Next steps

[mrmiciomao]

Hi all! I have just graduated from a RG uni with a 2.1 and have an offer to do the LLM with SQE1 and 2. Do you think it is more sensible to self-fund and start in September, defer or just keep applying and hope for a sponsorship?

It feels like I'm not getting anywhere with job applications either, legal or non-legal. I am currently working at my university's Law Clinic but that is as far as it goes.

I would appreciate your opinion on this

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all! I have just graduated from a RG uni with a 2.1 and have an offer to do the LLM with SQE1 and 2. Do you think it is more sensible to self-fund and start in September, defer or just keep applying and hope for a sponsorship?

It feels like I'm not getting anywhere with job applications either, legal or non-legal. I am currently working at my university's Law Clinic but that is as far as it goes.

I would appreciate your opinion on this

Hey!

Congratulations on your graduation!

I think this is quite a personal decision, as it'll depend on things like your financial situation, your confidence in securing a TC, and whether you are happy to take on the risk of self-funding.

Personally, I don't think there is necessarily a right or wrong answer. Plenty of people self-fund and go on to secure TCs afterwards, while others choose to wait and obtain sponsorship. One thing I would consider is whether self-funding would put you under significant financial pressure if it took a little longer than expected to secure a TC.

On the job applications side, I know it can be really disheartening, but I would try not to be too discouraged. The market is incredibly competitive at the moment, and working in your university's Law Clinic is still valuable legal experience - I did the same during my time at university, and I spoke about it in almost all of my TC/VS applications! I would definitely keep applying for both legal and non-legal roles while continuing with TC applications, but make sure it's a manageable workload.

Hopefully others can share their experiences too, especially if they have been in a similar position or self-funded the SQE, but whatever you decide, I wish you the very best of luck!