Hello!
This is so real. The whole process is so unpredictable that wanting a safety net just feels sensible. It’s like you have to dot your i’s and cross your t’s in case the first time doesn’t go well 😭😭
Thanks Abbie!Hey!
Yes - that is the way that I would approach it! The graduate recruitment team will be looking for signs that law is a deliberate choice that you have made, rather than simply falling into it. A strong approach could be to briefly explain what attracted you to current career, what you have enjoyed and done well in, and then draw out the transferable skills that apply to law.
You could then lightly contrast that with law - acknowledge that while you have enjoyed your current career path, commercial law ultimately appeals more because of the nature of the work, the pace, or the type of impact (or whatever it may be for you!). I'd aim to keep it concise and positive overall, as your answer should reinforce your motivation for law (rather than necessarily talk negatively about your current career).
I hope that helps!
I had my Trowers written exercise today and completely bottled it…
please forgive for my momentary loss of optimism, wishing all of you the very best of luck.
Hey!
I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way after the AC - it is completely normal, and I think very few people leave an AC feeling genuinely happy with how they performed.
Most people walk out focusing on what they thing went wrong, rather than what they did well. Try to reflect on the other exercises too, and be proud of yourself for getting through the AC in the first place - that alone is an achievement!
If it helps, I felt completely demotivated after my Reed Smith AC because I ran out of time on one of the written exercises and didn't get to finish my answer, yet I still went on to receive an offer. You've likely done better than you think, and it can be hard to judge your performance accurately when you're coming down from the adrenaline of the day.
I would try to be kind to yourself and let it sit - the post-AC spiral is very real (and I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge that!), but it is rarely an accurate reflection of how you came across. Fingers crossed for you!!
thank you both for this advice - will definitely be following it tonight. fingers crossed nevertheless for a positive outcome
Yes literally in it now. See if there’s a grad rec number you can call. It helps speed things up. Otherwise email again and say your ‘other commitment’ has unfortunately given you a deadline to rearrange.
Thank you so much!! I may call tomorrow if I haven't heard back by then.
Hi, did you get an invite too? Congratulations!!
No not at all. I’ve also taken annual leave to do a winter vac scheme. You simply take annual leave, tell your firm (both sides have to do a conflicts check but I doubt anything will come up) and then take the leave. If your firm are funny, put your foot down and risk it for a biscuit. I also have friends who have had to ask nicely but it always works out. You’ll probably be paid double and taxed more for that period. Make sure you call HMRC afterwards to change your tax code back (sometimes it doesn’t do it automatically) so that you’re not still on a high tax code for when you return to work. Congratulations and good luck!
)Thank you :') This is the mindset I'm trying to keep. I'm just having to prioritise, and it's making me feel a little bit guilty as I know they're rare to come across (especially for me haha)
Thanks so much! do I have to tell my current firm? in all honesty, they will not want to hear this and would be very reluctant to give me the time off. they dont want progression for me at allllNo not at all. I’ve also taken annual leave to do a winter vac scheme. You simply take annual leave, tell your firm (both sides have to do a conflicts check but I doubt anything will come up) and then take the leave. If your firm are funny, put your foot down and risk it for a biscuit. I also have friends who have had to ask nicely but it always works out. You’ll probably be paid double and taxed more for that period. Make sure you call HMRC afterwards to change your tax code back (sometimes it doesn’t do it automatically) so that you’re not still on a high tax code for when you return to work. Congratulations and good luck!
