Reed Smith is live in the forum now

AMA Live now

Graduate Recruitment and SQE interns from Reed Smith are here to answer your questions.

Join the live thread →
Willkie Live: How to Write a Successful Vacation Scheme Application

7 Oct 2025 5:30pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)

Learn exactly how to write a successful application to Willkie Farr & Gallagher, with live examples + Q&A with Gemma Baker.

Register on Zoom →

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 218300" data-attributes="member: 42112">Hiya!Thank you for sharing your story so openly - it takes a lot of honesty to reflect on the past in that way, and it was really interesting to read about your career path so far! I completed a vacation scheme at a firm where over 1/3 of my cohort were career changers, and I always found their unique perspective so valuable - so I'm sure you'll bring the same qualities!On your main concerns - yes, some firms do still use automated filters based on academics, but it is not as black and white as it might feel. Some firms will simply look at your overall grade, and provided you have a 2:1, this will be perfectly fine. Many firms will also take into account mitigating circumstances, career experience, and your broader application. I'd say that it's often about how you frame your career journey so far - showing that your commercial background, leadership experience, and resilience give you a perspective that younger graduates simply won't have!A few thoughts that might help:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Highlight transferable skills: when applying for TC's or vacation schemes, your previous experience will be hugely relevant to commercial law. You can frame it in a way that shows you understand clients' needs from the inside, and that you have already dealt with the kinds of issues that lawyers advise on.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Address academics proactively: I would briefly explain to firms why your results don't reflect your true ability, and then point to the skills and traits that you have built since then. I'd keep it concise and forward-looking, but avoids firms making any assumptions.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Target the right firms: some firms do have rigid cut-offs, but plenty are open to strong career changers. I'd look carefully at those that emphasise contextual recruitment or value diverse professional backgrounds - they will almost certainly view your background as an asset!</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use networking to your advantage: as you have already been attending events and speaking to alumni, that's a huge plus. I'd utilise this and gain some insights that you can use to your advantage in the application process.</li> </ul>On age - I would try not to worry too much. Many firms will value the experience that you bring, and this will likely outweigh any 'stamina' concerns! Similarly for location, as long as you can explain why you want to work in London and why you currently don't, this is unlikely to be an issue with firms.To answer your overall question: yes, some firms might trip you up, but there are plenty of firms that will look beyond the numbers if you can make a strong, well-structured case for yourself. The key is telling your story in a way that makes your "why law, why now?" crystal clear, while showing how your experience will make you a valuable trainee and future solicitor.Wishing you the best of luck - it sounds like you have a lot to offer, and I'm sure that the right firms will see that! Let us know if we can help at all <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

Verification: Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?

Top Bottom

Search

Search

Reply to thread