Ahhh yess - the waiting game is sooo daunting! What stage did you get up to & did you give 10KBI another shot this year?
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Spontaneous TC Journey
- Thread starter Legalstalker
- Start date
Update ✨ :
Yesterday, I submitted my application to one of, if not my top preference, firm! I have been holding back doing the application since it opened in September, as I wanted the insight evening. I luckily got the invite and enjoyed it! I struggled to write this application, as I had so much information I didn't know what areas I wanted to focus on. My application from the last cycle was successful in making it to the next stage; I had a brief look at that and locked in and submitted last night! I never get my applications reviewed before submitting, so a big thank you to @yasmars for also looking at it. I appreciate it greatly! 🥹
In the past month, I have submitted 3 applications, not many as I have been super busy. I have focused on the firms I have had interactions with and ensuring these are well researched. I did a VI for a firm last weekend, which was positive; fingers crossed I get an AC invite.
I have been invited to an AC for another graduate job, which I am super proud of given the application process is notorisly known for favouring STEM students, and the salary exceeds many firm trainee salaries! I hope to progress to the final stage interview, but I'm not hopeful given the math test I have to retake on the day for validity. I struggled on the first one😭.
I am struggling with my work load and balancing life. I'm hoping in the new year I can get back on track.
Many of the firms I have applied to have rolling deadlines; the deadlines are closed/approaching. With that said, I do hope to hear back soon with more news.
I hope everyone has had a great week with an inbox filled with positive news x
Yesterday, I submitted my application to one of, if not my top preference, firm! I have been holding back doing the application since it opened in September, as I wanted the insight evening. I luckily got the invite and enjoyed it! I struggled to write this application, as I had so much information I didn't know what areas I wanted to focus on. My application from the last cycle was successful in making it to the next stage; I had a brief look at that and locked in and submitted last night! I never get my applications reviewed before submitting, so a big thank you to @yasmars for also looking at it. I appreciate it greatly! 🥹
In the past month, I have submitted 3 applications, not many as I have been super busy. I have focused on the firms I have had interactions with and ensuring these are well researched. I did a VI for a firm last weekend, which was positive; fingers crossed I get an AC invite.
I have been invited to an AC for another graduate job, which I am super proud of given the application process is notorisly known for favouring STEM students, and the salary exceeds many firm trainee salaries! I hope to progress to the final stage interview, but I'm not hopeful given the math test I have to retake on the day for validity. I struggled on the first one😭.
I am struggling with my work load and balancing life. I'm hoping in the new year I can get back on track.
Many of the firms I have applied to have rolling deadlines; the deadlines are closed/approaching. With that said, I do hope to hear back soon with more news.
I hope everyone has had a great week with an inbox filled with positive news x
Congrats on so many successes!!! Rooting for you as always ☺
Unexpected update✨
Bad news first🫠
I got a rejection from a firm I went to an open day with!! I was soo gutted my heart hurt as I saw the emails. I tried soo hard on that application I went above and beyond to stand out as I did their virtual internship which I never do. I wonder if it was a numbers decision and there wasn’t enough space?
I also got rejected today for another firm, I am convinced that I will never progress with that firm having applied to 2 Vs and 2 open days they don't like me 😪
I also failed the AC for the grad job but I only failed the maths test 😭😭😭 everything else was perfect they called me a team player and easy to build a rapport with. I knew i wasn’t going to progress to final interview I struggled with the first maths test let alone the second. They gave me feedback in less than 24hours what a massive slay! Law could never 🥴
Good news 😃
I have received a test invite from one of the top firms on my list!! I applied months ago so I was surprise to get this news😁 I’m scared to take the test as I know not a lot of people get it so I really don’t want to mess it up.
I also got a VI invite from my top firm!!!!! Beyond happy. This has made my December to say the least! 🤩 now to start prepping as I will honestly burn my laptop if I fail this VI🧍♀️ I’m super happy to have progressed with many firms/companies so early in the cycle. I’d love to have more law related news from now on.
This weekend I plan to do the test and prep for the VI for next week. Given how close it is the Christmas I think I’ll only hear back from 1 firm as per their application process timeline. In the new year I have an AC to prep for hehe
Bad news first🫠
I got a rejection from a firm I went to an open day with!! I was soo gutted my heart hurt as I saw the emails. I tried soo hard on that application I went above and beyond to stand out as I did their virtual internship which I never do. I wonder if it was a numbers decision and there wasn’t enough space?
I also got rejected today for another firm, I am convinced that I will never progress with that firm having applied to 2 Vs and 2 open days they don't like me 😪
I also failed the AC for the grad job but I only failed the maths test 😭😭😭 everything else was perfect they called me a team player and easy to build a rapport with. I knew i wasn’t going to progress to final interview I struggled with the first maths test let alone the second. They gave me feedback in less than 24hours what a massive slay! Law could never 🥴
Good news 😃
I have received a test invite from one of the top firms on my list!! I applied months ago so I was surprise to get this news😁 I’m scared to take the test as I know not a lot of people get it so I really don’t want to mess it up.
I also got a VI invite from my top firm!!!!! Beyond happy. This has made my December to say the least! 🤩 now to start prepping as I will honestly burn my laptop if I fail this VI🧍♀️ I’m super happy to have progressed with many firms/companies so early in the cycle. I’d love to have more law related news from now on.
This weekend I plan to do the test and prep for the VI for next week. Given how close it is the Christmas I think I’ll only hear back from 1 firm as per their application process timeline. In the new year I have an AC to prep for hehe
I assume Clifford chance for the rejection. I am in the same boat. What is this top firm. I’m interested.
Heya could you please send me the details for Simmons? I have an ac and I’d appreciate some help 🫶🏽😩
Unexpected update again!!
It's a long one....
I am making it a point to constantly update this thread, as I want it to be the last year I use it 🤣 I was going to leave my update until next week, but I don't think my week or any other new I get can top this eek.
I got a TI invite post-test I did on the weekend!! Wowzers, I was scared seeing as I got collaboration as a weakness, but that goes to show those reports are as true as the Lochness monster. I was so happy! I was stunned as I got the email!! Also, the next working day turn around is crazyyyy. Hopefully over the next few days I can focus on research and going over any competency answers, etc.
I did an AC for a graduate job, and I really feel these AC's are gearing me up for the law ones. I am almost treating them as a mock for when I do my AC in January for a firm VS I have. I really enjoy the group exercises, and given that none of the candidates are law students, there is no dominating to time keep, which is great as I can do it 😅 I found the pace of the AC very good, and the multiple breaks and chitchat from the early careers team made it very fun. I wish law firms adopted this approach. I am hoping to progress to the final stage interview, as I really like the company and I think I'd enjoy the role I've applied to.
I also did the VI for my top firm after my AC! I'm on a roll because I was so burnt out after the AC, but I persevered. I will say I was calm before it, and then leading up to it, I was so nervous I had to google breathing techniques haha. All that hard work and research has paid off. I was put through to the next stage!!! I can't believe it, and I am so happy I nearly cried, which is insane seeing as it's a next stage invite and not a VS. 😭😭 Dedicating time and effort to one firm is not as hard as you think if you really like the firm. I spoke with so much passion I felt like I already worked there 🤣
I have so much work I am slowly crumbling away. I have a formative due in 2/3 days, and I have not started. I have been so ingrossed with these tests, interviews, and AC's that I have lost sight of what matters. I need to start grinding again; otherwise, I will disintegrate in ash. 🌬️
Commercial awareness is getting real now. I need to get on it nowwww!!! I am so out of touch; it is ridiculous. I will start a new routine this week to ease myself back into it. AC season is upon us, and I don't want to be left behind lol. I am to go over trends every day. I also need to self-teach myself what the hell the BoE does. I know it has something to do with managing interest rates? This isn't good enough I need to be a pro in this area so self-teaching is a must I also plan to buy some commercial awareness books as I want to be able to read on planes where there is no wifi, and as I fly frequently, this will be a massive help.
All this talk but no action. Last cycle, last cycle, I was very proactive in my commercial awareness, which was great as I had a little more time given I was working full time in a graduate job, which was very flexible in me being able to do research but very limiting on annual leave. This year I am no longer in that situation, and I am rather in a worse one with no time to do any research. I plan to turn this around. I want to be more positive in my thinking. I am speaking it into existence that I will get a TC!!! No matter how many cycles it takes me, I will get one (preferably this cycle though). I refuse to quit after my first cycle; it was a learning curve, and I do believe I have learnt so much from a failed cycle that it has allowed me to progress with firms I was rejected at the post-app last cycle. So much to take away from the last cycle. I am leveraging the knowledge I have of the application process to my best ability as well as asking for reasonable adjustments. I will not suffer because I fear a firm will to give me a chance. Last cycle I didn't accept reasonal adjustments for many firms as I didn't want it to seem like a burden, but having now asked for these reasonable adjustments this year, I have flourished. I also wouldn't want to work at a firm that discriminates against those who need a little extra time, etc.
Enough of my yapping once again. I think I need my own blog website, as I have too much to share. TCLA is not enough 🤣
Have a lovely evening, peeps!
It's a long one....
I am making it a point to constantly update this thread, as I want it to be the last year I use it 🤣 I was going to leave my update until next week, but I don't think my week or any other new I get can top this eek.
I got a TI invite post-test I did on the weekend!! Wowzers, I was scared seeing as I got collaboration as a weakness, but that goes to show those reports are as true as the Lochness monster. I was so happy! I was stunned as I got the email!! Also, the next working day turn around is crazyyyy. Hopefully over the next few days I can focus on research and going over any competency answers, etc.
I did an AC for a graduate job, and I really feel these AC's are gearing me up for the law ones. I am almost treating them as a mock for when I do my AC in January for a firm VS I have. I really enjoy the group exercises, and given that none of the candidates are law students, there is no dominating to time keep, which is great as I can do it 😅 I found the pace of the AC very good, and the multiple breaks and chitchat from the early careers team made it very fun. I wish law firms adopted this approach. I am hoping to progress to the final stage interview, as I really like the company and I think I'd enjoy the role I've applied to.
I also did the VI for my top firm after my AC! I'm on a roll because I was so burnt out after the AC, but I persevered. I will say I was calm before it, and then leading up to it, I was so nervous I had to google breathing techniques haha. All that hard work and research has paid off. I was put through to the next stage!!! I can't believe it, and I am so happy I nearly cried, which is insane seeing as it's a next stage invite and not a VS. 😭😭 Dedicating time and effort to one firm is not as hard as you think if you really like the firm. I spoke with so much passion I felt like I already worked there 🤣
I have so much work I am slowly crumbling away. I have a formative due in 2/3 days, and I have not started. I have been so ingrossed with these tests, interviews, and AC's that I have lost sight of what matters. I need to start grinding again; otherwise, I will disintegrate in ash. 🌬️
Commercial awareness is getting real now. I need to get on it nowwww!!! I am so out of touch; it is ridiculous. I will start a new routine this week to ease myself back into it. AC season is upon us, and I don't want to be left behind lol. I am to go over trends every day. I also need to self-teach myself what the hell the BoE does. I know it has something to do with managing interest rates? This isn't good enough I need to be a pro in this area so self-teaching is a must I also plan to buy some commercial awareness books as I want to be able to read on planes where there is no wifi, and as I fly frequently, this will be a massive help.
All this talk but no action. Last cycle, last cycle, I was very proactive in my commercial awareness, which was great as I had a little more time given I was working full time in a graduate job, which was very flexible in me being able to do research but very limiting on annual leave. This year I am no longer in that situation, and I am rather in a worse one with no time to do any research. I plan to turn this around. I want to be more positive in my thinking. I am speaking it into existence that I will get a TC!!! No matter how many cycles it takes me, I will get one (preferably this cycle though). I refuse to quit after my first cycle; it was a learning curve, and I do believe I have learnt so much from a failed cycle that it has allowed me to progress with firms I was rejected at the post-app last cycle. So much to take away from the last cycle. I am leveraging the knowledge I have of the application process to my best ability as well as asking for reasonable adjustments. I will not suffer because I fear a firm will to give me a chance. Last cycle I didn't accept reasonal adjustments for many firms as I didn't want it to seem like a burden, but having now asked for these reasonable adjustments this year, I have flourished. I also wouldn't want to work at a firm that discriminates against those who need a little extra time, etc.
Enough of my yapping once again. I think I need my own blog website, as I have too much to share. TCLA is not enough 🤣
Have a lovely evening, peeps!
Update: ✨
I've held off sharing firm names this cycle due to the badgering and harassment I've had from people demanding information from previous firms I progressed with. As well as anonymity, as I've had several breakdowns on this thread; imagine a firm discovering my identity. 😅
I am a yapper and I can't be stopped so I will document my VS/TC journey with a little more transparency. 😁
Progression:
I've held off sharing firm names this cycle due to the badgering and harassment I've had from people demanding information from previous firms I progressed with. As well as anonymity, as I've had several breakdowns on this thread; imagine a firm discovering my identity. 😅
I am a yapper and I can't be stopped so I will document my VS/TC journey with a little more transparency. 😁
Progression:
- AC invites: 1
Rejections:
- A&O Shearman
- Covington
- HSF
I pass the HSF test every time I take it, and they never progress me. I passed CC WG, and my feedback for the Ashurst test was positive. I understand these firms are very different; however, they all had a USP to me, and that is why I applied. They were all for WVS besides HSF and CC. I also withdrew some applications as my motivations and interests shifted.
95% of my remaining firms are US firms!
Open-day's attended:
95% of my remaining firms are US firms!
Open-day's attended:
I had an open-day invite that clashed with Willkie that gave a guaranteed AC for their VS, but I turned it down. (This is not the AC mentioned above.)
Lastly, I had a dinner with two firms, one with Baker McKenzie trainees; such an insightful experience, and the free steak 🥩 went down a treat!
*Unrelated, I passed the AC I had for the graduate job, and I am waiting for my final interview to be arranged.* 🤩
Lastly, I had a dinner with two firms, one with Baker McKenzie trainees; such an insightful experience, and the free steak 🥩 went down a treat!
*Unrelated, I passed the AC I had for the graduate job, and I am waiting for my final interview to be arranged.* 🤩
Last update of 2024! ✨
Progression:
Progression:
- AC invites: 1
I have had various video and telephone interviews with firms, which I hope transpires into an AC. 🙏
Rejections:
Rejections:
I've got one VI and 1 online assessment invite this week. My rejection pile is not nearly as big as it was this time last cycle! I normally get over rejections, but I am really annoyed with my Clifford Chance one. I passed the WG, did the internships, and went to the open day, and that wasn't enough. I had read over my application answers several times, and in no way do I believe I deserved a rejection post-application. UK firms are so hellbent on grades; no surprise, I progress further with US firms.
I have not heard back post TI for a firm that said we'd hear back by today, so I am taking that as a positive. Or maybe they didn't want to ruin my christmas with a rejection 😂
I am so slumped with work at the moment; my head hurts. I need to grind over the next month balancing deadlines, and work is seeming impossible. I will admit I did apply to 2 firms I have no desire to work at, but the panic of not securing a TC is kicking in. I have been in my comerical awareness era this week; every day I have read deals, cases, and trends to familiarise myself with what is happening in the city. I will be on holiday for 2 weeks, and I will be taking my laptop with me. 😞I'm hoping my 10-hour flight comes with some use and I can focus on reading articles and doing written exercises (I can't find the easy way out if there's no wifi 😅)
Everyone my age is now a trainee or doing the SQE. I feel so behind; I hate it. I will speak it into existence of me having a TC next year, as hope is all I am clinging onto.
I really hope 2025 is the last year I use TCLA as a TC seeker.
I wish everyone a happy holiday. Whether you're celebrating or not, take a break from the applications and focus on those around you. It is so easy to get caught up in applications that you neglect other things in life. 😄
See you in 2025 x
I have not heard back post TI for a firm that said we'd hear back by today, so I am taking that as a positive. Or maybe they didn't want to ruin my christmas with a rejection 😂
I am so slumped with work at the moment; my head hurts. I need to grind over the next month balancing deadlines, and work is seeming impossible. I will admit I did apply to 2 firms I have no desire to work at, but the panic of not securing a TC is kicking in. I have been in my comerical awareness era this week; every day I have read deals, cases, and trends to familiarise myself with what is happening in the city. I will be on holiday for 2 weeks, and I will be taking my laptop with me. 😞I'm hoping my 10-hour flight comes with some use and I can focus on reading articles and doing written exercises (I can't find the easy way out if there's no wifi 😅)
Everyone my age is now a trainee or doing the SQE. I feel so behind; I hate it. I will speak it into existence of me having a TC next year, as hope is all I am clinging onto.
I really hope 2025 is the last year I use TCLA as a TC seeker.
I wish everyone a happy holiday. Whether you're celebrating or not, take a break from the applications and focus on those around you. It is so easy to get caught up in applications that you neglect other things in life. 😄
See you in 2025 x
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@Legalstalker, have not spoken in a while, but honestly really well done for pushing on! I always find your posts super motivating. I am feeling similar to yourself and going into the festive season with a headache 🤦♀️ In serious need of a proper break now, but I'm having one final push this weekend after a string of PFOs earlier in the week. Hope you have a restful break and best of luck!
