Questions
- Would I be a serious prospect for competitive VSs/TCs i.e. with MC/elite US firms? If you have explain your reasoning for a career in law, then there is no reason why not. The only slight concern could be you sticking to a career if you have had three different jobs in the last 4 and a half years. Firms like dedication and commitment, especially where they will invest in you and they could be concerned this is just another job hop for for you.
- I plan to first focus on securing VSs, which can hopefully lead to TC and or SQE funding. Are there any other optimal routes to consider? You could apply to direct TCs given the level of work experience and if doing VS schemes will be problematic if you are in Japan/are working elsewhere (conflict checks could make a vacation scheme more difficult for you if you are in employment elsewhere).
- To what extent will I be able to leverage my previous skills to transition into a career as a solicitor? In bucket loads - this is the advantage you have.
- Given my plan, I will likely be qualifying at around the age of 30. Do career changers that start in their 30s have a genuine chance of making partner? Yes - seen people make partner who have started their career later on in life. Becoming a partner in your late 30s or 40s is still going to give you a potential career of around 30 years!
- Would a failed application during my first VS/TC cycle application attempt hinder my chances of acceptance in following seasons? Only for the same firm and if they have a policy saying you cannot reapply again. Most firms don't have this though and say you either have to wait until the next season or wait 12 months before reapplying.