Due Dilligence Diaries (My TC Journey)

[babylawyer1942]

Hey everyone,

After years of lurking on TCLA, I’ve finally decided to step out of the shadows and start sharing my training contract journey.

So many of you have kept me going through the rejections, the rewrites, and the late-night Legal 500 rabbit holes — so now I’m hoping to do the same for someone else. If you're feeling stuck, behind, or just plain lost... you're not alone.

Here’s a bit about me:

• Law grad with a First from a Russell Group uni (yes, with a couple of rogue 2:2s along the way — it happens)
• Completed one vac scheme with a transatlantic firm
• Now in my third application cycle and still figuring it out

For a while, I completely stopped applying. The constant rejections before even getting to interview were draining. But I’ve picked myself back up and I’m giving it another proper go — targeting the few direct TC applications still open this cycle.

I’ll be using this thread to track my progress, wins, fails, and everything in between. Hopefully, this becomes a space where we can share real tips, keep each other accountable, and maybe even celebrate a few offers together.

 

[babylawyer1942]

In terms of what I've done so far in my 2 weeks of applying again:

• Applied to Fried Frank: Got the watson glaser but just found out I didn't score high enough. Annoying but not completely unexpected, I am historically not very good at the test. If anyone has tips on how to get better at it, please let me know.
• Applied to Slaughter and May
• Applied to BCLP
• Applied to Reed Smith

My main takeaway right now is that I can write a good application, so I just need to keep churning them out. I have a very busy weekend and start to next week, so I won't be able to apply for the next few days. I am hoping to make more applications after this busy period. Up next on my hitlist: Macfarlanes and Watson Farley.

 

[Amma Usman]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. This is what we really love to see at TCLA. It really excites us to follow you through your growth. I will surely be keeping an eye on this thread!

In terms of prepping for the WG, there’s a great course as part of TCLA’s membership which really helped me pass it when I was struggling to find resources online. I’ve linked it here -

The Corporate Law Academy

Browse the The Corporate Law Academy product catalog to explore and discover available products.

classes.thecorporatelawacademy.com

It’s called How to Beat the WG, by Joe Mallet.

 

[babylawyer1942]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. This is what we really love to see at TCLA. It really excites us to follow you through your growth. I will surely be keeping an eye on this thread!

In terms of prepping for the WG, there’s a great course as part of TCLA’s membership which really helped me pass it when I was struggling to find resources online. I’ve linked it here -

The Corporate Law Academy

Browse the The Corporate Law Academy product catalog to explore and discover available products.

classes.thecorporatelawacademy.com

It’s called How to Beat the WG, by Joe Mallet.

Thank you, I'll check it out

 

[babylawyer1942]

Update: There’s not much to report at the moment. I’ve managed to send off a few more applications, which feels like progress, even though I haven’t heard back from any yet. That seems to be the case for most people right now, so I’m not too worried.

This week, my main focus is preparing for potential interviews and brushing up on my commercial awareness—just in case something comes through soon (fingers crossed!). I’ve still got around five more applications to write, and honestly, they never seem to get any easier.

 

[Amma Usman]

Update: There’s not much to report at the moment. I’ve managed to send off a few more applications, which feels like progress, even though I haven’t heard back from any yet. That seems to be the case for most people right now, so I’m not too worried.

This week, my main focus is preparing for potential interviews and brushing up on my commercial awareness—just in case something comes through soon (fingers crossed!). I’ve still got around five more applications to write, and honestly, they never seem to get any easier.

It’s so lovely to hear that you’re up and about submitting those applications! I understand how writing the applications over and over again can feel a bit stressful, which is why I always emphasise the importance of taking breaks and resting before your body takes one for you. Please always try to avoid a burnout situation. As humans, we tend to be more productive when we’re at our well-rested capacity and can really go grinding in with energy. You've got this - we’re so proud of you and please keep going as we’re all rooting for you here at TCLA.

 

[babylawyer1942]

It’s so lovely to hear that you’re up and about submitting those applications! I understand how writing the applications over and over again can feel a bit stressful, which is why I always emphasise the importance of taking breaks and resting before your body takes one for you. Please always try to avoid a burnout situation. As humans, we tend to be more productive when we’re at our well-rested capacity and can really go grinding in with energy. You've got this - we’re so proud of you and please keep going as we’re all rooting for you here at TCLA.

Thank you so much for this Amma, kind words like this is always the best

 

[babylawyer1942]

So small update: I did the Reed Smith SJT + VI. I was super glad I got invited, but I'm not too sure the SJT part went very well. I struggled with the maths a bit so I got an average score, and on the pillars, I was 6,6,4,4. I really put in the effort to try to learn how to do SJTs well so I'm really disappointed with those. I think my VI went mostly well, I was extremely nervous but I got my answers out in a very structured way. Hoping for the best regardless. I haven't heard back from any other firms yet, which is mostly okay. I haven't seen movement on most of the firms I applied to on the forums, so it's not over until it's over. Also still have like 4 more applications to write. Balancing applications with a full-time job has proven stressful, but I think I am handling it well. Goodluck everyone

 

[Jaysen]

So small update: I did the Reed Smith SJT + VI. I was super glad I got invited, but I'm not too sure the SJT part went very well. I struggled with the maths a bit so I got an average score, and on the pillars, I was 6,6,4,4. I really put in the effort to try to learn how to do SJTs well so I'm really disappointed with those. I think my VI went mostly well, I was extremely nervous but I got my answers out in a very structured way. Hoping for the best regardless. I haven't heard back from any other firms yet, which is mostly okay. I haven't seen movement on most of the firms I applied to on the forums, so it's not over until it's over. Also still have like 4 more applications to write. Balancing applications with a full-time job has proven stressful, but I think I am handling it well. Goodluck everyone

Glad you decided to create a thread. I look forward to following your journey @babylawyer1942