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

[tenibankoleolusina]

Happy New Year everyoneeee!!!

I pray that this year is filled with AC offers, VS offers and TC offers! Amen!!

So I've been in a season of waiting since my last post. Still holding on for a RS AC since I did my VI in November. In the meantime, I have also applied to the following firms:

• DAC Beachcroft (I have an interest in real estate so I'm casting a wide net and applying to more firms)
• Trowers & Hamlins (allocated through 10K BI. I find it interesting that the firm also has a strong real estate practice.)
• Womble Bond Dickinson (saw it on the Legal Cheek deadline list and applied on a whim)

Overall, I feel quite positive about this month. We'll definitely be hearing back, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about what I want from a career in law. I also became less agitated in the wait, as I've seen a lot of people on this forum feel as stressed as I was, and it helped me.
Since it's the holidays, I haven't listened to any commercial news since my last day at work before my annual leave (as I always do). So I want to spend this month cultivating my commercial awareness again and getting on top of the news. Aside from this, I want to:

• Finally submit my OC application. I've heard so much about the online test, so I've been waiting till I actually have the time to face it before I submit.
• Keep practising psychometric tests and, hopefully, get into AC practice. I'm not sure what sources people usually use for AC practice, esp for case studies and written exercises, so if anyone has any tips for this could you please give me tips??

You're doing great! Keep going!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

It's been a while since I gave any updates. My inbox has been dead since last year, except two new update:

• Reed Smith PFO: I don't even remember when I got it. I just remember that it was in the morning before work and I couldn't cry so I just deleted the email. I think this PFO also shifted my mindset to detach from all my applications. I just need one at a good firm that has practice areas I'm interested in. So that's what I'm going to do.
• DAC Beachcroft VI: Got this today and I'm happy. It feels good to still be progressing. I just need to get at least one AC this year as I've never got one. I need to practice my VI skills because it seems all the firms I've done this for have ended in PFOs.
• Osborne Clarke app: I had procrastinated this since October because I was still reeling from PFOs at the time. But after detaching I just locked in and finally submitted it. I can't even explain how I felt about that test! The time was too short. But if it's meant to be, it'll be. All I can do now is wait.

I've take a step back from applications this month because I wanted to just rest and recharge. This also means that I have been slacking on my commercial awareness. I'll do better from next week. These are some of the firms I want to apply to in the next month or two (all DTCs):

• Mayer Brown
• HFW
• Baker McKenzie

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Hello everyoneee,

I woke up this morning with the need to do more. My inbox has been relatively dead which I am semi-grateful for (no news is better than bad news). I received the WBD online test which literally took 5 mins to do. I've also been told by Trowers that's we'll hear back in 2 weeks, so I'm a it hopeful. I also did my DACB VI yesterday after loads of research and they were mostly competency questions. I was happy that it was competency as that's what I find easiest to answer and they gave the chance to have 3 takes and choose the best one.

I've been thinking about starting AC prep (staying ready so I don't have to get ready), but the imposter syndrome is putting pressure on me since I've never actually received an AC before. I know if I really want something and work hard at it I'll get it, but with TCs there's a lot that is out of our control. I'm still learning to believe in myself everyday (by proving to my self that I can stick to my promises) and I hope that someone feels encouraged by this message and remembers that they're not alone in this journey.

I just came on here to rant lol, hope everyone has a good day!!

 

[8law]

Hello everyoneee,

I woke up this morning with the need to do more. My inbox has been relatively dead which I am semi-grateful for (no news is better than bad news). I received the WBD online test which literally took 5 mins to do. I've also been told by Trowers that's we'll hear back in 2 weeks, so I'm a it hopeful. I also did my DACB VI yesterday after loads of research and they were mostly competency questions. I was happy that it was competency as that's what I find easiest to answer and they gave the chance to have 3 takes and choose the best one.

I've been thinking about starting AC prep (staying ready so I don't have to get ready), but the imposter syndrome is putting pressure on me since I've never actually received an AC before. I know if I really want something and work hard at it I'll get it, but with TCs there's a lot that is out of our control. I'm still learning to believe in myself everyday (by proving to my self that I can stick to my promises) and I hope that someone feels encouraged by this message and remembers that they're not alone in this journey.

I just came on here to rant lol, hope everyone has a good day!!

Hey! with the DACB VI did you get a limited amount of time to view the question and prep for it or was it unlimited ?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Hey! with the DACB VI did you get a limited amount of time to view the question and prep for it or was it unlimited ?

There's 3 mins to prepare per question and 1 min 30 seconds to answer. You also have 5 days to complete it (it was stated in the email as well).

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE
So I've received a PFO from OC. I just feel numb atp, so I'm just going to start submitting DTC app to see if I get anywhere. I have been waiting for AG since I did the critical thinking test, and I'm expecting a PFO from them as well as I've seen people getting ACs since last month but I haven't even got the VI.

 

[Jessica Pearson]

It's been a while since I've been on this forum. I've been feeling very low and demotivated seeing so many people get offers when I haven't even gotten one interview. I've recently been rejected from DACB, AG and Trowers; so I took a break from all applications to try feeling sane for a bit. I'm now back it and trying my luck with direct TC apps. If I even get one AC, I'll be okay for this cycle because it's been very demotivating. I want to apply to the following this month:
- Wedlake Bell
- Shoosmiths

We'll see how it goes...

 

[W5690]

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 (13 firms):
HSF Kramer (VS)-
Pinsent Masons (VS)-
CMS (DTC)-
Reed Smith (VS)-
Addleshaw Goddard (VS)-
OC (VS)-
Gowling (VS)-
Trowers & Hamlins (10K BI)-
DAC Beachcroft (DTC)-
Womble Bond Dickinson (DTC)-
Baker McKenzie (DTC)-
HFW (DTC)-
Mayer Brown (DTC)-

Key: = application submitted; = test received; = Invited to 2nd test/met benchmark; = Written Exercise; = VI; = rejection; = Assessment Centre

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!

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 (13 firms):
HSF Kramer (VS)-
Pinsent Masons (VS)-
CMS (DTC)-
Reed Smith (VS)-
Addleshaw Goddard (VS)-
OC (VS)-
Gowling (VS)-
Trowers & Hamlins (10K BI)-
DAC Beachcroft (DTC)-
Womble Bond Dickinson (DTC)-
Baker McKenzie (DTC)-
HFW (DTC)-
Mayer Brown (DTC)-

Key: = application submitted; = test received; = Invited to 2nd test/met benchmark; = Written Exercise; = VI; = rejection; = Assessment Centre

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!

@Jessica Pearson Hi! May I please ask how you have managed to balance your applications and your studies? Many thanks.