New Threads

Has anyone heard back from Watson Farley & Williams, Stephenson Harwood, HFW, Penningtons Manches Cooper, Preston Turnbull following interviews/applications this cycle?

I’m particularly interested in shipping/maritime-focused firms and would be helpful to understand whether timelines are moving as expected this year.

Also curious whether anyone has found firms placing greater emphasis on finance knowledge or sanctions awareness this year?

Thank you.

Hi everyone, I hope this finds you well.

As the title says, has anyone heard of a case of successfully leveraging a VS offer from one firm to advantage applications at another?

I.e. sending an email to grad rec explaining that you've received a VS offer for the same period, have x weeks to confirm, but are very keen on their firm and wondering if they are still considering your application.

Long-time lurker, this is my first time posting.

I'm not sure how to begin this post, so I will start with some context. I am currently a Canadian 23M and have been applying for vacation schemes in the UK for the past 6-ish months. I graduated from a dual degree business program between a university here in Canada and another one in China (graduated with a high 2.1 or 1st, depending on what conversion scale you use). Last year, I was able to secure a vacation scheme with a top 5 global firm last year in London, which was a great experience and frankly confirmed my decision to start my legal career in the UK rather than Canada. I am currently self-sponsored and hold an HPI visa. Hope this paints a clearer picture.

To put it plainly, this last recruitment cycle has been brutal, and I haven't had nearly the same success I did last time. Although it isn't the end of the world, because I currently have a full-time job in a bank here in Canada, I am just a bit lost on what to do next. I feel so utterly defeated by my lack of success this recruitment cycle; however, I still remain certain that I want to be a commercial solicitor. I am currently still applying, and in the process for some, its just been one PFO after another.

Most of the advice on this forum seems to be tailored towards people with established legal careers looking to lateral or having graduated from a UK university and then applying from there. It feels as though I am at such a strategic disadvantage applying from Canada, but I know that packing my things up and just moving to the UK isn't much of an option either. I am not going to quit trying, but I feel rather helpless in my current situation.

My question to the community: What can I do to bring myself one step closer to this career goal?
https://www.reddit.com/submit/?source_id=t3_1r1j9p0

Hi, it has been more than a week since I applied (submitted the application form), but I have not heard back from Baker yet. All I've received is an email talking about the application timeline. Has anyone heard back?

I'm a student in my second year of VS applications, and have noticed the stark difference between applying for VS's this year vs last year.

For context I'm applying for a mix of national and silver circle firms. Last year I applied for about 8-10 firms and got through the first stage for all of them bar 1. This year I am struggling applying to a similar number but struggling to get past stage 1 for many firms. Since the last cycle my CV has greatly improved and my grades went from thirds/2:2s (mitigating circumstances) to high 2:1s at a RG uni. I recognise that I'm not entitled to a VS and the process is meant to be testing.

I am not looking for advice, since I have made it to third/fourth round for some even larger firms / grad schemes and still feel determined to push through the rejections, but I feel like the volume of competition is much more obvious this year, almost all rejection emails also stating they had an 'unprecedented level'of applications (of course this is most likely just corporate jargon). I applied for a local firm with one office and they had 500 applications for 45 places. Another firm with one office (althougth based in London) had a 50% yearly increase in applications.

I know that obviously the volume of VS/TC seekers naturally increases year upon year, but it seems to be more than I anticipated. Has anybody else noticed this, or was I just blissfully ignorant in my first cycle?

Hi!!

As an Oxford Girlie with veeryyy limited opportunties in oxford I am looking at the Freeths Graduates programme for either Legal Assistant/Legal Graduate!
Does anyone have any experience in this, any advice on which path to take (as both seem to be around more or less the same day-to-day tasks and for graduates), and what would make an application stand out considering there is limited information online compared to other firms?

Thank you!

Has anyone heard back yet from Simmons for the summer vacation scheme? I completed my video interview back in November and still haven’t heard anything.

Is anyone in process for the Perkins LBA program - March intake? If so, how has the experience been?

Hi,

Can anyone please help me with answering this question

How do law firms thrive in the current climate?

I started off saying that the current climate is uncertain and referred to the EU Ai act. Then spoke about how the law firms should invest in legal technology and develop within that sector because the repetitive tasks should be automated now. Then I mentioned how the firm that asked me this question - how is it developing the legal tech and the names of th elegal technology they use and how that helped the thrive. Then I briefly mentioned innovation- firms have to be innovative. And gave examples of how a firm is innovative.

Is this a good/ bad answer? I know maybe I should have mentioned that they should be commercially aware but that’s quite obvious, no?

Thanks

Sorry - couldn't figure out how to delete this.

Posting on TCLA after almost a year. I never really had the courage to do this before. I could really use some advice, support, or even just a few kind words. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this demotivated about anything in my life.

Background

I’m an international candidate. I completed my LLB at a non-RG university, largely due to financial constraints at the time..self-funding meant that paying £15k per year simply wasn’t an option. I graduated with a 2:1 (with mitigating circumstances due to caring responsibilities).

I spent three years in London, which were genuinely amazing. I networked extensively, attended open days at several Magic Circle firms, and gained early exposure to the differences between becoming a barrister and a solicitor. I was encouraged to apply for training contracts, but at the time I felt I wasn’t ready.. something I now regret, especially considering how much more competitive the market has become since then. I passed WGTs with high scores and was selected for various insight days and mentoring schemes.

After graduating in 2019, I returned to my hometown for personal reasons and practised law there for two years during COVID. During that time, I realised I wanted to build an international career, so I returned to the UK and completed the LPC, passing with commendation. I worked alongside my studies to fund both my education and living expenses.

Training Contract Journey

The 22/23 and 23/24 cycles were when I gave this process my full focus. I also took part in the AS Commercial Awareness Competition and reached the quarter-finals. I was again selected for open days at major firms, including Shearman & Sterling and King & Spalding, and received positive feedback that my CV stood out despite my background.

In the 22/23 cycle, I applied to around 10 firms and progressed to tests or interviews at seven of them. Although I didn’t secure a TC, I accepted this. I was juggling full-time work and caring responsibilities and told myself maybe I hadn’t given it 100%.

The 23/24 cycle felt different. I reached the assessment centre at my dream firm and genuinely felt like things were finally aligning. The AC went well and I was later told my performance was strong. However, offers were made shortly after the UK government announced changes to salary thresholds for visas. Because I had applied to a regional office, the firm ultimately couldn’t offer me the TC due to UKVI requirements. Performance-wise there was no negative feedback. According to the EC team, I scored well in everything - just unfortunate timing..

felt a bit like being disqualified after finishing the race, but the firm wasn’t at fault. still, it hit hard mentally and made me question whether becoming a solicitor was just one of those dreams that stays a dream.

Life After Rejection

In August 2024, I left my job and spent some time travelling (part healing, part avoidance if I’m being honest). Since then, I’ve worked with NGOs and banks in my hometown and have also taught law. In 2025, I moved to Munich with my partner. I stepped away from law applications because I felt burnt out and, honestly, scared to try again.

2025 also started on a difficult note as I lost two family members. alongside adjusting to a new country, learning a new language, and rebuilding routine, I’ve struggled with feeling quite useless at times (common law background in a civil law jurisdiction feels a bit like owning the wrong charger for everything). But, speaking to people here and reflecting properly made me realise something: I can’t walk away from law. I genuinely enjoy law, and despite everything, this is still what I want to do. So I’ve decided to apply again for direct TCs this cycle.

Advice Needed

I’m now 28, and part of me feels like I’ve missed the TC window and that it might simply be too late. At the same time, I want to move forward rather than give up. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar or felt this way during the process.

I’d also appreciate advice on improving performance in Amberjack assessments. I’ve found the newer format quite confusing. I don’t fully understand how potential is assessed or how much weight is placed on interviews compared to the tests. For example, I once scored only average on a test but progressed, while on another occasion I scored highly across assessments and was rejected.

Finally, I’ve been considering the exemptions route. I am a qualified lawyer from a common law jurisdiction, and I understand that the SRA has recently changed its exemption rules. My understanding is that LPC exemptions are no longer granted, but I would be grateful if anyone could confirm this or share experiences on how to approach qualification strategically from here.

Imposter Syndrome
also, I try not to compare my journey to anyone else’s, but sometimes it’s hard not to when you see former classmates now working as senior associates or even partners. I’m genuinely proud of them and happy to see them doing well, but I’d be lying if I said it never felt a little uncomfortable at times. At the same time, I’ve also seen many people who absolutely deserved a TC get rejected for reasons unrelated to their ability or potential (visa issues being a big one) That part is difficult to watch and even harder to experience firsthand. It sometimes creates this strange sense of imposter syndrome, where you start questioning your own path despite knowing the circumstances weren’t entirely within your control.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar and how they managed to move past that feeling.

Advice on Barbri vs QLTS SQE1 course content?​

Hey everyone, I’m graduating soon and will be sitting the January 2027 SQE1 exams. I’ve been researching different prep providers and am currently most seriously considering Barbri and QLTS.
Barbri appealed to me at first, but I’ve heard mixed things about the lack of depth of the law teaching content – being called 'foundational'. On the other hand, I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about QLTS, including their reported 94% pass rate (based on candidates who completed 25+ SQE1 mock tests), which sounds impressive — but I’d really like to hear from people with first-hand experience rather than relying on stats. However, QLTS users have also said this courses content has excessive knowledge and is unworkable.
I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have actually used Barbri and/or QLTS for SQE1, specifically on:

• How you found the law teaching content itself
• Whether it was clear, well-structured, and sufficiently detailed
• Whether you felt confident going into the exam using the course alone, or if you had to supplement with other resources.

A bit about me - I don't have issues with planning and prioritising tasks; therefore, personalised plans I don't consider a necessity for me. A personal tutor would definitely be helpful - I know Barbri has this, QLTS doesn't. But my biggest concern is the learning content for the questions. And I do plan to use other sources and MCQ banks, but my biggest concern is learning the knowledge I need so that I can apply it in the questions.

I’m quite lost and overwhelmed. I would appreciate any honest opinions and experiences on the quality of the teaching and learning experience.
Thanks in advance!

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for some advice.

I am currently working at a capital markets consultancy. I spend 80% of my time as a master agreement negotiator for an investment bank, negotiating ISDAs, GMRAs etc. Having already passed the SQE, I can get my 2 years QWE as a master agreements negotiator and qualify this way, as many others at my company have done. This should be included in a formal training contract, but even if one is not forthcoming, my supervising solicitor/line manager will be happy to sign off on my work as QWE to help me qualify.

My medium- to long-term ambition is to become an in-house junior legal counsel at an investment bank. My question, therefore, is:
Is it worth doing a part-time International Financial Law LLM at Kings/UCL? My knowledge of the law is probably somewhat limited compared to big law firm graduates. I don't think I stand out enough, or have the diverse range of legal knowledge compared to a recently qualified big law firm applicant when applying to in-house associate/junior legal counsel roles at an investment bank in the future.

I'm thinking that the LLM could:
- Deepen my knowledge of the law in the areas relevant to an investment bank.
- Perhaps I will be able to build a strong relationship with the investment bank I am already working at or another of my company's clients, by doing a dissertation around a topic of their choice and for their commercial use.
- Utilise the apparently strong networks that KCL/UCL have to help me secure the junior legal counsel role.

The downside I am worried about is the cost and the stress I will inevitably have to endure to get my LLM whilst working full-time. Do people think it would be worth it?

Would really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

Got a Gibson Dunn AC. Did my first stage interview thurs 29 Feb (5 days ago) if that helps anyone with timeline.

Hi all - quick question.

What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant in practice? Does it depend on the size of the firm and what they actually expect of you?

Not sure lol. Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks!

has anyone heard back from cleary gottlieb post WG completion ? for SPRING VS ? i did the test more than a month ago lmao

Hello,

As an aspiring criminal defence solicitor in London, would you have any recommendations for securing a paralegal role at entry level with a criminal law firm in London? That is something I am highly interested in and I am truly motivated, but I have never applied for any paralegal roles in criminal law yet and I 'only' completed a legal work experience placement with a criminal law firm in London and two mini-pupillages with criminal Chambers in London. I will also be undertaking this year two other legal work experience placements with criminal law firms in London and another mini-pupillage with a criminal Chambers in London.

Many thanks.

Rejected:

Pinsent Mason:
A&O Shearman:
DLA Piper
Clifford Chance
Gowling
CMS
HSF
Willkie Farr & Gallagher
Bird and Bird
Fieldfisher
Reed Smith
Taylor Wessing
Baker Mckenzie
Cooley
Trowers & Hamlins
Milbank
Osborne Clarke
White & Case
Bristows (post-VI)
Freshfields
Fladgate
Morgan Lewis
Womble Bond Dickinson
Squire Patton Boggs
NRF (post-VI)
Slaughter and May
Freshfields
Wedlake Bell
Hogan Lovell (forgot to do the test)
Akin
Disney Graduate Scheme
Shoosmiths
Russell Cooke
Linklaters
Addleshaw Goddard
Stephenson Harwood (post-VI)
Clyde and Co (post-VI)
Ashurst
Wedlake Bell
Pennington Manches Cooper
Alphasights Compliance
Foot Anstey (post-VI)
Mishcon De Reya
South Square Mini Pupillage
Harbottle & Lewis
DWF
Haynes Boone
Russell-Cooke
Dentons

Waiting:

Tatham & Co
Howard Kennedy
DAC Beachcroft
Kingsley Napley

Hi, I thought I’d share my journey on here. I am an Oxford humanities grad with a 2:1, currently doing the PGDL. Getting a bit bogged down in rejections at the moment.

I have work experience with two firms on my list, plus a VS with a regional firm. I have done internships in two private client (one law-adjacent) industries, and have been on a huge trustee board. My academic results are pretty strong but I did get a 2:2 in second year and my 2:1 overall was a 61, which isn't great. I have many other extracurriculars, including founding my own business - so I don't think my CV is lacking in itself.

I am interested in private client work, so this is a range of firms (some small, some more mainstream) with good departments in that rather than corporate. These are mostly DTC applications unless the firm mostly/mainly recruits from their VS.

Applications:
- Withers
- Stephenson Harwood
- Macfarlanes
- Farrer & Co
- Ogier (Guernsey)
- Wedlake Bell

PFO:
- Taylor Wessing
- Mills & Reeve
- Forsters
- Fladgate
- WBD
- Osborne Clarke
- Russell-Cooke
- Penningtons
- Boodle Hatfield
- Mishcon
- Harbottle & Lewis
- Charles Russell Speechlys
- Payne Hicks Beach
- Kingsley Napley



= application
= AI interview
= online test
= assessment centre
= interview
= rejection

Hello everyone.
I have recently worked at a fintech startup and realized that a lot of the back and forth between inhouse counsel and marketing teams is because of fact-finding rather than legal judgment.
Has anyone here ever worked in-house within advertising / marketing so we can exchange some experiences?

Would appreciate it!

Longtime lurker looking for advise: I’m applying for TCs and not studying in the UK. I entered university after a significant gap after high school and only have around 70% at my school leaving exams. This is due to my city having experienced geo-political tensions during my exams, resulting in the loss of a relative. I also ended up not writing one paper as I only needed 5 to pass and had taken another additional subject, which I let go of due to the stress at the time.

I took the gap to recover, which was prolonged due to covid. During my gap I worked part time. It’s not an illness or disability so I’m not sure if it qualifies as a mitigating circumstance, not to mention as many have already stated as an international candidate the cards are stacked against me. I don’t meet the A level minimum for a lot of the firms I want to apply to, so I’m genuinely asking whether I should even try and if so, how to explain the situation well and if I even have a shot. Please advise, thanks!

@Ram Sabaratnam @Abbie Whitlock

Dear all,

I have been waiting for the end of January to write this post. Technically, this is my second cycle, but last cycle I joined late in mid July for only applying to one TC and got an AC which was surprising as just testing for my ability.

This cycle, I'm so curious... I started my first day of cycle in late September, by applying to one WVS and 20+ Open days:

Winter Vacation Scheme:

28/09/2025: Paul Weiss, PFO: 31/10/2025 (post app).

Selective Open Days:

01/10/2025: Taylor Wessing, Offer: 03/10/2025
06/10/2025: Cooley, Offer: 10/11/2025
13/10/2025: Goodwin, Offer: 20/10/2025
04/11/2025: Stephenson Harwood, Offer: 24/11/2025
07/11/2025: Penningtons Manches Cooper, Offer: 26/11/2025
WFW: PFO in December
Gibson Dunn: PFO in December
Charles Russell Speechlys: PFO in December
King & Spalding: PFO in January

Non-selective Open Day/Insight events:

Skadden, Reed Smith, Willkie, Fieldfisher, Clyde & Co, Shoosmiths, Hogan Lovells, Winston & Strawn, Orrick, Farrer & Co, RPC, Macfarlanes, Lewis Silkin Glaisyer ETL, etc (and many in virtual law fair).

Then, I decided to apply multiple firms after identifying some firms only offer VS route with limited visa sponsorship or low chance to get alternative TC based on case by case basis (Though I really like them and got into their selective open days).

Spring Vacation Scheme:

06/10/2025 Sidley Austin - PFO: 16/02/2026 (post App).
11/10/2025 Weil, PFO: 16/01/2026 (post Amberjack).
16/10/2025 Macfarlanes, PFO: 16/01/2026 (post Cappfinity Stage 2 VI)
01/12/2025 Skadden, PFO: 16/12/2025 (post App)
08/12/2025 Willkie Farr, PFO: 19/12/2026 (post VI).
19/12/2025 Reed Smith, PFO: 21/01/2026 (post Amberjack).
26/12/2025 Cooley, PFO: 28/01/2026 (post app after 2 holding emails).
26/01/2026 Winston & Strawn, Invited to Pearson WG, due 18/02 (rescheduled to spring)

Summer Vacation Scheme

20/10/2025 Milbank, PFO: 16/01/2025 (post SHL stage 1 SJT).
28/11/2025 Taylor Wessing, PFO: 21/01/2026 (post passing TP WG).
01/12/2025 HSF Kramer, PFO: 03/02/2026 (post passing SOVA).
12/12/2025 Kirkland & Ellis, PFO: 23/01/2026 (post app)
15/12/2025 Dechert - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
21/12/2025 Cleary Gottlieb, PFO: 22/01/2026 (post app).
22/12/2025 Freshfields, PFO: 25/02/2026 (post app).
23/12/2025 Morrison Foerster - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
05/01/2026 Travers Smith, PFO: 20/02/2026 (post app).
09/01/2026 Morgan Lewis, PFO: 05/02/2026 (post app).
19/01/2026 Stephenson Harwood - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
30/01/2026 K&L Gates - Waiting after holding email on 25/02
04/04/2026 Haynes Boone -

Direct Training Contract

31/10/2025 McDermott Will & Schulte, PFO: 17/02/2026 (post app).
14/11/2025 A&O Shearman, PFO: 16/12/2025 (post Amberjack).
18/11/2025 Gowling WLG, PFO: 11/12/2025 (post Arctic Shores).
19/11/2025 Clifford Chance, PFO: 04/12/2025 (post passing Pearson WG).
28/11/2025 Slaughter and May - Waiting after holding email on 15/01
03/12/2025 Linklaters - Waiting post SJT & Pearson WG on 07/12
10/12/2025 Fieldfisher, PFO: 03/02/2026 (post app after holding email, position filled).
12/12/2025 Goodwin, PFO: 09/01/2026 (post app).
22/12/2025 Clyde & Co, PFO: 16/01/2026 (ineligible).
24/12/2025 Addleshaw Goddard - Waiting Post TP WG on 04/01
05/01/2026 Lewis Silkin, PFO: 20/02/2026 (post app after holding email)
09/01/2026 Greenberg Traurig - PFO: 12/02/2026 (post app).
09/01/2026 Gibson Dunn - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
13/01/2026 Proskauer Rose - PFO: 06/02/2026 (post app).
13/01/2026 Charles Russell Speechlys - Waiting after holding email on 20/02
19/01/2026 Hogan Lovells - Invited to Stage 2 VI/WE/JS, due 23/02
21/01/2026 Dentons - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
31/01/2026 Orrick - AC invite post TP WG, requesting for virtually or alternate DTC
02/02/2026 Arnold & Porter - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
09/02/2026 Faegre Drinker - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
11/02/2026 Mayer Brown - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
26/02/2026 Withers - Waiting/No communications other than confirmation email
03/03/2026 Baker McKenzie
23/03/2026 Ashurst
25/03/2026 Farrer & Co
27/03/2026 Penningtons Manches Cooper
29/03/2026 Shoosmiths
31/03/2026 King & Spalding

Withdrawn/Unsubmitted Apps due to ineligibility & portal error:

• Davis Polk
• Brown Rudnick
• Browne Jacobson
• Simmons & Simmons
• Mishcon de reya

Planning to Apply if no TC offers until April

• White & Case
• Fried Frank
• Wiggin
• WFW
• BCLP
• TLT
• Sullivan & Cromwell
• Eversheds Sutherland
• Burges Salmon
• RPC
• Paul Hastings
• HFW

Eligible Reapplications in one cycle (TC):

• Stephenson Harwood
• Morgan Lewis
• Macfarlanes
• K&L Gates

WISH ME LUCK EVERYONE!

Is DLA stil sending out TIs? I haven't heard since passing the wg in november so should I expect a rejection?

Hi all,

My friend just received an invite from Baker McKenzie to complete their video interview. It says it should take approximately 15 minutes, which is quite long relative to others. Is there anyone that could give me more insight into their process (regarding the video interview)? If it's not from this application cycle, a previous one would still be more than appreciated.

I'm happy to provide insight or questions, if relevant, to a range of other firms' video interviews, just let me know.

Thank you!