Hello everybody,
I have decided to post about my journey into the law world, with applications for training contracts and vacation schemes.
My profile:
I graduated in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from a RG university in 2024, with a big focus on economics (and also data analysis). I worked a non-law-related job whilst at University, and took the last year off in a foreign country to focus on my sport (competitive at a high level). I earned a mid 2:1 at University (the majority 2:2 modules, a few 1st, and 2x2:2), achieved AAA (2021 covid grade assessments) at A level, and 5 x Grade 9, 3x Grade 8 and 1 x A* at GCSE level. This is my first round of applications, and I do not have much prior Law knowledge (but significant economic knowledge). As part of my UG degree, I did a dissertation utilising quantitative methods, which won an award.
I chose the firms to apply to based on which seemed to fit my skillset, diversifying slightly to improve chances; however, I understand my strategy could be improved upon when focusing on the next firms to apply for. I have no idea what to expect (probability-wise and process-wise), and I know that law is extremely competitive. I am excited to learn and welcome any advice! I spent roughly one day focused per application for my first 5 applications, then after that, I was able to do 2 a day. I prioritised based on deadlines, and accept that I probably missed out on many opportunities starting late. I made sure to try to be as professional as possible in my responses, whilst maintaining creativity and unique concepts. However, as this is my first time applying, I have never received feedback on applications before, so I am unsure exactly what individual firms are looking for in terms of responses (although I try to get a cultural understanding of the firms I apply to).
Firms applied to (so far) for Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes:
- Dechert
- Arnold & Porter
- Gibson Dunn
- Hogan Lovells
- Covington & Burling
- Katten
- Debevoise and Plimpton
- Greenberg Traurig
- Addleshaw Goddard
- Travers Smith
- Burges Salmon
Thank you! And feel free to ask any questions or give any advice
.
Edit: To clarify, I applied to many US law firms over UK ones as I read that extracurricular activities and interests (of which I have extensive lists) had more value in the application process for these firms. In addition, when I started to apply, I had already missed many UK deadlines. I am very interested in London for my long-term career, but also happy to look at other regional firms where I might have higher probabilities.
I have decided to post about my journey into the law world, with applications for training contracts and vacation schemes.
My profile:
I graduated in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from a RG university in 2024, with a big focus on economics (and also data analysis). I worked a non-law-related job whilst at University, and took the last year off in a foreign country to focus on my sport (competitive at a high level). I earned a mid 2:1 at University (the majority 2:2 modules, a few 1st, and 2x2:2), achieved AAA (2021 covid grade assessments) at A level, and 5 x Grade 9, 3x Grade 8 and 1 x A* at GCSE level. This is my first round of applications, and I do not have much prior Law knowledge (but significant economic knowledge). As part of my UG degree, I did a dissertation utilising quantitative methods, which won an award.
I chose the firms to apply to based on which seemed to fit my skillset, diversifying slightly to improve chances; however, I understand my strategy could be improved upon when focusing on the next firms to apply for. I have no idea what to expect (probability-wise and process-wise), and I know that law is extremely competitive. I am excited to learn and welcome any advice! I spent roughly one day focused per application for my first 5 applications, then after that, I was able to do 2 a day. I prioritised based on deadlines, and accept that I probably missed out on many opportunities starting late. I made sure to try to be as professional as possible in my responses, whilst maintaining creativity and unique concepts. However, as this is my first time applying, I have never received feedback on applications before, so I am unsure exactly what individual firms are looking for in terms of responses (although I try to get a cultural understanding of the firms I apply to).
Firms applied to (so far) for Training Contracts and Vacation Schemes:
- Dechert
- Arnold & Porter
- Gibson Dunn
- Hogan Lovells
- Covington & Burling
- Katten
- Debevoise and Plimpton
- Greenberg Traurig
- Addleshaw Goddard
- Travers Smith
- Burges Salmon
Thank you! And feel free to ask any questions or give any advice
.Edit: To clarify, I applied to many US law firms over UK ones as I read that extracurricular activities and interests (of which I have extensive lists) had more value in the application process for these firms. In addition, when I started to apply, I had already missed many UK deadlines. I am very interested in London for my long-term career, but also happy to look at other regional firms where I might have higher probabilities.
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