What Am I Doing Wrong?

[babylawyer1942]

Hello everyone,

I'm just looking for advice on what to do differently or if its time to call it quits.

I am a first-class law 2023 graduate from an RG Uni. I've had 3 cycles now. In my first cycle, I managed to get a vacation scheme but didn't convert. In my second and third cycles, I got up to the last stage interview (before the VS) and got rejected. Despite having a first-class degree, I have relatively weak A-levels (ABB equivalent, I did the IB in 2020, the year that no one did exams). I also did badly in my public and contract law modules, which were in my first year of uni, and I have mitigating circumstances for those results, which I have always detailed in my applications. The majority of my applications never progress past the first stage. If I could give some ratio, I'd say only 1 in 10 progress. I think the applications I write are honestly okay. I have been a gold user sometimes and taken advantage of the application review services and gotten advice from various TCLA mentors. I'm starting to think maybe my profile is wrong, or maybe I am just applying to firms that don't want me. It's taken a toll on my confidence, given I've been applying for 3 years now, and my parents think maybe it's time to move on. However, I do not want to give up on my dream. So if anyone has any advice, it would really be appreciated. @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello everyone,

I'm just looking for advice on what to do differently or if its time to call it quits.

I am a first-class law 2023 graduate from an RG Uni. I've had 3 cycles now. In my first cycle, I managed to get a vacation scheme but didn't convert. In my second and third cycles, I got up to the last stage interview (before the VS) and got rejected. Despite having a first-class degree, I have relatively weak A-levels (ABB equivalent, I did the IB in 2020, the year that no one did exams). I also did badly in my public and contract law modules, which were in my first year of uni, and I have mitigating circumstances for those results, which I have always detailed in my applications. The majority of my applications never progress past the first stage. If I could give some ratio, I'd say only 1 in 10 progress. I think the applications I write are honestly okay. I have been a gold user sometimes and taken advantage of the application review services and gotten advice from various TCLA mentors. I'm starting to think maybe my profile is wrong, or maybe I am just applying to firms that don't want me. It's taken a toll on my confidence, given I've been applying for 3 years now, and my parents think maybe it's time to move on. However, I do not want to give up on my dream. So if anyone has any advice, it would really be appreciated. @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Tagging in @ZNadeem as most of the Community team are out this week! Will try to respond later if I have time (as I am also on leave this week).

 

[ZNadeem]

Hello everyone,

I'm just looking for advice on what to do differently or if its time to call it quits.

I am a first-class law 2023 graduate from an RG Uni. I've had 3 cycles now. In my first cycle, I managed to get a vacation scheme but didn't convert. In my second and third cycles, I got up to the last stage interview (before the VS) and got rejected. Despite having a first-class degree, I have relatively weak A-levels (ABB equivalent, I did the IB in 2020, the year that no one did exams). I also did badly in my public and contract law modules, which were in my first year of uni, and I have mitigating circumstances for those results, which I have always detailed in my applications. The majority of my applications never progress past the first stage. If I could give some ratio, I'd say only 1 in 10 progress. I think the applications I write are honestly okay. I have been a gold user sometimes and taken advantage of the application review services and gotten advice from various TCLA mentors. I'm starting to think maybe my profile is wrong, or maybe I am just applying to firms that don't want me. It's taken a toll on my confidence, given I've been applying for 3 years now, and my parents think maybe it's time to move on. However, I do not want to give up on my dream. So if anyone has any advice, it would really be appreciated. @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

You absolutely shouldn’t give up—getting a vacation scheme and progressing to final-stage interviews shows that you are a strong candidate with the potential to secure a training contract. The process is highly competitive, and setbacks are common even for very qualified applicants. Firms wouldn’t invest in interviewing you or offering you a vacation scheme unless they saw real promise in your application and abilities.

One area to focus on is writing high-quality applications, as this is where you can make the biggest impact. Even if you’re confident in your current approach, there’s always room for refinement, especially in ensuring your answers are tailored to each firm. Strong applications can significantly increase your chances of progressing past that first stage, which seems to be the main hurdle. It might be worth revisiting your strategy to see if small tweaks could improve your chances.

I also know of people who went through 5 cycles before finally securing a training contract. The common thread among those who succeed is resilience and a willingness to refine their approach with each attempt. Each cycle is a learning experience that brings you closer to your goal. With your strong academic achievements and determination, you’re absolutely capable of making it happen.

Remember, setbacks in this process don’t mean you’re unqualified; they often reflect the sheer number of applicants and the subjective nature of recruitment. Persistence is key, and each application you submit refines your approach. Keep going—you’ve already proven you have what it takes.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hello everyone,

I'm just looking for advice on what to do differently or if its time to call it quits.

I am a first-class law 2023 graduate from an RG Uni. I've had 3 cycles now. In my first cycle, I managed to get a vacation scheme but didn't convert. In my second and third cycles, I got up to the last stage interview (before the VS) and got rejected. Despite having a first-class degree, I have relatively weak A-levels (ABB equivalent, I did the IB in 2020, the year that no one did exams). I also did badly in my public and contract law modules, which were in my first year of uni, and I have mitigating circumstances for those results, which I have always detailed in my applications. The majority of my applications never progress past the first stage. If I could give some ratio, I'd say only 1 in 10 progress. I think the applications I write are honestly okay. I have been a gold user sometimes and taken advantage of the application review services and gotten advice from various TCLA mentors. I'm starting to think maybe my profile is wrong, or maybe I am just applying to firms that don't want me. It's taken a toll on my confidence, given I've been applying for 3 years now, and my parents think maybe it's time to move on. However, I do not want to give up on my dream. So if anyone has any advice, it would really be appreciated. @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hiya @babylawyer1942

I wanted to add to the excellent advice you've already received from @ZNadeem. First of all, completely appreciate how difficult it may be to continue applying to firms, especially when people close to you (including friends or family) begin to question whether it’s worth the effort. But if this is a career that you genuinely want, there’s absolutely no shame in persisting. I know people who landed training contracts with Magic Circle and US firms well into their late twenties. They took time to work in other sectors after graduating, (e.g. finance, business services, education, non-profits, and even the creative arts) picking up really interesting skills and experiences that allowed them to stand out later in the application process. Whilst working in these roles, they kept applying, kept going to open days, refining their application writing and style, and eventually secured their TCs. In my own case, I only decided to pursue a legal career in my early 30s. Again, I just want to emphasise that a longer or non-straightforward timeline shouldn't be regarded as some sign that you can't succeed. You really can!

That said, I think the key now is making sure your next steps are as targeted as possible. If your applications aren’t progressing, it might help to spend some time refining your strategy. It’s great that you’ve used the application review service, but I’d strongly encourage you to make the most of your Gold membership by booking a 1-2-1 call to discuss your goals and getting more tailored advice if you need it. These conversations can be incredibly useful in helping to identify where the gaps are (e.g. whether that’s firm choice, application structure, or commercial knowledge). Also, don’t wait to feel like you’re ‘making progress’ to start using the Gold courses. I've met far too many applicants who simply wait for their applications to progress before they make use of the courses to develop more granular knowledge of firms and legal market. Especially when it comes to commercial awareness and understanding what really makes one firm different from another, I really think these resources are some of the best you’ll find.

Good luck with your future applications, and I hope you keep applying if this is what you want