Hi everyone, it's my 5th cycle with only 1 AC to show for all 5 years and I was wondering when it would be time to give up? Surely firms will think there's something wrong with me if they realise I've submitted failed applications to them for the last 4 years in a row, or that my profile shows I've obviously been aiming for TCs for years without succeeding?
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How many cycles before giving up?
- Thread starter random6035
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Hello!
Firstly - massive credit to you for sticking with the process for 5 cycles. That alone shows determination, resilience, and a real desire to secure a TC. These qualities are exactly what the process demands, and they're often what ultimately leads people to success, even if the journey takes longer than expected.
It is completely understandable to feel disheartened, however, getting an AC in itself is significant - the law process is insanely competitive, and it shows that something in your application is working, and that firms can see potential in you.
Regarding your concern about firms noticing repeated applications - most are unlikely to track your history in that depth (so I would try not to worry about it!). Even if they did, reapplying doesn't put you in a negative light - it shows commitment to the profession, and to that individual firm. Many trainees and associates secured their TC after several cycles, and it is often that perseverance that sets them apart.
That said, taking stock and approaching this strategically can make a real difference for your confidence as well. A few ideas could be:
- Review what worked in the cycle where you reached the AC
- Seek feedback where possible (i.e. from friends, family, or TCLA members!), and reflect on areas that you can refine
- Think about gaining additional experience to strengthen your narrative (e.g. paralegal, legal assistant, extracurricular opportunities such as competitions, etc.)
- Experiment with widening or narrowing the firms you target, depending on what strategy you prefer.
You're not alone in this - keep going, and be kind to yourself in the process. The TCLA community are always here if you have any questions!
Hi!
Firstly, I think it is important to recognise the determination that this takes. That is a HUGE positive and will really help you in your future career, especially in law!
One thing that got me through multiple application cycles was to recognise the progress I was making in each round. For example, if one year you did not get through to any second stages, but the following year you get through to the next stage of an application, you should give yourself credit for this, as it shows clear progress.
Please do not concern yourself with whether a firm will be looking at any previous unsuccesful applications because there is a strong likelihood that this is of no importance to them. If anything, it is a positive sign that you are reapplying because it shows a commitment to the firm and allows them to see your genuine interest in working at that specific firm.
Just some general tips:
- Make sure not to repeat the same mistakes. If you have received feedback on something specific, learn from that and make the subsequent changes to improve your applications.
- Off the back of that, try to gain feedback wherever possible.
- Join insight events and open days to gauge more about a firm and to use the information learned to leverage your applications.
- Apply to firms where you have a genuine interest.
I completely understand the disheartening feeling, as I have been there myself, but keep persevering, and you will reach the end goal - you are not alone in this! Please reach out with anything you want to ask 😊
Hi,
Thanks for being honest about this, a lot of people feel it but don’t say it out loud.
A slightly different perspective that may help: firms are far less focused on how many cycles you’ve applied than candidates tend to think. They don’t sit there tracking “failed attempts” as a negative pattern. What they care about is whether your profile today is stronger, clearer and more focused than it was last time. Persistence on its own isn’t a red flag, stagnation is, and those are not the same thing.
One AC across several cycles can still mean you are genuinely close. Often it suggests you meet the baseline but something marginal (structure of answers, commercial articulation, interview technique) is holding you back, rather than anything being “wrong” with you. Those are fixable issues, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.
It may help to pause and ask not “should I give up?”, but:
- What is meaningfully different about my applications this year?
- Have I changed my strategy, or just repeated it?
- Would a lateral move (paralegal role, in‑house experience, smaller firm) strengthen my profile rather than replace the goal?
Taking a break or adjusting direction is not the same as quitting. Sometimes the most strategic thing you can do is step sideways rather than push forward in the same way again.
And it’s worth remembering this: rejection is often redirection, not a verdict on your ability or potential. Many people who eventually succeed only do so after a period where it genuinely looked like it might never happen.
If you want, I’m happy to help you think through whether this is a moment for refinement, redirection, or rest.
