Law Firm Rejections

Hi,

This is my first time posting on here and I am just looking for some guidance.

Over the course of the application season (October - January) I have applied to around 10 firms all in London and have received rejections every time from vac schemes and direct TCs. I was really upset that I received a rejection from my dream firm but I had a good cry and moved on the more rejections I received the more frustrated I felt about the system. I know the industry is so oversaturated and all the top firms receive crazy amounts of applications but I am starting to lose hope. It's frustrating to spend hours filling out the applications perfectly just to get rejected.

My A-level grades aren't the best but with my degree, I'm on track for a 2:1 potentially a first and I have so much relevant experience ranging from attending all the firm events I can to working with my Students Union on behalf of the faculty and having general work experience. I also helped to set up a society at uni showing that I have other passions but I'm still getting rejected despite all of this, I don't attend a Russel group uni and think it could be down to this, it might sound dramatic and I know life doesn't always work out the way you intend but the only thing I want to do with my life is to be a solicitor but it feels like the world doesn't want me to.

If anyone else has been through a similar situation and has any advice it would be greatly appreciated. I am starting to wonder why I am bothering with this degree and it's making it hard to keep hoping.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi,

This is my first time posting on here and I am just looking for some guidance.

Over the course of the application season (October - January) I have applied to around 10 firms all in London and have received rejections every time from vac schemes and direct TCs. I was really upset that I received a rejection from my dream firm but I had a good cry and moved on the more rejections I received the more frustrated I felt about the system. I know the industry is so oversaturated and all the top firms receive crazy amounts of applications but I am starting to lose hope. It's frustrating to spend hours filling out the applications perfectly just to get rejected.

My A-level grades aren't the best but with my degree, I'm on track for a 2:1 potentially a first and I have so much relevant experience ranging from attending all the firm events I can to working with my Students Union on behalf of the faculty and having general work experience. I also helped to set up a society at uni showing that I have other passions but I'm still getting rejected despite all of this, I don't attend a Russel group uni and think it could be down to this, it might sound dramatic and I know life doesn't always work out the way you intend but the only thing I want to do with my life is to be a solicitor but it feels like the world doesn't want me to.

If anyone else has been through a similar situation and has any advice it would be greatly appreciated. I am starting to wonder why I am bothering with this degree and it's making it hard to keep hoping.

Hiya @georgiac24

I’m really sorry about the rejections and how you're feeling. You’re absolutely right that the process can feel exhausting and disheartening, especially when you’re putting in so much effort (I had my fair share of cries after getting rejected by firms I had poured so much effort into applying to!).

That said, it sounds like you’re doing all the right things by gaining experience, attending firm events, and building strong skills that will serve you well when you do land a vacation scheme or training contract. From my own experience, one of the biggest turning points was learning how to craft really tailored applications. I've met many, many strong candidates with great academics and experience (much like yourself) who struggle to stand out in the process if their applications aren’t structured in the right way. It took me a while to get the hang of this skill myself, and I found that getting feedback made a huge difference. TCLA’s application review service really helped me, but you might also find useful support through your university’s career service or by reaching out to trainees who might be willing to give your applications a quick look. It’s tough, but please, please don’t lose hope! If you need any advice about particular firms or particular aspects of the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out on here.

I hope you feel much better and, more importantly, I hope you know that you definitely have what it takes to secure a vacation scheme/training contract with a firm. Hang in there.