Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

[lilypetunia1]

I would continue to apply to both opportunities (subject to your eligibility for them with each firm) as well as open days/insight programmes. I would only recommend not applying for training contracts if you need to build up both your legal and non-legal work experience as typically you will need some experience either in a legal setting or in another type of office/professional environment.

It is very common for people to take 2-3 cycles to learn more about the nuances of legal recruitment and start to have more success with their applications, so don't feel that you are an anomaly with where you are in your journey.

Thank you for your quick and helpful reply. I will keep going.

 

[YW113380]

Not yet but I realised earlier that I hadn't confirmed my email address for my account which might be why

Hi Jessica,

I still haven't heard back about this. I sent a follow-up email last week to TCLA support but is there anyone else I could contact?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,

I still haven't heard back about this. I sent a follow-up email last week to TCLA support but is there anyone else I could contact?

Please can you email [email protected] and copy me in at [email protected] and I will follow up with the team so this is looked into.

 

[TheGeek12]

Hello Jessica,
I've seen similar questions before 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 feeling that my other VS will be rejected as well. If possible, I would like to get a TC this cycle and not wait until the next one. I have already considered my transferable skills from previous/current jobs and I have attended law fairs & events when I can. I am not sure what I could do to make my application stand out more - I am joining a pro bono law team and I am also trying to do some virtual work experience. Is there anything that I can/should do or is it something that I should just not bother with at this stage. For further info, the firms I am considering applying to for direct TCs are:
- White & Case
- Sullivan & Cromwell
- Farrer & Co.
- Macfarlanes
- Kingsley Napley
- NRF
- BCLP
- Baker Mackenzie

 

[andrecsaa]

Hi everyone!

With Trump targeting DEI initiatives at major US firms, how do you think this will impact UK recruitment? Any thoughts?

For example, US government has written to 20 firms requesting information about equality practices: https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/b...rge-takes-aim-at-legal-sector/5122701.article

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi! not sure if anyone will be able to advise but - I am doing the LPC atm with a TC lined up. my firm has a required elective of M&A which I don't mind. However, I have to do it online as the intake at my campus was low. With all due respect, the online teaching/tutor is vastly different to the in-person workshop. We are placed in the same elite/blackboard group as in-person workshops and the in-person tutor is uploading her slides which contain so much information that my online workshop has never mentioned, let alone taught. Has anyone been successful recently with their firm allowing them to swap out a required elective?

Are you asking to swap to the in-person elective or change the elective entirely?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Hi @Jessica Booker . Can you advise the smallest font I should use for my CV? I'm a career changer so have a lot to fit in, but I want my CV to be readable.

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi @Jessica Booker . Can you advise the smallest font I should use for my CV? I'm a career changer so have a lot to fit in, but I want my CV to be readable.

For your CV, the smallest font you could use is 10, though 10.5-11 is often a better choice for readability. Anything smaller can make the text difficult to read, especially in printed form or on certain screens. Also, ensure that your font style is clean and professional—fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman work best. If you’re tight on space, consider adjusting margins or formatting rather than reducing the font size too much.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker . Can you advise the smallest font I should use for my CV? I'm a career changer so have a lot to fit in, but I want my CV to be readable.

Generally, I’d say no smaller than 10.5.

10 can work depending on the font type and if you have enough spacing around your CV, but generally 10 will be more difficult to read, especially if printed off.

In most instances, being more concise and small changes in formatting (as long as you don’t make the document too crowded), will be better than using size 10 font.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Hi @Jessica Booker can I ask you about reasonable adjustments I should request for my conditions, as a private message?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker can I ask you about reasonable adjustments I should request for my conditions, as a private message?

Yes, you can PM me about this. Please be aware I am technically out of the office until Wednesday so may be slow responding.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Yes, you can PM me about this. Please be aware I am technically out of the office until Wednesday so may be slow responding.

No problem. No specific rush either, as I have until the end of next week to provide the information I am seeking.

Just PM’d you, thanks again.

 

[TheGeek12]

@Jessica Booker

Hello Jessica,
I've seen similar questions before 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 feeling that my other VS will be rejected as well. If possible, I would like to get a TC this cycle and not wait until the next one. I have already considered my transferable skills from previous/current jobs and I have attended law fairs & events when I can. I am not sure what I could do to make my application stand out more - I am joining a pro bono law team and I am also trying to do some virtual work experience. Is there anything that I can/should do or is it something that I should just not bother with at this stage. For further info, the firms I am considering applying to for direct TCs are:
- White & Case
- Sullivan & Cromwell
- Farrer & Co.
- Macfarlanes
- Kingsley Napley
- NRF
- BCLP
- Baker Mackenzie

 

[Jessica Booker]

After nearly six years, I will be concluding my involvement with TCLA this Sunday (15 June).

It has been a genuine privilege to support thousands of aspiring lawyers during that time. From answering late-night forum and WhatsApp questions to reviewing applications and advising many of you in one-to-one calls, I have been fortunate to play a small part in the journeys of so many within the TCLA community.

The most rewarding part has always been seeing so many of the individuals I have interacted with go on to become successful vacation scheme students, trainees, and qualified lawyers across the legal sector. It has been inspiring, humbling, and a constant reminder that talent flourishes when given the right support.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and for allowing me to contribute along the way.