Im sorry about the rejections. You’ve reached so many final stages at some of the most competitive firms, which is great. I’m not a professional but personally, I graduated in 2022, and I’ve not had a good job until last year (law but in my country, not UK) and Ive managed to secure 3 ACs now. I think many people work in hospitality before their TC. I really doubt it could be an issue as there are many transferable skills. I would obviously try to apply for paralegal roles, but I know these are hard to get too (as someone who’s been trying). But imo hospitality isn’t bad. Just my impression of the process btw.
this would give you the time to travel and discover things while you will also gain a unique selling point for law firms (at least the ones that actually care about you as a person and don’t just treat u like a machine😅) ) for this year. It will not make you look bad at all, if anything it’s more to talk about, but i did also make sure to have some legal experience on there - I contacted local high street firms and one of them (out of the twelve or so I contacted, lmao) answered and invited me to shadow one of their department heads for a few weeks. There’s also Citizens Advice or getting involved in your uni’s pro bono work, etc. Shows people skills, which some people (from my experience) sorely lack and is imperative to solicitors.I graduated from a RG in 2024 and have been working in hospitality full time this year (and went travelling in the first part of the year and even did some initial applications abroad!) Although I haven't secured a TC this cycle yet, I have attended // got in the future multiple ACs which means the hospitality working does not seem to impact negatively!
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