Posting on TCLA after almost a year. I never really had the courage to do this before. I could really use some advice, support, or even just a few kind words. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this demotivated about anything in my life.
Background
I’m an international candidate. I completed my LLB at a non-RG university, largely due to financial constraints at the time..self-funding meant that paying £15k per year simply wasn’t an option. I graduated with a 2:1 (with mitigating circumstances due to caring responsibilities).
I spent three years in London, which were genuinely amazing. I networked extensively, attended open days at several Magic Circle firms, and gained early exposure to the differences between becoming a barrister and a solicitor. I was encouraged to apply for training contracts, but at the time I felt I wasn’t ready.. something I now regret, especially considering how much more competitive the market has become since then. I passed WGTs with high scores and was selected for various insight days and mentoring schemes.
After graduating in 2019, I returned to my hometown for personal reasons and practised law there for two years during COVID. During that time, I realised I wanted to build an international career, so I returned to the UK and completed the LPC, passing with commendation. I worked alongside my studies to fund both my education and living expenses.
Training Contract Journey
The 22/23 and 23/24 cycles were when I gave this process my full focus. I also took part in the AS Commercial Awareness Competition and reached the quarter-finals. I was again selected for open days at major firms, including Shearman & Sterling and King & Spalding, and received positive feedback that my CV stood out despite my background.
In the 22/23 cycle, I applied to around 10 firms and progressed to tests or interviews at seven of them. Although I didn’t secure a TC, I accepted this. I was juggling full-time work and caring responsibilities and told myself maybe I hadn’t given it 100%.
The 23/24 cycle felt different. I reached the assessment centre at my dream firm and genuinely felt like things were finally aligning. The AC went well and I was later told my performance was strong. However, offers were made shortly after the UK government announced changes to salary thresholds for visas. Because I had applied to a regional office, the firm ultimately couldn’t offer me the TC due to UKVI requirements. Performance-wise there was no negative feedback. According to the EC team, I scored well in everything - just unfortunate timing.. 🥲
felt a bit like being disqualified after finishing the race, but the firm wasn’t at fault. still, it hit hard mentally and made me question whether becoming a solicitor was just one of those dreams that stays a dream.
Life After Rejection
In August 2024, I left my job and spent some time travelling (part healing, part avoidance if I’m being honest). Since then, I’ve worked with NGOs and banks in my hometown and have also taught law. In 2025, I moved to Munich with my partner. I stepped away from law applications because I felt burnt out and, honestly, scared to try again.
2025 also started on a difficult note as I lost two family members. alongside adjusting to a new country, learning a new language, and rebuilding routine, I’ve struggled with feeling quite useless at times (common law background in a civil law jurisdiction feels a bit like owning the wrong charger for everything). But, speaking to people here and reflecting properly made me realise something: I can’t walk away from law. I genuinely enjoy law, and despite everything, this is still what I want to do. So I’ve decided to apply again for direct TCs this cycle.
Advice Needed
I’m now 28, and part of me feels like I’ve missed the TC window and that it might simply be too late. At the same time, I want to move forward rather than give up. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar or felt this way during the process.
I’d also appreciate advice on improving performance in Amberjack assessments. I’ve found the newer format quite confusing. I don’t fully understand how potential is assessed or how much weight is placed on interviews compared to the tests. For example, I once scored only average on a test but progressed, while on another occasion I scored highly across assessments and was rejected.
Finally, I’ve been considering the exemptions route. I am a qualified lawyer from a common law jurisdiction, and I understand that the SRA has recently changed its exemption rules. My understanding is that LPC exemptions are no longer granted, but I would be grateful if anyone could confirm this or share experiences on how to approach qualification strategically from here.
Imposter Syndrome
also, I try not to compare my journey to anyone else’s, but sometimes it’s hard not to when you see former classmates now working as senior associates or even partners. I’m genuinely proud of them and happy to see them doing well, but I’d be lying if I said it never felt a little uncomfortable at times. At the same time, I’ve also seen many people who absolutely deserved a TC get rejected for reasons unrelated to their ability or potential (visa issues being a big one) That part is difficult to watch and even harder to experience firsthand. It sometimes creates this strange sense of imposter syndrome, where you start questioning your own path despite knowing the circumstances weren’t entirely within your control.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar and how they managed to move past that feeling.
Background
I’m an international candidate. I completed my LLB at a non-RG university, largely due to financial constraints at the time..self-funding meant that paying £15k per year simply wasn’t an option. I graduated with a 2:1 (with mitigating circumstances due to caring responsibilities).
I spent three years in London, which were genuinely amazing. I networked extensively, attended open days at several Magic Circle firms, and gained early exposure to the differences between becoming a barrister and a solicitor. I was encouraged to apply for training contracts, but at the time I felt I wasn’t ready.. something I now regret, especially considering how much more competitive the market has become since then. I passed WGTs with high scores and was selected for various insight days and mentoring schemes.
After graduating in 2019, I returned to my hometown for personal reasons and practised law there for two years during COVID. During that time, I realised I wanted to build an international career, so I returned to the UK and completed the LPC, passing with commendation. I worked alongside my studies to fund both my education and living expenses.
Training Contract Journey
The 22/23 and 23/24 cycles were when I gave this process my full focus. I also took part in the AS Commercial Awareness Competition and reached the quarter-finals. I was again selected for open days at major firms, including Shearman & Sterling and King & Spalding, and received positive feedback that my CV stood out despite my background.
In the 22/23 cycle, I applied to around 10 firms and progressed to tests or interviews at seven of them. Although I didn’t secure a TC, I accepted this. I was juggling full-time work and caring responsibilities and told myself maybe I hadn’t given it 100%.
The 23/24 cycle felt different. I reached the assessment centre at my dream firm and genuinely felt like things were finally aligning. The AC went well and I was later told my performance was strong. However, offers were made shortly after the UK government announced changes to salary thresholds for visas. Because I had applied to a regional office, the firm ultimately couldn’t offer me the TC due to UKVI requirements. Performance-wise there was no negative feedback. According to the EC team, I scored well in everything - just unfortunate timing.. 🥲
felt a bit like being disqualified after finishing the race, but the firm wasn’t at fault. still, it hit hard mentally and made me question whether becoming a solicitor was just one of those dreams that stays a dream.
Life After Rejection
In August 2024, I left my job and spent some time travelling (part healing, part avoidance if I’m being honest). Since then, I’ve worked with NGOs and banks in my hometown and have also taught law. In 2025, I moved to Munich with my partner. I stepped away from law applications because I felt burnt out and, honestly, scared to try again.
2025 also started on a difficult note as I lost two family members. alongside adjusting to a new country, learning a new language, and rebuilding routine, I’ve struggled with feeling quite useless at times (common law background in a civil law jurisdiction feels a bit like owning the wrong charger for everything). But, speaking to people here and reflecting properly made me realise something: I can’t walk away from law. I genuinely enjoy law, and despite everything, this is still what I want to do. So I’ve decided to apply again for direct TCs this cycle.
Advice Needed
I’m now 28, and part of me feels like I’ve missed the TC window and that it might simply be too late. At the same time, I want to move forward rather than give up. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar or felt this way during the process.
I’d also appreciate advice on improving performance in Amberjack assessments. I’ve found the newer format quite confusing. I don’t fully understand how potential is assessed or how much weight is placed on interviews compared to the tests. For example, I once scored only average on a test but progressed, while on another occasion I scored highly across assessments and was rejected.
Finally, I’ve been considering the exemptions route. I am a qualified lawyer from a common law jurisdiction, and I understand that the SRA has recently changed its exemption rules. My understanding is that LPC exemptions are no longer granted, but I would be grateful if anyone could confirm this or share experiences on how to approach qualification strategically from here.
Imposter Syndrome
also, I try not to compare my journey to anyone else’s, but sometimes it’s hard not to when you see former classmates now working as senior associates or even partners. I’m genuinely proud of them and happy to see them doing well, but I’d be lying if I said it never felt a little uncomfortable at times. At the same time, I’ve also seen many people who absolutely deserved a TC get rejected for reasons unrelated to their ability or potential (visa issues being a big one) That part is difficult to watch and even harder to experience firsthand. It sometimes creates this strange sense of imposter syndrome, where you start questioning your own path despite knowing the circumstances weren’t entirely within your control.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar and how they managed to move past that feeling.
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