A career changer's journey

[futuresolicitor2028]

Here's my journey so far:

• A levels AABB (sciences)
• RG uni - 1st class STEM degree
• 6 years in the finance industry (in corporate/investment roles)
• Starting my PGDL in September!!
• Age - late 20s
• Aim: Vacation scheme --> TC/ a few direct TCs applications!

I'm trying to be very intentional with my applications and get organised.
I've filtered down to 10 firms that I want to apply to with specific practice areas that interest me. I'm not actually that interested in transactional seats. I don't want to do M&A work. I've been in those teams as an analyst in finance and did not enjoy the work or the working culture.

1) My main aim is to continue to develop commercial awareness and be able to articulate opinions and ideas well. Due to my previous roles, I've spent a lot of time reading and producing reports about market activity etc, but based on the videos I've watched on TCLA premium, there's an "art" to discussing it in this context.

2) Another aim is to improve the quality of my written applications. So far, I've received 1 rejection (DAC Beachcroft for the September vacation scheme). I think on reflection, my "what attracts you to a career in law, and why the firm" answer wasn't strong enough and my legal scenario was weak.

However, I applied for another scheme they wanted someone who had completed the PGDL already. They responded saying I made the final shortlist and my answers and research were strong on "why the firm" - but because I hadn't finished my PGDL, I couldn't do the scheme. This was an incredibly encouraging response for me.

My strategy
1) Continue regularly reading non-billable/little law/watsons + Ft news briefing (my fave)
2) Make notes on key stories of interest + analysis + opinion using the DIP method + linking it back to experiences
3) Continue with firm engagement open days/ firm talks ahead of the vacation scheme application process
4) Gain feedback from careers service + others on the application ahead of submission of app forms
5) Start volunteering at law firm legal clinic + Citizens Advice
6) Do well on my course - I'm aiming for a distinction so need to start pre-reading ASAP!!!

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

Note for maintaining mental health and wellness:
When I attended a firm's virtual talks, a senior solicitor advised having a resilient mindset, and especially early on, avoiding people who 1) don't have a driven mindset, 2) are negative, 3) try to put your dreams and aspirations down 4) have self-limiting attitudes. Therefore, I've limited discussing my career change with people in general, especially those who don't have a "growth" mindset. I'm also intentionally avoiding almost all social media. I think I'm going to stick to reading optimistic threads and stick to the premium database & course.

 

[yasmars]

So excited to follow along with your journey. 6 years of industry experience in finance will definitely make you standout, so use it to your advantage!! Which firms are you applying to?

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

So excited to follow along with your journey. 6 years of industry experience in finance will definitely make you standout, so use it to your advantage!! Which firms are you applying to?

Thank you hopefully!!

The firms I'm applying to:

1. Bevan Brittan
2. Charles Russell Speechlys
3. DAC Beachcroft
4. Farrer & Co
5. Lewis Silkin
6. Mishcon De Reya
7. Taylor Wessing
8. VWV
9. Withers
10. CMS

The applications are really spread out throughout the year so I might apply for more. But thats my filtered list from 30!

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

Today's update! 🌟

• Today I made a spreadsheet of all my work experiences so far, and against them put competencies I've developed and examples of them e.g. competency - teamwork, demonstrated via doing XYZ in experience x
• I submitted an example for "why commercial law" to a careers advisor from my uni, she said I didn't answer the "why commercial law" question well enough, so I've redrafted it again *cries*
• Starting reviewing my course syllabus for my LLM PGDL ahead of term (distinction here I hopefully come!)

 

[tenibankoleolusina]

Today's update! 🌟

• Today I made a spreadsheet of all my work experiences so far, and against them put competencies I've developed and examples of them e.g. competency - teamwork, demonstrated via doing XYZ in experience x
• I submitted an example for "why commercial law" to a careers advisor from my uni, she said I didn't answer the "why commercial law" question well enough, so I've redrafted it again *cries*
• Starting reviewing my course syllabus for my LLM PGDL ahead of term (distinction here I hopefully come!)

Very well done! Honestly do not be worried at all if it takes you a while to get your why commercial law answer right, it's not particularly something that people tend to have an answer ready to go for, so take the time to make it as good as possible! You've got this!

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

Very well done! Honestly do not be worried at all if it takes you a while to get your why commercial law answer right, it's not particularly something that people tend to have an answer ready to go for, so take the time to make it as good as possible! You've got this!

Thank you! Just have to keep going - I've crafted an answer now, but think i will revise it as i hopefully start to attend open days and more insight events!

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

September update! Late night reflections

• My law course starts in a few days - I am genuinely excited and can't quite believe I will be really studying law. It's definitely a "pinch me" moment! I am really proud of myself for pursuing something I am interested in, and following my dreams. Yes - it's scary to have left behind a full-on CAREER, and stability and security. But, ultimately, if you don't try, you don't get! Iterations and change are great ways to make progress, and I want that progress in my life.
• Application updates - I applied for a law scheme and got in, so hoping it will be insightful and help me. I am waiting to hear back from the TW open day, and I also need to submit (my now completed) MDR application.
• Events - I have attended several Legal Cheek/ All About Law events throughout the summer. They have been incredibly useful to learn more about firms. I still have a lot in my event calendar for firm engagement, but pacing myself.
• Commercial awareness: I keep popping into, and out of reading the news in depth. Sometimes I get so absorbed with reading articles, other times I'm not really interested. I wonder if the routine of uni will force me to structure myself more. I also half wonder if I'm making "commercial awareness" too academic. I really enjoyed reading the Little Law article on River Island's restructuring news. I find the idea of supporting distressed companies exciting because of the options that exist, and the wider impact it has on people. I'm planning on reading more about this area and finishing the TCLA course that covers this practice area.
• Volunteering: The Legal Clinic and Citizens Advice volunteering is going well. I really enjoy supporting individuals, especially welfare/benefits rights. Maybe because it's really people who are in need, and you can really see the positive impact it makes in people's lives. I think if you're familiar with the firms and the type of firms I'm interested in, my motivations are apparent (private client/ employment focus etc)

Anyway, the work continues!

 

[ZNadeem]

September update! Late night reflections

• My law course starts in a few days - I am genuinely excited and can't quite believe I will be really studying law. It's definitely a "pinch me" moment! I am really proud of myself for pursuing something I am interested in, and following my dreams. Yes - it's scary to have left behind a full-on CAREER, and stability and security. But, ultimately, if you don't try, you don't get! Iterations and change are great ways to make progress, and I want that progress in my life.
• Application updates - I applied for a law scheme and got in, so hoping it will be insightful and help me. I am waiting to hear back from the TW open day, and I also need to submit (my now completed) MDR application.
• Events - I have attended several Legal Cheek/ All About Law events throughout the summer. They have been incredibly useful to learn more about firms. I still have a lot in my event calendar for firm engagement, but pacing myself.
• Commercial awareness: I keep popping into, and out of reading the news in depth. Sometimes I get so absorbed with reading articles, other times I'm not really interested. I wonder if the routine of uni will force me to structure myself more. I also half wonder if I'm making "commercial awareness" too academic. I really enjoyed reading the Little Law article on River Island's restructuring news. I find the idea of supporting distressed companies exciting because of the options that exist, and the wider impact it has on people. I'm planning on reading more about this area and finishing the TCLA course that covers this practice area.
• Volunteering: The Legal Clinic and Citizens Advice volunteering is going well. I really enjoy supporting individuals, especially welfare/benefits rights. Maybe because it's really people who are in need, and you can really see the positive impact it makes in people's lives. I think if you're familiar with the firms and the type of firms I'm interested in, my motivations are apparent (private client/ employment focus etc)

Anyway, the work continues!

Huge well done — it sounds like you’re making amazing progress and really taking charge of your journey!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

September update! Late night reflections

• My law course starts in a few days - I am genuinely excited and can't quite believe I will be really studying law. It's definitely a "pinch me" moment! I am really proud of myself for pursuing something I am interested in, and following my dreams. Yes - it's scary to have left behind a full-on CAREER, and stability and security. But, ultimately, if you don't try, you don't get! Iterations and change are great ways to make progress, and I want that progress in my life.
• Application updates - I applied for a law scheme and got in, so hoping it will be insightful and help me. I am waiting to hear back from the TW open day, and I also need to submit (my now completed) MDR application.
• Events - I have attended several Legal Cheek/ All About Law events throughout the summer. They have been incredibly useful to learn more about firms. I still have a lot in my event calendar for firm engagement, but pacing myself.
• Commercial awareness: I keep popping into, and out of reading the news in depth. Sometimes I get so absorbed with reading articles, other times I'm not really interested. I wonder if the routine of uni will force me to structure myself more. I also half wonder if I'm making "commercial awareness" too academic. I really enjoyed reading the Little Law article on River Island's restructuring news. I find the idea of supporting distressed companies exciting because of the options that exist, and the wider impact it has on people. I'm planning on reading more about this area and finishing the TCLA course that covers this practice area.
• Volunteering: The Legal Clinic and Citizens Advice volunteering is going well. I really enjoy supporting individuals, especially welfare/benefits rights. Maybe because it's really people who are in need, and you can really see the positive impact it makes in people's lives. I think if you're familiar with the firms and the type of firms I'm interested in, my motivations are apparent (private client/ employment focus etc)

Anyway, the work continues!

Hi @futuresolicitor2028 !

This is such an inspiring update! It takes real courage to leave behind stability and pivot into something completely new, and it’s honestly super motivating to see you reflect on that with so much positivity!

I actually did a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co (one of the firms I noticed you have shortlisted), and over a third of my cohort were career changers. Their unique perspectives based on their previous backgrounds really stuck with me, and they all brought so much confidence to the scheme - it was really inspiring! It was a reminder that there’s no ‘one right path’ into law, and your background in the finance industry will be so beneficial.

Also, completely agree on the commercial awareness point - it is so easy to fall into the trap of overthinking it! The way you are engaging with real stories (such as the River Island restructuring) shows that you are already developing your commercial awareness in the way that law firms are looking for. I actually discussed the LittleLaw article on the Elf / Rhode acquisition in my Farrer & Co interview!

Wishing you all the best with the start of your course - exciting times ahead, and it’s clear that you’re approaching it with the right mindset. Looking forward to hearing how it all unfolds!