New Threads

Hi everyone

I thought I'd set up a thread that might be helpful for anyone studying the SQE1 soon. For anyone who has done the SQE1, I'd be grateful if you could provide insight as to your strategy for studying as there is a lot of information to cover.

General questions:
1. I know a lot of people have used flashcards, but this doesn't work for people who are visual learners. If you are a visual learner what did you use?
2. When did you make time to study the core black letter law modules (i.e. contract, tort, land law, etc), especially if you are on a prep course and need to spend time on the pre-reading and workshops?
3. How good are the ULaw books (they seem to be too in-depth)?
4. How did you stay motivated, especially trying to cover all 14 modules?
5. Any tips on creating a study planner (sadly, my prep course provider doesn't provide one)?
6. Specifically for anyone who has studied with BPP - i'm struggling with their slides, feel like some sub-topics are missing info and other sub-topics are going too in-depth. Please let me know your thoughts (maybe i'm just overthinking it).

Thank you in advance (anyone else who has any questions, please feel free to add yours) x

Hi!

I’m looking to apply for the vacation schemes this time round. I have two questions about the impact of Open Days on applications:

1) Am I disadvantaged majorly by not going to any Open Days?

I know they’re a big help, but I couldn’t do them in the last round of them.

2) Would it be beneficial for me to attend some of the Open Days this time around even after my application has been submitted to the law firms?

Thanks!

Hello all,

I have just completed the application for Allen & Overy's winter vacation scheme.

Has anyone completed the assessment, I am wondering what I should prepare before the 2 video questions.

Any help would be appreciated.

Kind regards,

Hi

I started late on commercial awareness (currently in second year) and wonder if "emergence of AI and developments around AI" is a good topic to choose for applications and interviews. I did some research and good hooked onto the topic:

- Firstly the significant impact of AI and machine learning INTERNALLY on legal tech of law firms and helping them to automate loads of low level tasks (done by trainees currently) and freeing human resources to do higher value billable tasks. Hence increasing efficiency , cut costs and raise law firm profits.

- Secondly, hundreds of opportunities to advice companies who want to integrate machine learning and chat bots into their systems - and help them navigate through regulatory, data protection and other challenges. Hence more business.

- Thirdly, AI's overall impact on governments, companies and society cant be underestimated. For example companies trying to build strong data sets (of text , video and images ) .This will result in tons of business for law firms in areas of copyright infringements , Intellectual Property issues, data privacy and regulation, regulatory advice , general lawsuits, data protection and so on. So more business for law firms

- Next, AI chips (Nvidia's dominance) being in short supply, governments like Saudi Arabia trying to buy chips it in bulk and trying to become AI knowledge houses , US trying to block some AI components to China etc - all this looks like a heady cocktail of issues around regulation, supply demand issues, data protection and other interesting new issues (previously unimagined) - law firms who make first mover advantage in developing knowledge competencies and have first mover advantage with both governments and companies - should see their business zoom over medium to long term.

The point of this post is ONLY to check with experts on this forum if my decision to choose AI as a news story is a good one or not. Am I on the right track OR dump AI and choose another story ? is it early days and there isnt much for law firms ?

I am also worried because I cant a lot of Banking/Finance/Capital market context around AI and will companies see this as a "weak" story ?

@Jake Rickman and others your opinion will be appreciated.
Thanks

Hello everyone,

I am interested in firms that provide international secondment opportunities. Has anyone any experience in this and willing to explain their journey and how they were successful in their application.

Thanks,

I don't know where to start, this is my first time using this website so I'm not sure if I am posting this correctly. I am 19 years old and my A-level results are BCD in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. I was pressured into STEM A-levels even though I am way better at the humanities, I really enjoy reading, writing (I have a fanfiction on ao3 with over a million reads), analysing texts, classics etc.

I am really interested in studying Law and becoming a lawyer in the future in London, it's a dream. However, because of my A-level grades I got offered a place at a non Russel group university, it's not too bad It's Keele university. But after doing research I highly doubt I can become a solicitor or get a training offer, because of my Uni and grades, do I have a small chance?

How hard is it to get a 1st in a law degree? Maybe after getting a 1st at Keele University I can do a masters at a high ranking Russel group university where A-levels won't be considered post graduate? Would that be a possibility? Or should I do completely different A-levels whilst at University? I'm just really confused at the moment. Please can I have some advice on what to do? Thank you for reading.

Hello, Anyone knows how popular is Arctic Shores test ? Except NRF any other firm uses it ? Is it worth spending time practicing using jobtestprep subscription? Thanks

I have just received my alevel results and I have gotten ABC. I am very disappointed with myself as I was predicted A*A*A. I went through clearing to university of Leicester but now Im rethinking my choice. Would I be able to do a gap year even though I have been confirmed at Leicester? How would I sort out student finance? Would it be best for me to improve my grades and apply to a Russel group uni? And which law firms accept alevel resits?

I’m going to Leicester uni to study LLB law. It’s a non Russel group uni which I wasn’t hoping for but I have been told by many people that this deosnt matter aslong as I get a 2:1 when I graduate. My Alevels are ABC and I know that many law firms in silver circle want AAB. I want to retake 2 of my alevels whilst at uni as I will still have understanding and knowledge of the courses. My predicted grades were A*AA and I know that if I retake I can get better grades. Would somebody please advise me on what to do? And if A*AC would be good enough if I get this as my resit grade?

Was wondering how much firms emphasis place on minimum A-level grade requirements?

1. For example, if I want to apply to A&O which has a minimum A-level requirement of AAB but I have not achieved that and have no extenuating circumstances, will my application automatically get filtered out?
2. I'm assuming that for firms which specifically say that there are no minimum A-level requirements, they will review your application regardless of what A-levels you achieved. But what about firms which do not disclose any position on minimum A-level requirements - what is the general expectation?
3. Does Rare contextual recruitment data feed into minimum A-level requirements at all? Or is that data mainly only used to distinguish between two candidates in marginal cases rather than letting candidates with A-level grades which fall below the minimum squeeze past into application review stage?
4. If I don't have very strong A-levels e.g. have Cs but don't have any extenuating circumstances, does that mean I am automatically at a disadvantage when applying for vac schemes or training contracts? Or are there still other ways to get around this?
5. Is there any set industry standard that all City firms would generally expect re A-level grades or does it really just vary from firm to firm?

@Jessica Booker if you could offer some insight it would be really helpful.

Hi there,does anyone on here know how to go about deleting one's account?

I've tried finding out in vain.

I was inspired to create this thread, I would love to share my journey and I hope to document personal growth as well as any achievements.

I'm the first in my family to attend university, an immigrant family, with a single mother and I don't have a proffesional network to ask for support. When it comes to law, I'm on my own. But this forum helps a LOT!

A levels: A,A,B

Currently, I'm entering my third year in September with a low 2:1 (EC) and my first year grades a high 2:2 (EC).
After the pandemic, I developed anxiety and low mood disorder with periods of depression. With support from family and friends I received some therapy in my second year, its really helped and my grades improved even if its not exceptional. I have now completed therapy.

In my first year I didn't do any extracurriculars and I worked in a fast food chain instead. I don't work there anymore.

In my second year, I got a sub comittee role, joined AS, volunteered with societies and participated in some extracurriculars. I completed an internship abroad and a few days in court. I am in the process of applying for ambassador roles and I have joined the Pro Bono group this year, where I hope to join the clinic. I'm undertaking a week long council research project and completing courses on Vantage. I have grown a lot as a professional and attended networking events which helped my confidence grow.

Third Year: I hope to achieve a First. Why not? It counts for 70% and I believe I can do it, because I finally feel like me again.

I will apply for Vac Schemes this year, I know my grades put me at a disadvantage but I want to familarise myself with the process and gain mentoring. I didn't apply last year and I hope to learn from this application cycle.

If rejected the plan is to apply the next cycle: I want to do a paralegal job for the year so I can gain insight on the inner workings of a firm. Then apply.

If I gain a TC, I will complete my masters then start my TC.

I hope to persevere.

Hi all,

I'm currently on a skilled worker visa. Would it be possible for me to take my annual leaves to go on the vacation scheme?

It's a bit niche but hoping someone would have the answer here.

Hello,

I'm planning on applying to several Middle East Training Contracts (Doha and Dubai). My questions are:
1. At what stage of the application process is your Arabic level tested?
2. Is the vac scheme work in Arabic or English?

Thanks!

Hi everyone, Erin here! How is your week going so far?

I have been speaking to so many of you over the course of the last few weeks whilst running our TCLA Premium onboarding calls (which has been so lovely!) Something that has come up on almost all of my calls is candidates struggling with knowing how to improve their commercial awareness, especially at the beginning of a new cycle.

It's easy to fall out of the habit of staying on top of the news once a cycle comes to an end, and with this years cycle already underway, I wanted to jump into the forum today to share with you some tips on getting back into the commercial awareness flow.

Here is a 3 step strategy to get you started:

1. Choose your stories: Whilst it's important to have a broad overview of the current news stories, you can't be expected to know every detail of every story. Choose 3 stories to follow in depth, preferably covering multiple sectors, taking into account your own interests, as well stories that are important to law firms. Have a few favourite firms that you are applying to? You can get a sense of what news stories are important to them by looking at the deals they are currently working on, via the firm's website/social media.
   
   
2. Subscribe to commercial awareness emails & download news apps: I know life is very busy, and it can be difficult to set time aside to research and find all of the information you need. Create a folder in your email inbox, subscribe to some commercial awareness emails/newsletters and store them all in one folder. Then, when you have free time, treat this as a reading list and read through any updates that you may have missed throughout the week. Downloading news apps on your phone is another way of staying in the loop. Turn on 'push notifications' for your key stories, so even if you don't have time to read the full story at the time, you are aware of any important developments.
   
   Need some recommendations? Here is an extensive list of commercial awareness newsletters, youtube series' and podcasts for you to get stuck into. (Kindly provided by brilliantly helpful @RANDOTRON )
   
   
3. Take notes & look up terms that you don't understand: You've sat down and read the recent updates for your 3 chosen stories. So, you're done for the day, right? This is an easy trap to fall into, because just reading the stories feels easy, and you feel like you've accomplished your task. But let's be real with ourselves here, did you actually absorb the story? Did you maybe skim over some terms that you didn't quite understand? Don't worry, we've all done it. Instead, make notes as you go, summarise the key details in bullet points, and note down any of your own reflections or opinions that crop up whilst reading. Read a term that you don't understand? Take a pause and look it up, include the explanation in your notes to come back to. Once you've done this a few times, terms will begin to stick, and your overall understanding will deepen.

️Remember: Don't be too hard on yourself. Developing your commercial awareness and critical thinking is a process. Don't be put off if you haven't learned everything within the first week - give yourself time, stick to your strategy and try not to compare your knowledge to other peoples'. Everyone learns in different ways and at different speeds. Find a strategy that works for you and take it at your own pace.

Got the basics down? It's time to dive deeper.​

​

Once you've gotten into a steady rhythm of reading and understanding the current news stories each week, broaden your commercial knowledge with our course, "Develop your Commercial Awareness: Understand the City, the Financial Markets & More".

This course focuses on:

Developing your understanding of the City, and how it works.

An overview of the financial and stock markets.

Explaining financial terms like liquidity, equity, and EBITDA, and how they relate to law firms.

An introduction to financial statements and balance sheets.

Developing a deeper knowledge of the City and the financial markets will help you to think critically when reading commercial news stories, and understand the wider impact they have on law firms as businesses.

For access to this course, sign up to TCLA Premium Gold today via the this link for 15% off your first month.​

I hope that you find these tips useful, feel free to share any of your own in this thread!

I attended a VS last month and received the rejection email a few weeks later.

They said that we could request feedback if we got rejected so I emailed to request feedback less than a day after the rejection email and then a week after (it's been just less than 3 weeks from that rejection email).

I still haven't heard back - I know it's normal for most law firms not to give feedback but they said we could request it and it's just been radio silent on their end.

Is it worth emailing them again or just straight up calling them because I really want feedback to see where I went wrong/I can improve for next time.

Thank you!

Hi, I may need some advice. I am looking for paralegal roles through recruiters. I've sent my CV to a bunch of recruiters, tried email, tried to personalise my message to them, highlighted the fact that I'm a TC applicant and got invited to interview (which demonstrated my commercial acumen). I also had all the Forage virtual internships on my CV.

But nobody is replying to me.

I supposed that has to do with my background. I had 5 months of experience in a different area of law (family/immigration) so that's entirely irrelevant to commercial law.

Ideally, I want to work in Funds, but it appears that everyone with some previous experience in corporate paralegal roles.

Anyone has tried using a recruiter and how long did you wait to hear back?

Hi everyone,

I have been offered a TC with a law firm, but I have since realised that I am strongly interested in legal areas not represented at this particular firm.

I want to ask about the consequences of applying to other TCs and vacation schemes after accepting a TC offer. Of course, I do not yet know whether I would receive an offer from a different firm, but I am also wondering about career advice regarding communicating this to the previous firm if it were to happen.

I read somewhere that the SRA had a stipulation against this at some point, but this no longer seems to exist.

I have not yet had a look at the TC contract I have been offered and the relevant terms and conditions.

Hi

To choose between the paid subscriptions of these two, are there any finer points to consider to decide which is better for WG preparation ? Can someone who has subscribed to either, share their experience? Or anyone else who may have general knowledge of the two platforms ?

Thanks

Hello, i am a recent Law graduate. I applied for a couple of vacation schemes and training contracts last winter but i was unsuccessful. Looking back, i can really understand why so i went for every opportunity possible and i have completed numerous certifications since, internships, online work experiences especially at the firms that i want to apply for next and i have attended many fairs and spoke to recruitment too alongside volunteering. I was also lucky enough to be asked to write a blog for my law school and i was been invited to things by the dean during my first year of uni. One thing i have not had yet is my first job but i will be working soon. However, i created my own small business right after graduation this year which has been going good. I want to know if it will count as work experience on applications? I added the first half for context because i believe i have come really far since last winter and so any input in that aspect would be nice too (Perhaps it is not enough). I also hold a 2:1 - (68%) in a mixed law degree.

Thank you!

Edit: I am not from a Russell Group university but it is in the same city as a Russell Group university.

Hi, I am a 2023 LLB graduate from RS group currently on my two years graduate visa and applying for a paralegal job, and hopefully to get a TC from paralegalling.

From various online resources, I noticed that many big firms do not look for TC applicants from their paralegals at all. Whilst some small or medium do. Does anyone know where and how you can access this information (as in, which firms do recruit TC from paralegals, and which do not). Thank you so much!

HI! I´m Andrea from Portugal and i´m currently completing my last year of law school.I came across this world of commercial law and VCs/TCs and ever since a career as a commercial lawyer in London is all i think of.

I´m currently preparing myself to apply this next season and would love to get some tips from overseas students!

Hi,i´m an international student applying from Portugal for TCs in the UK and i find it quite hard encontering people in a similar position(being inetrnational students).Its almost impossible to not feel like you don´t stand a chance next to students already in the UK.

If you´re an international student applying for a TC please feel free to share your journey on the whole application process so far .Would love to hear!

Feel free to ask questions and if you want to connect hit me up on linked in .Just search for Andrea Martins Porto