training contract

Hi everyone, I’m a recent Durham law graduate (July 2026, 68% LLB) and I’ve received an offer to start the LLM at UCL on 28 September. My main goal is to secure a vacation scheme at a commercial law firm in London in this application cycle. So far, I’ve applied to around 15 vacation schemes but...

I've been trying to find anyone with the same query as me but have been unsuccessful, hence why I've decided to start a new thread! TDLR: I'm wondering whether it's still possible to apply for other types of internships or do jobs etc. prior to your TC start date? What do people normally do...

Hello all, I've been facing a dilemma and would be grateful for some advice. Background: I currently work at a high street firm as a paralegal whilst studying for the SQE. My firm has offered me a Training Contract, and I'm unsure whether I should accept it. Pros Job stability - This would...

Hi everyone, I've got a CMS video interview I have to do in the next few days and was wondering if anyone had an insight/tips into it? I remember doing the interview 3 years ago and it left me traumatised because it was the first video interview I've ever done and the questions were really just...

Hey! I am struggling a little here. I am in year 12 currently applying for year 12 schemes. Multiple law firms seem to have programmes and development schemes as well as work experiences for those who are low-income and from underrepresented backgrounds; however, I seem to be rejected from...

Hi, I am a student who has just finished their A levels and is due to start at the University of Exeter in September 2025. My intention career wise is to become an intellectual property lawyer in Australia, as I lived there for some time. I’m debating taking a gap year and reapplying due to job...

Hi, I went into care right after my GCSEs and missed a year of education (year 12), which significantly disrupted both my mental health and my A Level studies. In addition, the pandemic meant my A Level exams were cancelled, and unfortunately, I didn’t do well. I’m now studying Neuroscience...

Hello! I recently received all my second year grades back, and was worried whether any would potentially hinder me from applying to MS/SC etc firm's I achieved 69s in (eu module and technology in the law module), and 65 (tort, land) I also however achieved a 59 in equity. In oct/Nov of 2nd year...

Hi All, I have a BSc Biomedical Science (graduated 2016) and MSc Neuroscience (graduated 2018) and currently work in Research & Development in the public sector as a Senior Contracts Associate which involves drafting, reviewing and negotiating research contracts with universities, charities...

UPDATE 22/11/2025 - So last application round did not go well for me. Honestly, I know everyone says this but being nearly 24 and not having secured anything is hard. I feel so behind my peers and very succesful friends who are earning high salaries and progressing in their careers. I know...

Hi all, I’ll be starting the MA Law Conversion course part-time at the University of Law later this year. Unfortunately, the firm I currently work for doesn’t offer funding for the course, which is a significant factor for me as I come from a lower-income background. Unfortunately, I've also...

Hi! Super grateful to have been offered a place on the Clifford Chance SPARK Scheme. I was wondering if anyone could describe their experience of the scheme, what the best things to do as a candidate are during the scheme, and what the exit interview process for TC is like (I haven’t been able...

I think I already know what people are going to say to this, but here goes. Basically, I've recently been getting a strong desire to apply for more/different Training Contracts, even though I already have one at a good City firm. I switched to law quite late (just before graduating) and only...

Hello all, Now, don't boo me for this thread but I did want to ask this question about my specific situation. I am doing a PGDL currently and I am applying to TCs but without any previous legal work experience to back it up. I just got a rejection for the Shoosmiths VS and I have a sinking...

I am an international student with an LLB degree from another country and would like to apply for a TC from ifirm in the UK, what is the best degree for me? Can you help me choose? 1. LLM from Russell University. For law firm HR, would prestigious schools such as LSE and UCL be more worthwhile...

Hi everyone! Feels surreal to finally post for the first time after lurking here for the past 6 months. We're at the tail-end of the application cycle now, and I'm at a cross-roads. I'm contemplating. Do I — (a) take my chances and continue applying for TCs as an international student...

I'm in the very fortunate position of having passed ACs for both CMS and DLA Piper - happy to offer tips to anyone who's yet to go through the process :) (not that I'd feel especially qualified for this!) However, the CMS offer is for a direct TC, and DLA for a Summer Internship. I really...

Hi everyone, I’ve recently been invited to complete the pre-assessment centre written task for the BBC. However, I’ve received very little information about what to expect. All I know is that I’ll have 5 hours to complete the task via HireVue, but I’m unsure of how to approach it. Should I...

Hi all, i applied to the SQE programme 2025 in professional liability team, does anyone know how long it roughly takes for them to respond?

I'm currently studying a non-law course at King's College London (a Russell Group university), and I'm interested in pursuing a career in law. However, I’m concerned that my A-level grades (ABC) might affect my chances of securing a training contract at top law firms. I understand that...