Hi Jessica, I want to ask that if I get a training contract commencing in 2027, but I will graduate in 2025 and finish my SQE in 2026, can I ask the firm to move my start date to 2026? If not, what can I do in the year waiting for my TC?
You can ask but generally given firms recruit in advance, they most likely will have a full 2026 intake and therefore will not be able to bring your start date forward. There is no harm in asking though, as sometimes people renege offers or fail law school, meaning spaces occasionally come up.
In addition, sometimes some firms will increase their trainee intake numbers too. Stating an interest to start earlier may lead to an opportunity to do so, due to these potential changes.
Most qualified lawyers will tell you to go and do whatever you want in your time out and enjoy it. Many see it as one of the last opportunities where the the opportunity cost of doing something is lower than it will be in the future. Trying to take a gap year from work isn’t always easy and even when it does happen, sacrificing a qualified lawyer’s salary at that point in life can always be difficult. Most would encourage you to do anything you want, whether that travel, volunteering, taking up a new hobby or working in a different sector or profession before going into law.