Becoming Jessica Pearson (An International Student's TC Journey)

[Jessica Pearson]

Hello everyone!!
As the new application cycle is approaching, I have decided to create my own thread and keep myself accountable.
A bit about me: I am an international student who recently graduated with a 2:1 from a non-RG uni and 3 Bs at A levels (was still getting used to the UK system at the time ). I was involved in some extracurricular activities while at uni: Secretary and Treasurer of my uni's law society (2nd and 3rd year), VC of the volleyball team, campus ambassador for an organisation. I also have some office and customer service experience (through part-time jobs).

My goal in this new cycle is for it to be my last. I didn't take this (2024/2025) cycle as seriously as I was focused on my grades. I applied to 5 firms, got 1 PFO post app, 3 post online test, and 1 post interview. I learned that I need to improve my commercial awareness and video interviewing skills. My applications could also be more tailored.

MY PLAN
I'm not fully sure what kind of firm I want to work in yet as I don't have any formal legal work experience yet, so I plan to apply to a range of them (11 firms):
Irwin Mitchell (DTC)- ✅📝🎥
HSF Kramer (VS)- ✅📝🔵❌
Pinsent Masons (VS)- ✅📝🎥 ❌
Simmons & Simmons (VS)
CMS (DTC)-✅❌
Baker McKenzie (DTC)-
Reed Smith (VS)- ✅📝🎥
Addleshaw Goddard (VS)- ✅📝
OC (VS)-
Gowling (VS)- ✅📝

Key: ✅ = application submitted; 📝 = test received; 🔵 = Invited to 2nd test/met benchmark; ✍️ = Written Exercise; 🎥 = VI; ❌ = rejection

MY ACTION PLAN

• Listen to the FT news briefing everyday. I have already started creating this habit so I could get a better understanding of commercial news and how they affect clients and law firms. I think what I'm struggling with now is how to communicate that in interviews and stuff.
• Practice each type of psychometric test at least once a week. I am currently using Graduate First and Assessment day.
• Pre-draft my 'why law', 'why commercial law', 'why me', and 'why this firm'. I think this will help me write applications faster. The first three can be applied to all firms and I can tweak the last one to whatever question the firm asks about them.
• Create an application timetable. I currently gave myself 3 applications per month so we'll see how feasible that will be.
• Create and experience and interview questions bank. Most firms ask for similar, if not the same, skills and/or experience so I think it'll more efficient to get this done early (though I've only actually started the experience bank haha)

NB: I am going to be working full time (like 30-45 hrs) while doing this so I'm not fully sure how I am going to be balancing it all. Pray for me *fingers crossed*. I'll try to post an update every now and again just to make sure I'm actually doing the work!
Also, if anyone has any other tips for preparing for the cycle beforehand, let me know. Please and thanks!

 

[Jaysen]

Sounds like an excellent game plan. I’m excited to follow your journey. And great thread title!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE

• I have been listening to the FT news briefing consistently (plus or minus one or two days). I'm still currently researching how to properly communicate my commercial awareness in interviews, so I had contacted some future trainees to ask for commercial questions they have been asked and tips on how to answer them.
• I haven't completed any psychometric tests in the past two weeks because I have been focused on applying for legal jobs, primarily in legal admin and paralegal positions. I feel like this is just rejection exposure therapy at this point 😭😭. All these entry-level jobs requiring 2-3 years' experience is crazy. At least I was able to get one interview, and I'm really hoping I get the job!
• I've drafted 2 versions of my 'why commercial law' and 1 version of my 'why me'.
• I have created an application timetable with some extra firms I'll consider if there's time.

REFLECTIONS

• I initially felt like I wasn't doing enough, but looking at the things I've achieved in the past two weeks makes me feel a bit better. Personally, I think the entire application process is more mentally daunting than the actual work. Waiting to hear back from firms stresses me more that writing the application or going for an interview

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE!!
Guys I got the job!! I'm so happy to finally get some legal experience... even though it's in criminal law. @Ram Sabaratnam do you have any advice on how I can translate this for my applications, especially regarding my motivations for commercial law?
I've also finished drafting my first application of the cycle! I'm trying to build the momentum of just writing the first draft because I tend to procrastinate because I want it to be perfect .

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @Jessica Pearson


that’s amazing news! I’m really glad to hear it. My own view is that any kind of experience (legal or non-legal) is a win. What matters is your ability to draw out the connections between this role, your other experiences, and your motivations for commercial law.

In terms of framing this experience for commercial law applications, it's definitely possible to draw out similarities/parallels. I did something similar in my own applications. For instance, for City firms with strong white collar, investigations, and fraud practices, I often discussed how my experience of doing a Government Legal Department scheme and shadowing a lawyer in the SFO, which sparked an interest in these matters. Even if you can't draw convincing parallels between the work you do in this new role and your motivations for commercial law, the experience is likely to help you develop skills that will assist you when you're a trainee solicitor. Depending on the work you do, you could definitely discuss how you've strengthened your client contact, communication, research, and organisational skills in ways that will make you a strong trainee. Ultimately, what matters is your ability to reflect on this opportunity and think about how it might speak to your overall profile as a candidate (and not only your motivations for commercial law).

Best of luck with the new role and your cycle!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE
SOOOO, I have submitted my first application of this cycle. I felt a rush of motivation come in to start prepping for the rest of my applications but I think it died as quickly as it came. I'm currently preparing for my new job and I need my graduate visa to come out before I can be given the final contract. I forgot how stressful waiting is and I can already see how much waiting I'm going to be doing for the rest of cycle, from waiting after online tests to waiting to hear back from assessment centres. I need to create a routine to get my mind off of the waiting period. If anyone has any tips, please share x.
I have also been keeping up to date with the news from the FT. I've also been trying to discuss commercial news with people around to get used to talking about it.
Finally, I am currently drafting my HSF Kramer application and I need help with approaching the first question.
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you.
We are looking for structure and succinctness in your answer. Your answer does not need to be related to law or Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and it is a chance for us to find out more about you and your interests. (Max 300 words)
@Jaysen @Amma Usman Do you have any advice on how to approach, answer, and structure this question?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

UPDATE
SOOOO, I have submitted my first application of this cycle. I felt a rush of motivation come in to start prepping for the rest of my applications but I think it died as quickly as it came. I'm currently preparing for my new job and I need my graduate visa to come out before I can be given the final contract. I forgot how stressful waiting is and I can already see how much waiting I'm going to be doing for the rest of cycle, from waiting after online tests to waiting to hear back from assessment centres. I need to create a routine to get my mind off of the waiting period. If anyone has any tips, please share x.
I have also been keeping up to date with the news from the FT. I've also been trying to discuss commercial news with people around to get used to talking about it.
Finally, I am currently drafting my HSF Kramer application and I need help with approaching the first question.
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you.
We are looking for structure and succinctness in your answer. Your answer does not need to be related to law or Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and it is a chance for us to find out more about you and your interests. (Max 300 words)
@Jaysen @Amma Usman Do you have any advice on how to approach, answer, and structure this question?

Hey @Jessica Pearson,

First things first, I love your handle name!

To hopefully answer your question: you would want to split your answer into two halves - the first one discussing the topic you are interested in, and the other explaining why exactly you are interested in it. It is very important that you dedicate equal space to answering each part of this question! In my experience, the most common mistake candidates make is not spending enough time or completely neglecting the second part, i.e. explaining the source of their interest.

You also truly don't have to write about anything law-related - in fact, chances are, you will stand out more if you write about something that you are truly passionate about!

I hope this helps!

 

[ZNadeem]

UPDATE
SOOOO, I have submitted my first application of this cycle. I felt a rush of motivation come in to start prepping for the rest of my applications but I think it died as quickly as it came. I'm currently preparing for my new job and I need my graduate visa to come out before I can be given the final contract. I forgot how stressful waiting is and I can already see how much waiting I'm going to be doing for the rest of cycle, from waiting after online tests to waiting to hear back from assessment centres. I need to create a routine to get my mind off of the waiting period. If anyone has any tips, please share x.
I have also been keeping up to date with the news from the FT. I've also been trying to discuss commercial news with people around to get used to talking about it.
Finally, I am currently drafting my HSF Kramer application and I need help with approaching the first question.
Introduce us to a topic you know about and explain why it interests you.
We are looking for structure and succinctness in your answer. Your answer does not need to be related to law or Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and it is a chance for us to find out more about you and your interests. (Max 300 words)
@Jaysen @Amma Usman Do you have any advice on how to approach, answer, and structure this question?

Hi!

I fully echo Vera's fantastic advice. They genuinely don’t want a legal or commercial topic. People have successfully written about things like cancel culture, Taylor Swift, or Formula One—just something that shows curiosity and engagement.

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Hey @Jessica Pearson,

First things first, I love your handle name!

To hopefully answer your question: you would want to split your answer into two halves - the first one discussing the topic you are interested in, and the other explaining why exactly you are interested in it. It is very important that you dedicate equal space to answering each part of this question! In my experience, the most common mistake candidates make is not spending enough time or completely neglecting the second part, i.e. explaining the source of their interest.

You also truly don't have to write about anything law-related - in fact, chances are, you will stand out more if you write about something that you are truly passionate about!

I hope this helps!

@vera.mekhonoshina Thank you so much for this advice. I had applied to them before and I noticed that I didn't really talk about why it interests me so that's what I'll work for this application answer.

 

[Jessica Pearson]

It's been a while since I updated this thread. I've been settling into my new job and learning the ropes so I haven't applied to any more firms to avoid feeling overwhelmed. But after resetting over the weekend, I'm ready to continue. I just finished my first draft for my Reed Smith app and am almost done with my Pinsents test. Currently waiting to hear back from HSFK for the WVS app I submitted and I really pray I'll make it to the next stage (finger's crossed). I am proud of myself for being consistent with listening to the FT news briefing every morning on my way to work!
My goal for the rest of this month is to submit the following applications: Pinsents, Reed Smith, CMS and OC (if I submit the first 3 before the end of the month).

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

It's been a while since I updated this thread. I've been settling into my new job and learning the ropes so I haven't applied to any more firms to avoid feeling overwhelmed. But after resetting over the weekend, I'm ready to continue. I just finished my first draft for my Reed Smith app and am almost done with my Pinsents test. Currently waiting to hear back from HSFK for the WVS app I submitted and I really pray I'll make it to the next stage (finger's crossed). I am proud of myself for being consistent with listening to the FT news briefing every morning on my way to work!
My goal for the rest of this month is to submit the following applications: Pinsents, Reed Smith, CMS and OC (if I submit the first 3 before the end of the month).

Hi!

Thank you for the update - congratulations on starting your new job!! It’s totally understandable that you took a step back from applications whilst you were settling in, and it sounds like you’ve found a good balance now.

Well done on getting your Reed Smith draft done and making progress with Pinsents - and fingers crossed for your HSF Kramer application!! It’s brilliant that you’ve kept up the habit of listening to the FT News Briefing each morning too - that’s a really great way to stay commercially aware. I actually did exactly the same thing during my placement year when I was commuting in the mornings!

Your goals for the month sound really solid and achievable, and it always helps to have a great plan in place (like you do!). Wishing you all the best 😊

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Hi!

Thank you for the update - congratulations on starting your new job!! It’s totally understandable that you took a step back from applications whilst you were settling in, and it sounds like you’ve found a good balance now.

Well done on getting your Reed Smith draft done and making progress with Pinsents - and fingers crossed for your HSF Kramer application!! It’s brilliant that you’ve kept up the habit of listening to the FT News Briefing each morning too - that’s a really great way to stay commercially aware. I actually did exactly the same thing during my placement year when I was commuting in the mornings!

Your goals for the month sound really solid and achievable, and it always helps to have a great plan in place (like you do!). Wishing you all the best 😊

Thank you so much for your message Abbie! It feels good to know that I'm on a good path.

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE
Been rejected by HSF Kramer. It feels so upsetting because I really tried my best for this one. The question has been the same for the past three years so I started working on this before the cycle began and this being my first rejection really hurts. I choose to believe that it wasn't my essay that was the issue but maybe my grades as I heard they're quite stringent on that. I'm trying to look at the bright side i.e that I've passed their online test after previously failing it. I thought I had enough exposure therapy applying for paralegal jobs but it seems like I need to be stronger😂. With this being the only application I've submitted I need to double down for the rest of them.

Goals for the rest of the month:
- Submit Reed Smith application
- Submit Pinsent Masons application
- Research and draft CMS application
- Practice 3 WG tests

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

UPDATE
Been rejected by HSF Kramer. It feels so upsetting because I really tried my best for this one. The question has been the same for the past three years so I started working on this before the cycle began and this being my first rejection really hurts. I choose to believe that it wasn't my essay that was the issue but maybe my grades as I heard they're quite stringent on that. I'm trying to look at the bright side i.e that I've passed their online test after previously failing it. I thought I had enough exposure therapy applying for paralegal jobs but it seems like I need to be stronger😂. With this being the only application I've submitted I need to double down for the rest of them.

Goals for the rest of the month:
- Submit Reed Smith application
- Submit Pinsent Masons application
- Research and draft CMS application
- Practice 3 WG tests

Hello!

I’m really sorry to hear about HSF Kramer - totally understandable that it’s tricky to hear, especially after putting on so much effort and prep. It’s clear you really cared about the application, and that kind of dedication will 100% pay off in the long run, even if this setback stings right now. Every rejection leads you one application closer to the ‘Yes’ you need, so try to think of the valuable practice it gave you (which is easier said than done!)

It’s great that you’re already looking at the positives - it is a really gruelling process, and you should celebrate your progress! Resilience is one of the most vital parts of the application process, and it’s clear that you’re already looking ahead to the next one which is great. I really love how you’ve set clear goals that you want to meet each month, and you’ve got some great firms on your list (though I may be a bit biased!). I wish you the best of luck with those applications, and the WG tests!

You’ve clearly got the right mindset - reflective, resilient, and always seeking ways to improve. This is one of the most important skills for a trainee, and I’d be proud of how far you’ve come so far! I hope your job is going well too - you’ve got this 💪🏼

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE

WINS
I have finally submitted my Reed Smith and Pinsents applications last month. I'm happy because this is the most applications I've submitted before November (as compared to my previous cycles lol😄). I know PM takes a while to get back to applicants so I've decided to put it at the back of mind for now. I think I have also recovered from my HSFK app because I've been seeing on the forums that they usually require a 2:1 in every module and I didn't have that due to mitigating circumstances.

REFLECTIONS
My feedback for the PM blended assessment wasn't what I expected. I usually do better at verbal reasoning tests as compared to numerical ones, but in this case it was the other way around. I believe it's a sign that I shouldn't stop practising because I think I'm good at it. I believe that I have also greatly improved my video interviewing skills as compared to last year so that's a good sign.
I still need to submit my CMS application. I'm currently struggling to tailor my application answer to this question: What impact do you want to make at CMS? I've managed to narrow down the skills I’ll bring and impact I want to make, but my issues is finding how exactly to link that to what CMS has to offer.

GOALS FOR THE MONTH

• Submit the following applications: CMS, Gowling, and Addleshaw Goddard.
• Practice 2 WG tests
• Practice 2 verbal reasoning tests

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE

Rejected from CMS. I can't even guess why I was rejected because I took my time to make a detailed application, and they also don't have minimum grade requirements, so I'm just putting it behind me. I'm currently moving with the mentality that 'just 1 TC offer is all I need'. By the grace of God, I received a VI invite for Reed Smith two days after the rejection, so I'm just grateful. @Abbie Whitlock Could you please give me some tips on how to approach the strength-based interview because this was the stage I was rejected at last year, and I want that to change?
I've also submitted my Gowling app. I don't even understand that Arctic Shores test, but I'm hoping for the best. Currently proofreading my AG application to make sure it's as tailored as possible. I have changed some of the firms I'm applying to because I want to maximise my chances.

GOALS FOR THE NEXT MONTH

• Submit apps for Irwin Mitchell, Simmons & Simmons and Addleshaw Goddard
• Submit Reed Smith test & VI

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

UPDATE

Rejected from CMS. I can't even guess why I was rejected because I took my time to make a detailed application, and they also don't have minimum grade requirements, so I'm just putting it behind me. I'm currently moving with the mentality that 'just 1 TC offer is all I need'. By the grace of God, I received a VI invite for Reed Smith two days after the rejection, so I'm just grateful. @Abbie Whitlock Could you please give me some tips on how to approach the strength-based interview because this was the stage I was rejected at last year, and I want that to change?
I've also submitted my Gowling app. I don't even understand that Arctic Shores test, but I'm hoping for the best. Currently proofreading my AG application to make sure it's as tailored as possible. I have changed some of the firms I'm applying to because I want to maximise my chances.

GOALS FOR THE NEXT MONTH

• Submit apps for Irwin Mitchell, Simmons & Simmons and Addleshaw Goddard
• Submit Reed Smith test & VI

Hey!

I'm really sorry to hear about the CMS rejection, but you should be super proud of being invited to the Reed Smith online assessment - congratulations!

Of course, I can share some general tips for the strengths-based interview!

In general, it's really important that you are fully answering the question and that any examples you use actually fit with the question. In the past, I used to have a tendency to try to fit my most substantial and 'best' example to each question - however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell that this is what you are trying to do. I would therefore focus on using the example that fits the strengths question the best (even if it is a less substantive experience) - think about what skills and traits the question is asking you to display, and go with an example that fits that.

I would also make sure to utilise the unlimited prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording. I wouldn't worry too much about the firm checking to see how long you have spent on prep time - Reed Smith actively encourage you to make the most of it, and I believe I spent around 30 minutes to an hour for each VI question! I would, however, avoid writing a script, as this can end up sounding robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance. The method that helped me was to write my main bullet points that I wanted to cover on a post-it note, and use the unlimited prep time to practice over and over again. This meant that I could ensure that my answer was fully developed, but I didn't have to rely on notes to remember my answer.

There's a video on the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I always recommend, and I'd definitely encourage you to give it a watch if you haven't already - you can find it here.

Overall, particularly for strengths-based assessments, the important element is to answer truthfully and be yourself. With strengths-based assessments, they are looking to see how you would handle specific problems, your general working style, and the traits that you naturally possess that would make you a good fit for the firm. I would have a think about what your key strengths are, and how they align with the role of a trainee. If given a hypothetical situation, talk the interviewer (aka your computer!) through each step you would take to address the situation, and how you would use these strengths to aid you in handling any issues that arise.

These types of questions are often very reflective and might also ask you a specific question about your working style - for example, in an interview I did for a separate firm, I was asked "What type of person are you under pressure?". I'd just make sure you take a moment to actually think your answer through and reflect on your past experiences, and construct an answer that is rooted in previous examples.

I hope that assists - if you have any other questions, please do shout! Best of luck with the assessment

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE
The PFOs have been coming back to back this season 😭 . This Pinsents one hurt even though I expected it a bit. I believe I have become some much better at video interviews this year but idk how I flopped the verbal reasoning test. I can't even cry because I got it as soon as I started work. In the grand scheme of things it's only 3 out of the 10 firms I want to/ have applied for that I've been rejected from, but those were ranked higher on my list😭. I'm going to take a break in December it looks like because doing it all (working full time, applying and still trying to have a social life and be healthy) is starting to drain me and I don't want to be burnt out before the year even starts. I know everything will work out eventually but the lows are stressful.

On a brighter note, I have submitted my apps for AG, Simmons & Simmons, and Irwin M. Now I have the following to complete within the next week:

• AG critical thinking test
• Irwin online test
• Reed Smith VI

The stress has only just begun but I'm grateful to still be in the race

Until next time✨