A career changer's journey

[futuresolicitor2028]

Here's my journey so far:

• A levels AABB (sciences)
• RG uni - 1st class STEM degree
• 6 years in the finance industry (in corporate/investment roles)
• Starting my PGDL in September!!
• Age - late 20s
• Aim: Vacation scheme --> TC/ a few direct TCs applications!

I'm trying to be very intentional with my applications and get organised.
I've filtered down to 10 firms that I want to apply to with specific practice areas that interest me. I'm not actually that interested in transactional seats. I don't want to do M&A work. I've been in those teams as an analyst in finance and did not enjoy the work or the working culture.

1) My main aim is to continue to develop commercial awareness and be able to articulate opinions and ideas well. Due to my previous roles, I've spent a lot of time reading and producing reports about market activity etc, but based on the videos I've watched on TCLA premium, there's an "art" to discussing it in this context.

2) Another aim is to improve the quality of my written applications. So far, I've received 1 rejection (DAC Beachcroft for the September vacation scheme). I think on reflection, my "what attracts you to a career in law, and why the firm" answer wasn't strong enough and my legal scenario was weak.

However, I applied for another scheme they wanted someone who had completed the PGDL already. They responded saying I made the final shortlist and my answers and research were strong on "why the firm" - but because I hadn't finished my PGDL, I couldn't do the scheme. This was an incredibly encouraging response for me.

My strategy
1) Continue regularly reading non-billable/little law/watsons + Ft news briefing (my fave)
2) Make notes on key stories of interest + analysis + opinion using the DIP method + linking it back to experiences
3) Continue with firm engagement open days/ firm talks ahead of the vacation scheme application process
4) Gain feedback from careers service + others on the application ahead of submission of app forms
5) Start volunteering at law firm legal clinic + Citizens Advice
6) Do well on my course - I'm aiming for a distinction so need to start pre-reading ASAP!!!

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

Note for maintaining mental health and wellness:
When I attended a firm's virtual talks, a senior solicitor advised having a resilient mindset, and especially early on, avoiding people who 1) don't have a driven mindset, 2) are negative, 3) try to put your dreams and aspirations down 4) have self-limiting attitudes. Therefore, I've limited discussing my career change with people in general, especially those who don't have a "growth" mindset. I'm also intentionally avoiding almost all social media. I think I'm going to stick to reading optimistic threads and stick to the premium database & course.

 

[yasmars]

So excited to follow along with your journey. 6 years of industry experience in finance will definitely make you standout, so use it to your advantage!! Which firms are you applying to?

 

[futuresolicitor2028]

So excited to follow along with your journey. 6 years of industry experience in finance will definitely make you standout, so use it to your advantage!! Which firms are you applying to?

Thank you hopefully!!

The firms I'm applying to:

1. Bevan Brittan
2. Charles Russell Speechlys
3. DAC Beachcroft
4. Farrer & Co
5. Lewis Silkin
6. Mishcon De Reya
7. Taylor Wessing
8. VWV
9. Withers
10. CMS

The applications are really spread out throughout the year so I might apply for more. But thats my filtered list from 30!