do SQE2, which is more debt on top of the paralyzing amount the LPC has cost me.

Sorry if this feels like I'm ranting but I cannot get a straight answer out of anyone. Employers say one thing, Uni and my friends and family say another.
Uni says the LPC is tried and tested and the rest of it but it seems the LPC at this point is just debt for the sake of it.

I think I'm better off paralleling, while applying for TCs this cycle and then doing the sqe either part time or full time

Any perspectives would be welcome

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

Spring vacation scheme dates: 16 April – 26 April 2024.
Summer vacation scheme dates: 18 June – 28 June 2024.

Apply here by January 15th 2024.