My Journey (from a non-law background)

[Rosie_Kitten]

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

EDIT - here are additional firms since creating the thread:

- HFW
- Milbank
- White & Case
- Bristows
- Mills & Reeve
- Cripps
- Vinson & Elkins

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.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

In addition to the exisring applications, this week I submitted applications for HFW, White & Case, Milbank. I completed the necessary default applications for Burges Salmon, Addleshaw Goddard and White & Case.

I am thinking to research smaller / more regional firms, to improve my possibilities/probabilities. I imagine they have strong training opportunities with future progression potential, even if short term the projects are smaller and income might be lower. I am also looking into more of the London firms who have deadlines approaching.

I'm not sure though if my time would be better focused on more applications at this stage, or focused on critical thinking/problem solving practice and interview preparation. Interested to hear if anybody has any thoughts...
I'm also considering finding other people to read over my previous applications to offer advice on what I have written, as so far I have only been using my best judgement as what to write - and as a first time applicant I might be going in the wrong direction when answering some of the questions.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

@Rosie_Kitten amazing work!

As it is near enough the beginning of your applications, I would suggest focusing a little more on applications for now as opposed to any further stage preparation. However, I would encourage you to use the critical thinking tests as a little break from continuous drafting (maybe in the evening) - overtime, it will help you become a little more familiar with the test structure and what is expected of you.

You will find the forums on TCLA are a great help when it comes to advice, or particular questions. Always feel free to post on there with your question or conundrum.

I am excited for you! Keep it up.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

@Rosie_Kitten amazing work!

As it is near enough the beginning of your applications, I would suggest focusing a little more on applications for now as opposed to any further stage preparation. However, I would encourage you to use the critical thinking tests as a little break from continuous drafting (maybe in the evening) - overtime, it will help you become a little more familiar with the test structure and what is expected of you.

You will find the forums on TCLA are a great help when it comes to advice, or particular questions. Always feel free to post on there with your question or conundrum.

I am excited for you! Keep it up.

Thank you for all the advice and support 🙏
Do you have any advice on applicarion strategy (either in which firms to apply to, or how to structure my applications?) Or is this very personal/specific (or related to researching specific firms / looking over this forum for similar questions)?