Nothing safe is worth the drive (TC version)

[lk23]

Hey!! I thought it might be fun to turn what is likely going to be a long journey into a thread so that maybe others feel a little less alone?? Also because, to be brutally honest, if I don't have something to hold me accountable, I will procrastinate :')

I figured I should probably set the scene a bit. I've just finished all my assessments for my final year of my law degree and am now in the very weird gap between finishing uni and graduation. I went to a non-russell group uni and got 3 As at A-level (for context, I did my A-levels in 2022 when RG unis raised their law requirements to A*AA because there was more students than usual). I at least will finish with a 2:1, but have had firsts in quite a few modules (including my diss) and am toeing the line between a 2:1 and a first, so really these last couple results determine it.

As for where I went to end up, the goal is to be a commercial solicitor. I'm particularly interested in less litigious work, things to do with technology and where the law is still evolving to keep up interests me a lot (I'm a nerd lol). I've got a lot of artistic/creative hobbies so I like when stuff involves that part of my brain. Who knows what practice group I'll end up in, since I find a lot of things interesting, but hopefully that gives you some idea of the kind of person I am!

This cycle, I applied for like 6 firms I think? Got to the virtual interview and online assessment part of it (I don't know the fancy forum acronyms yet) and failed! What did we learn from that? Use your uni's careers team! That's probably going to be the running.. well, thread, throughout this thread since I intend to actually make use of them this time! I also intend to actually apply to all the firms on my list. I think I had around 12 I wanted to apply for but deadlines approached and I got so fixated on assignments that they just slipped through my fingers *cue ABBA* which was not good!

I also am currently jobless (woo) so, since there'll at the very least be year, if not two or three, between now and when I start my TC/SQEs I will find something to fill my time between now and then. Honestly, the idea of having an office job sounds fun (that itself feels like a giant recession indicator haha) so I'm happy to get that experience before entering my TC - it'll probably make me a much better candidate since I'm lacking in that department a bit. On the note of SQEs, I don't want to self-fund and am hoping to get it funded by a firm but, who knows, if anyone thinks that might be a good option, I'm always open to hearing it.

So what's the plan?

1) Get a job (yay income) OR/AND find some work experience to fill the time (yay cv fillers)
2) Do firm research between now & the start of the next cycle to get some basic answers written (yay planning)
3) Keep in touch with my careers department and use their help
4) Get a training contract?? :0

There'll likely be a lot of little steps between now and then so we'll see how that goes!! At the very least, even if I don't secure a TC between now and the next cycle, I will have a thread detailing all the smart moves and setbacks along the way that will help me do better next time

(the thread title from treacherous by taylor swift btw bc i couldn't help myself)

TL;DR
Jobless almost-graduate attempts to get a job and training contract - join her for wacky shenanigans

 

[lk23]

First update to get the ball rolling:

This week's goal is to apply for a couple work experience opportunities and jobs. I also have a volunteering thing to sign up for and should be expecting a grade back this week from one of my final modules. I also aim to devise a plan as to what weeks I want to do background research for specific firms for leading up to the next cycle and get a weekly routine going for job-searching so I don't miss any opportunities and have a bit more structure to my day.

 

[crt1s]

Your journey sounds incredibly familiar. Last year I graduated in law from a non-russell group university, with a 2.1. I had no training contract or job (apart from non-legal part time work) lined up for when I finished.

Instead of self funding the SQE, I decided to apply for paralegal roles and TCs. Fast forward, I now have eight months paralegal experience and have received a training contract offer at a city firm.

Congratulations on finishing your final assessment! Let me know if you have any questions

 

[lk23]

Your journey sounds incredibly familiar. Last year I graduated in law from a non-russell group university, with a 2.1. I had no training contract or job (apart from non-legal part time work) lined up for when I finished.

Instead of self funding the SQE, I decided to apply for paralegal roles and TCs. Fast forward, I now have eight months paralegal experience and have received a training contract offer at a city firm.

Congratulations on finishing your final assessment! Let me know if you have any questions

Congrats on the tc offer! It seems like you're where I'm hoping to be this time next year. How'd you find applying to paralegal roles? I've heard they're also quite competitive and difficult to secure so was wondering if it's any different than TC's in terms of the process & any recommendations you have there. Any advice is really welcome and it's very reassuring to hear someone else who has been where I am find success

 

[Jaysen]

Best of luck. Looking forward to following your journey

 

[crt1s]

Congrats on the tc offer! It seems like you're where I'm hoping to be this time next year. How'd you find applying to paralegal roles? I've heard they're also quite competitive and difficult to secure so was wondering if it's any different than TC's in terms of the process & any recommendations you have there. Any advice is really welcome and it's very reassuring to hear someone else who has been where I am find success

Thank you!

I signed up for Flex Legal and was able to secure a role quite quickly. I found the process quite straightforward and would recommend. Alternatively, I would suggest setting up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, Reed. And then maybe a couple of specific legal recruiters Ryder Reid, SJP, EJ Legal, Jameson Legal (lots out there if you google/linkedin search).

Typically for paralegal roles, it is CV and a cover letter. And then interviews.

I think your plan is great, knowing which firms you want to apply to next cycle will be really beneficial. As you've said you can start to plan for questions and get the standard form stuff like work experience section etc nailed down.

 

[lk23]

Long time, no see (or write??)

I have two pretty exciting updates!

Firstly, I managed to get a week at one of the law firms I'll be applying for a tc/vs at! It was a great week and I got a lot of stuff to add to my CV & applications and I'm feeling A LOT more confident going into the next cycle because of it The firm was great -- definitely going to be putting my all into that application because I'd absolutely love to work there

Secondly... I may now have a first class law degree, including a first in my dissertation! I'm over-the-moon about it and hoping it'll give me a teeny boost on applications. Even if it doesn't affect my applications/employability, I'm just so proud of myself for accomplishing this since my degree's definitely the hardest thing I've done! Honestly, the teachers who told me during A-levels that they were harder than undergrad were LIARS!!

I'm drafting the LinkedIn posts for both as we speak (particularly excited for the actual graduation one) but the plans at the moment are to enjoy the summer (I have a mix of exciting family and friend-related stuff planned which I intend to make the most of whilst my schedule is as empty as it'll ever be), do some job-applying and - most of all - keep prepping for the next cycle!

I'll keep you updated on things as they arise but this is a pretty happy little update post from me

 

[Amma Usman]

Long time, no see (or write??)

I have two pretty exciting updates!

Firstly, I managed to get a week at one of the law firms I'll be applying for a tc/vs at! It was a great week and I got a lot of stuff to add to my CV & applications and I'm feeling A LOT more confident going into the next cycle because of it The firm was great -- definitely going to be putting my all into that application because I'd absolutely love to work there

Secondly... I may now have a first class law degree, including a first in my dissertation! I'm over-the-moon about it and hoping it'll give me a teeny boost on applications. Even if it doesn't affect my applications/employability, I'm just so proud of myself for accomplishing this since my degree's definitely the hardest thing I've done! Honestly, the teachers who told me during A-levels that they were harder than undergrad were LIARS!!

I'm drafting the LinkedIn posts for both as we speak (particularly excited for the actual graduation one) but the plans at the moment are to enjoy the summer (I have a mix of exciting family and friend-related stuff planned which I intend to make the most of whilst my schedule is as empty as it'll ever be), do some job-applying and - most of all - keep prepping for the next cycle!

I'll keep you updated on things as they arise but this is a pretty happy little update post from me

This really warms my heart. Huge huge huge congratulations on the first and the work experience. I am so incredibly proud of you. This is all a testament of your hard work and the incredible things you can do when you just put your mind to it. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, you star! 🌟

 

[Jaysen]

Long time, no see (or write??)

I have two pretty exciting updates!

Firstly, I managed to get a week at one of the law firms I'll be applying for a tc/vs at! It was a great week and I got a lot of stuff to add to my CV & applications and I'm feeling A LOT more confident going into the next cycle because of it The firm was great -- definitely going to be putting my all into that application because I'd absolutely love to work there

Secondly... I may now have a first class law degree, including a first in my dissertation! I'm over-the-moon about it and hoping it'll give me a teeny boost on applications. Even if it doesn't affect my applications/employability, I'm just so proud of myself for accomplishing this since my degree's definitely the hardest thing I've done! Honestly, the teachers who told me during A-levels that they were harder than undergrad were LIARS!!

I'm drafting the LinkedIn posts for both as we speak (particularly excited for the actual graduation one) but the plans at the moment are to enjoy the summer (I have a mix of exciting family and friend-related stuff planned which I intend to make the most of whilst my schedule is as empty as it'll ever be), do some job-applying and - most of all - keep prepping for the next cycle!

I'll keep you updated on things as they arise but this is a pretty happy little update post from me

I love this. Well done. I think a first will definitely stand out in your applications

 

[lk23]

This really warms my heart. Huge huge huge congratulations on the first and the work experience. I am so incredibly proud of you. This is all a testament of your hard work and the incredible things you can do when you just put your mind to it. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, you star! 🌟

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it

 

[lk23]

I love this. Well done. I think a first will definitely stand out in your applications

Thank you! Here's hoping it does haha

 

[lk23]

Back again for a smaller update regarding the job search!

About 20 applications down, a couple rejections, and I've just gotten my first invitation to an interview! I have quite a few applications that haven't been quickly rejected too which I'm waiting to hear back from that I feel quite promising about.
I won't pretend the rejections I have had weren't frustrating - especially when some were so quick it makes you doubt if they even read your application - but I'm feeling more confident now and I think I've gotten better with my applications as the process as gone on. I can't tell if the five million articles on how hard it is to get a job at the moment make me feel better or worse but I am trying to keep in mind that it is particularly competitive at the moment.

We're also approaching TC opening times so I'm getting my system in place so that I won't get too stressed during that time (I'll report back on what that is and how well it's working) which is why I'm really putting my all into the job apps whilst I can!

 

[lk23]

After my last update, I was offered two more interviews at different firms... which is good because the first invitation to an interview was withdrawn (the firm emailed saying they'd filled the role internally but then put the job advertisement back out again so... no idea what happened there).

Both were at firms I was interested in applying to training contracts at so I was pretty excited for both but I definitely was excited for job role #2 over job role #1. Role #2 was at the firm I mentioned in a previous post on this thread that I had done a week at and had kind of fallen in love with during that time. After one interview for Job Role #1, I was rejected after about two weeks? But I didn't really mind because, after two interviews during those two week gaps, I'd already been offered Job Role #2!!

I don't want to give too many details but to say I'm ecstatic is an understatement! I start in about a month and I still can't believe it - this truly was the dream paralegal role I wanted but didn't think would be my first job. It's the team, the firm AND the location I had hoped for so I really am lucky that the stars aligned. Even now, telling people that I have this role feels kind of crazy - especially other law grads/my peers who all look as thrilled as I do.

As I am now (thankfully) done with the job application process, I can tell you the thing everyone says but, boy is it true: it's a numbers game. All you need is one firm to say yes (it was appear that once that ball starts rolling, it rolls damn fast) and you're done! I felt so dejected seeing LinkedIn post after LinkedIn post from people getting jobs and it did get to me at times. If any of you are going through it, hang in there - rejections do not define you and are bound to happen, especially in law, just keep going.

(On a smaller note, I have began the TC/VC application process - I'll give an update on that when I'm further in!)

 

[ZNadeem]

After my last update, I was offered two more interviews at different firms... which is good because the first invitation to an interview was withdrawn (the firm emailed saying they'd filled the role internally but then put the job advertisement back out again so... no idea what happened there).

Both were at firms I was interested in applying to training contracts at so I was pretty excited for both but I definitely was excited for job role #2 over job role #1. Role #2 was at the firm I mentioned in a previous post on this thread that I had done a week at and had kind of fallen in love with during that time. After one interview for Job Role #1, I was rejected after about two weeks? But I didn't really mind because, after two interviews during those two week gaps, I'd already been offered Job Role #2!!

I don't want to give too many details but to say I'm ecstatic is an understatement! I start in about a month and I still can't believe it - this truly was the dream paralegal role I wanted but didn't think would be my first job. It's the team, the firm AND the location I had hoped for so I really am lucky that the stars aligned. Even now, telling people that I have this role feels kind of crazy - especially other law grads/my peers who all look as thrilled as I do.

As I am now (thankfully) done with the job application process, I can tell you the thing everyone says but, boy is it true: it's a numbers game. All you need is one firm to say yes (it was appear that once that ball starts rolling, it rolls damn fast) and you're done! I felt so dejected seeing LinkedIn post after LinkedIn post from people getting jobs and it did get to me at times. If any of you are going through it, hang in there - rejections do not define you and are bound to happen, especially in law, just keep going.

(On a smaller note, I have began the TC/VC application process - I'll give an update on that when I'm further in!)

Wow, huge congratulations! That’s such fantastic news — and even better that it’s the role, firm, team, and location you were really hoping for. It sounds like the perfect fit, and I’m so glad things lined up the way they did for you

Thank you as well for sharing your experience. Best of luck with the new role (you’re going to smash it!). Please do keep us updated!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

After my last update, I was offered two more interviews at different firms... which is good because the first invitation to an interview was withdrawn (the firm emailed saying they'd filled the role internally but then put the job advertisement back out again so... no idea what happened there).

Both were at firms I was interested in applying to training contracts at so I was pretty excited for both but I definitely was excited for job role #2 over job role #1. Role #2 was at the firm I mentioned in a previous post on this thread that I had done a week at and had kind of fallen in love with during that time. After one interview for Job Role #1, I was rejected after about two weeks? But I didn't really mind because, after two interviews during those two week gaps, I'd already been offered Job Role #2!!

I don't want to give too many details but to say I'm ecstatic is an understatement! I start in about a month and I still can't believe it - this truly was the dream paralegal role I wanted but didn't think would be my first job. It's the team, the firm AND the location I had hoped for so I really am lucky that the stars aligned. Even now, telling people that I have this role feels kind of crazy - especially other law grads/my peers who all look as thrilled as I do.

As I am now (thankfully) done with the job application process, I can tell you the thing everyone says but, boy is it true: it's a numbers game. All you need is one firm to say yes (it was appear that once that ball starts rolling, it rolls damn fast) and you're done! I felt so dejected seeing LinkedIn post after LinkedIn post from people getting jobs and it did get to me at times. If any of you are going through it, hang in there - rejections do not define you and are bound to happen, especially in law, just keep going.

(On a smaller note, I have began the TC/VC application process - I'll give an update on that when I'm further in!)

Huge congratulations on securing your dream paralegal role!!! That's such an exciting achievement, especially at a firm and in a team you already know you really connect with. It sounds like a perfect fit, and it's amazing that all three elements lined up for you. I remember the moment when I secured my first paralegal role, and I can totally relate to how surreal it felt! I learnt so much in that role and had such a lovely team, and I'm sure you'll have a similar positive experience too

I'm really glad things worked out the way they did, especially after the uncertainty with the first interview being withdrawn. It must feel so rewarding to know you've landed the role you were most excited about, and I can imagine how exciting (but amazing!) it feels when you tell people. I totally agree on the numbers game element - whilst I know some people thrive with a tailored approach, I found that was what worked best for me too!

Wishing you all the best as you start this new chapter - I'm sure you'll enjoy the role and the team. Best of luck with the TC / VS applications too, and give us a shout if we can help at all!! 🥳

 

[lk23]

Wow, huge congratulations! That’s such fantastic news — and even better that it’s the role, firm, team, and location you were really hoping for. It sounds like the perfect fit, and I’m so glad things lined up the way they did for you

Thank you as well for sharing your experience. Best of luck with the new role (you’re going to smash it!). Please do keep us updated!

Thank you!!

 

[lk23]

Huge congratulations on securing your dream paralegal role!!! That's such an exciting achievement, especially at a firm and in a team you already know you really connect with. It sounds like a perfect fit, and it's amazing that all three elements lined up for you. I remember the moment when I secured my first paralegal role, and I can totally relate to how surreal it felt! I learnt so much in that role and had such a lovely team, and I'm sure you'll have a similar positive experience too

I'm really glad things worked out the way they did, especially after the uncertainty with the first interview being withdrawn. It must feel so rewarding to know you've landed the role you were most excited about, and I can imagine how exciting (but amazing!) it feels when you tell people. I totally agree on the numbers game element - whilst I know some people thrive with a tailored approach, I found that was what worked best for me too!

Wishing you all the best as you start this new chapter - I'm sure you'll enjoy the role and the team. Best of luck with the TC / VS applications too, and give us a shout if we can help at all!! 🥳

Thank you!! The members of the team I met during the interviews were all really lovely so I'm looking forward to meeting the rest. Surreal is definitely the word for it - I don't think it's going to feel fully real until my first day!