My Journey (from a non-law background)

[Rosie_Kitten]

Hello everybody,
I have decided to post about my journey into the law world, with applications for training contracts and vacation schemes.

My profile:
I graduated in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from a RG university in 2024, with a big focus on economics (and also data analysis). I worked a non-law-related job whilst at University, and took the last year off in a foreign country to focus on my sport (competitive at a high level). I earned a mid 2:1 at University (the majority 2:2 modules, a few 1st, and 2x2:2), achieved AAA (2021 covid grade assessments) at A level, and 5 x Grade 9, 3x Grade 8 and 1 x A* at GCSE level. This is my first round of applications, and I do not have much prior Law knowledge (but significant economic knowledge). As part of my UG degree, I did a dissertation utilising quantitative methods, which won an award.

I chose the firms to apply to based on which seemed to fit my skillset, diversifying slightly to improve chances; however, I understand my strategy could be improved upon when focusing on the next firms to apply for. I have no idea what to expect (probability-wise and process-wise), and I know that law is extremely competitive. I am excited to learn and welcome any advice! I spent roughly one day focused per application for my first 5 applications, then after that, I was able to do 2 a day. I prioritised based on deadlines, and accept that I probably missed out on many opportunities starting late. I made sure to try to be as professional as possible in my responses, whilst maintaining creativity and unique concepts. However, as this is my first time applying, I have never received feedback on applications before, so I am unsure exactly what individual firms are looking for in terms of responses (although I try to get a cultural understanding of the firms I apply to).

Firms applied to (so far) for Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes:
- **Dechert (17/12/25)
- Arnold & Porter (18/12/25)
- **Gibson Dunn* (19/12/25)
- **Hogan Lovells (19/12/25)
- Travers Smith* (19/12/25)
- Burges Salmon* (21/12/25) - 🫣💻
- Addleshaw Goddard 🫣💻 (23/12/25)
- Covington & Burling* (23/12/25)
- Katten (24/12/25)
- Debevoise and Plimpton (24/12/25)
- Greenberg Traurig (26/12/25)

EDIT - here are additional firms since creating the thread:

- HFW (28/12/25)
- Milbank (29/12/25) - 📨💻📨💻
- White & Case (29/12/25) 📨💻
- Bristows* (1/1/26)❌️
- Cripps* (1/1/26) 📨💻
- Vinson & Elkins (1/1/26)
- Mills & Reeve (3/1/26) - 📨(🎥)💻❌️
- Clyde & Co (5/1/26)🫣💻🎥
- Squire Pattern Boggs (5/1/26)
- Womble Bond Dickinson (5/1/26)
- Fladgate (6/1/26)
- BCLP 🫣💻 (8/1/26)❌️
- Osborne Clarke 🫣💻 (8/1/26)
- Ropes & Gray* (10/1/26)
- Cleary Gottlieb (10/1/26)
- **Withers (12/1/26)
- Wedlake Bell* (12/1/26)
- Lewis Silkin* (12/1/26)
- Charles Russell Speechlys *(13/1/26)
- **Stephenson Harwood* (14/1/26)
- **King & Spalding* (18/1/26)

Total: 31

Thank you! And feel free to ask any questions or give any advice .
Key
* = worked multiple days over application
** = DTC
❌️ = rejection
🫣 = assessment as part of application : 5
📨 = online assessment allocated: 4
💻 = online assessment completed
🎥 = video interview: 2
🤝 = interview
🏬 = assessment centre (optimistic here down)
🏖 = VS
📂 = TC

Edit: To clarify, I applied to many US law firms over UK ones as I read that extracurricular activities and interests (of which I have extensive lists) had more value in the application process for these firms. In addition, when I started to apply, I had already missed many UK deadlines. I am very interested in London for my long-term career, but also happy to look at other regional firms where I might have higher probabilities.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

In addition to the exisring applications, this week I submitted applications for HFW, White & Case, Milbank. I completed the necessary default applications for Burges Salmon, Addleshaw Goddard and White & Case.

I am thinking to research smaller / more regional firms, to improve my possibilities/probabilities. I imagine they have strong training opportunities with future progression potential, even if short term the projects are smaller and income might be lower. I am also looking into more of the London firms who have deadlines approaching.

I'm not sure though if my time would be better focused on more applications at this stage, or focused on critical thinking/problem solving practice and interview preparation. Interested to hear if anybody has any thoughts...
I'm also considering finding other people to read over my previous applications to offer advice on what I have written, as so far I have only been using my best judgement as what to write - and as a first time applicant I might be going in the wrong direction when answering some of the questions.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

@Rosie_Kitten amazing work!

As it is near enough the beginning of your applications, I would suggest focusing a little more on applications for now as opposed to any further stage preparation. However, I would encourage you to use the critical thinking tests as a little break from continuous drafting (maybe in the evening) - overtime, it will help you become a little more familiar with the test structure and what is expected of you.

You will find the forums on TCLA are a great help when it comes to advice, or particular questions. Always feel free to post on there with your question or conundrum.

I am excited for you! Keep it up.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

@Rosie_Kitten amazing work!

As it is near enough the beginning of your applications, I would suggest focusing a little more on applications for now as opposed to any further stage preparation. However, I would encourage you to use the critical thinking tests as a little break from continuous drafting (maybe in the evening) - overtime, it will help you become a little more familiar with the test structure and what is expected of you.

You will find the forums on TCLA are a great help when it comes to advice, or particular questions. Always feel free to post on there with your question or conundrum.

I am excited for you! Keep it up.

Thank you for all the advice and support 🙏
Do you have any advice on applicarion strategy (either in which firms to apply to, or how to structure my applications?) Or is this very personal/specific (or related to researching specific firms / looking over this forum for similar questions)?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Thank you for all the advice and support 🙏
Do you have any advice on applicarion strategy (either in which firms to apply to, or how to structure my applications?) Or is this very personal/specific (or related to researching specific firms / looking over this forum for similar questions)?

Its hard to say as I’ve been trying for a few years and this is your first cycle, so maybe you’d have more success that me. But, if I was starting again, I probably would focus less on trying to make the firm sound amazing, and more on how this aligns with my interests.

One thing to remember is that a TC is an investment, they want to see that you’re motivated by the career and the firm - so as to not leave upon qualification. So, really think about that firm specifically, and avoid anything that can realistically be applied to every other firm. For example, if you’re interested in their M&A offering, focus on why, why their offering in particular e.g. are they experts in a certain industry or client base, is their work more about economic development as opposed to private profits, etc.

After you have the specific detail, then explain why this interests you - maybe you’ve had prior experience or perhaps you’ve got stronger skills in that field. Then back up your answer with examples too!

Im sure you’ll do amazing, and the forum is a great place to look for advice and see how others have approached certain components of the application.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Its hard to say as I’ve been trying for a few years and this is your first cycle, so maybe you’d have more success that me. But, if I was starting again, I probably would focus less on trying to make the firm sound amazing, and more on how this aligns with my interests.

One thing to remember is that a TC is an investment, they want to see that you’re motivated by the career and the firm - so as to not leave upon qualification. So, really think about that firm specifically, and avoid anything that can realistically be applied to every other firm. For example, if you’re interested in their M&A offering, focus on why, why their offering in particular e.g. are they experts in a certain industry or client base, is their work more about economic development as opposed to private profits, etc.

After you have the specific detail, then explain why this interests you - maybe you’ve had prior experience or perhaps you’ve got stronger skills in that field. Then back up your answer with examples too!

Im sure you’ll do amazing, and the forum is a great place to look for advice and see how others have approached certain components of the application.

Thanks for all the advice! And learning from your experience will definitely be beneficial ! And your resilience will pay off 🤞.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Update: Just completed the Milbank Stage 2 assessment. I'm unsure how I did, as for the first time in a while, I got stumped on a couple of questions (where even after reasoning, I was unsure). Nevertheless, it's submitted - all I can do is wait. I'm not so optimistic about prospects, though, given the competitive nature of Milbank, I almost wish I could comment on some of the questions so they could understand my thought process. Then again, lots of law is making judgments under pressure, so it's a fitting assessment.
I did recognise a few questions from a practice I did a long time ago, although I had already forgotten the answers/solutions, so it didn't help me much. Interesting that somebody could potentially have a huge advantage if they did tests with the same practice questions? . I also received a very positive report from the Mills & Reeve assessment. I assume they give everybody a similar report (very high numerical and positive comments for the others). I will take the feedback on board to better prepare for other assessments, and won't assume anything from it.

I applied since the last post to a few more firms: Clyde & Co, Squire Pattern Boggs, Fladgate, and Womble Bond Dickinson. Originally, it was part of my diversification process; however, in research, all of them seem like very strong training environments and development. Of course, I could see myself thriving in all of them; however, many of these firms particularly look for legal work experience. Perhaps I should start contacting smaller firms for work experience opportunities?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

So, my short break of not writing applications lasted... well, let's not talk about it. A combination of an empty inbox, approaching deadlines, FOMO and a sudden surge of productivity led to a few more applications over the past couple of days...

Ropes & Gray
Cleary Gottlieb
Withers
Wedlake Bell
Lewis Silkin

I also have two more, which I started, that may or may not be finished depending on what emails I get over the next two days. As usual for many people, the silence is deafening. Meanwhile, I've been trying to spruce up my LinkedIn. I don't want to publically post that here (Or people will know my real details), but if anybody can offer advice on that in private message (if it's relevent), please let me know! Thank you!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

This week has been a little tough. Started out getting Cripps assessment which was nice.
Bristows and BCLP PFO.
I was worried by no Burges salmon response.... then realised I submitted Direct training contract app. I'm kicking myself for not applying to VS but can't change past. Waiting on Mills & Reeve summer VS... really wanting to know the outcome, seeing lots of ACs and PFOs for it today. Maybe for spring?


Also still silent after milbank stage 2 and white & case test. Waiting for Clyde & Co post VI, but I guess they do it after all submissions.

Trying to stay positive, knowing many who get VS / TC get rejected many many times and only get one yes - and it's the yes that counts.