Hi all :)

[Oyinfayo]

Hello everyone. My name is Oyinfayo. I’m a graduate of the University of South Wales. Before studying law, I studied international relations. Last year, I completed a vacation scheme at Osborne Clarke, but unfortunately, I wasn't offered a training contract.

I currently work as a legal investment researcher, and this is my third year applying for training contracts. Honestly, the process is beginning to affect me more than I expected, and that's why I am here.

 

[Jaysen]

Hello everyone. My name is Oyinfayo. I’m a graduate of the University of South Wales. Before studying law, I studied international relations. Last year, I completed a vacation scheme at Osborne Clarke, but unfortunately, I wasn't offered a training contract.

I currently work as a legal investment researcher, and this is my third year applying for training contracts. Honestly, the process is beginning to affect me more than I expected, and that's why I am here.

A big welcome to the forum Oyinfayo. I look forward to following your journey this cycle - am rooting for you!

 

[TCPending2027]

Hello everyone. My name is Oyinfayo. I’m a graduate of the University of South Wales. Before studying law, I studied international relations. Last year, I completed a vacation scheme at Osborne Clarke, but unfortunately, I wasn't offered a training contract.

I currently work as a legal investment researcher, and this is my third year applying for training contracts. Honestly, the process is beginning to affect me more than I expected, and that's why I am here.

Hi Oyinfayo! Congratulations on completing a vacation scheme at Osborne Clarke - they are a fantastic firm!

I know how disheartening it can be not to convert a vacation scheme. I completed three vacation schemes this year, and did not manage to convert any of them (for a variety of reasons). However, I just secured a TC through a direct application that I made. Your vacation scheme experience will be really beneficial moving into the next cycle, and whilst I know that the process can be exhausting, you are in a really good position! As you now have experience, I'd look at applying to a mix of both to give yourself the best chance, especially as you also have experience as a legal investment researcher (which sounds super cool!).

I hope that the next cycle goes well for you, and I'm wishing you the best of luck

 

[nimramansoor]

Hello everyone. My name is Oyinfayo. I’m a graduate of the University of South Wales. Before studying law, I studied international relations. Last year, I completed a vacation scheme at Osborne Clarke, but unfortunately, I wasn't offered a training contract.

I currently work as a legal investment researcher, and this is my third year applying for training contracts. Honestly, the process is beginning to affect me more than I expected, and that's why I am here.

Hi Oyinfayo, I hope you are well. I hear you, the application process can really test our resilience. It is great that you have already completed a vacation scheme and are now working as a legal researcher. That means you have sufficient legal experience, and it is only a matter of time you receive a TC offer.

Firstly, consider the feedback you got after your vacation scheme. Often feedback allows us to develop in areas we may be weak in. Then, analyse if you have had an application strategy so far. Have you been tailoring your applications or making a large number of applications without researching the firms specifically? Is the WG test a strength, and do you have good answers for 'why law' and 'why x firm'? From now onwards, make a list of firms you are interested in by practice areas, and training styles at firms (smaller cohort vs larger one). Then, make specific applications to them, and do a mix of vacation schemes applications along with TC ones. Do not give up, that is the most important thing to remember. Good luck!