Training contract frustration -- time to change tack?

[libbyc]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice about how to continue with my training contract journey. Sorry if this is a bit of a long rant but I’m feeling a bit dejected and any advice/ nice words would be much appreciated.

For context, I’m in final year law at Oxbridge and I’ve been applying to law firms for the past 3 years (first year schemes, open days, vac schemes etc). I have alright grades (high 2:1/1st) and quite a bit of legal work experience which I was able to obtain informally in my home country. I’ve done two vacation schemes at US firms, one in my second and one in my most recent application cycle, but failed to convert both. I’ve been trying to improve my interview technique/ applications based on advice and feedback I’ve received. However, it seems like I’m getting more unsuccessful with each cycle.

I did 3 first year fast-track schemes in my first year but failed to convert them into TCs. In my second year, I made a few targeted applications, and was invited to the final stage 3/4 times with no success. This year, I’ve made more applications and I’ve been rejected from most of them at the first stage (CV review and SJT). I’ve even been rejected at the first stage from multiple firms where I reached the final interview stage in previous cycles. I’m not sure what’s wrong, as I’m basically just updating my CV and making alterations as compared to previous successful applications. I wonder if the fact that I’ve failed to convert two vac schemes in a row is contributing to this, as it seems like I’ve wasted the chances law firms have given me.

I’m not sure what I should do from here. I don’t want to have to self-fund the SQE, so I’m going to keep applying for TCs, but I’m thinking if I should aim lower and apply for paralegal positions instead. I’m open to other jobs and industries (eg. Entry level compliance officer), but I’m not sure what jobs I can get with no real work experience and no solicitor qualification. I’m been looking at some paralegal positions on LinkedIn, but it seems like most require experience. If anyone could give me some pointers, I’d be really grateful.

TLDR: Multiple application cycles, a few close brushes with a TC but still unsuccessful. What should I do?

 

[I’m_Batman]

Initial thoughts: If you have made it to Vacation Schemes then it is really a matter of time. I don't think enough candidates own up or accept that often the deciding factor can be luck - one interviewer liked your answer more than if the same answer had been heard by someone else. If this is something you want to do long-term (and qualifying can be done at any age - I am a career changer and might qualify when I am 34... the average age of qualification jumped to 29 last I checked) then you should continue to pursue it and accept it will come in time.
This is a competitive legal field and US firm vacation schemes are the most elusive. As a first port of call have you applied to any law firm in the top 50? Realistically down the line, you will probably earn similar and move freely as long as you've trained somewhere like that (and law is quickly changing and becoming more accessible). I got a TC offer after 6 ACs and plenty of other stages between 2018-2024. It's understandable to feel dejected after putting in so much effort and not seeing the results you hope for. In the meantime if you don't achieve a TC, this how I would spend the meantime:

1. Any entry level Paralegal Position and With experience moving to a commercial law firm and applying internally. My TC offer is from the firm I work at now as a Paralegal. I am sure I was privy to plenty of information that other candidates found it much more elusive to come by.
2. Reflect on Feedback: It seems you've already been doing this, but continue to seek out and reflect deeply on any feedback you receive from interviews and applications. Sometimes, even small adjustments in how you present your experiences or answer questions can make a significant difference. For example, I used the STAR method but added how I had reflected on that experience so STARR lol - worked pretty well. I also worked on broad commercial topics like supply chains, general interest rate trends and consequences, King's Budget. Also, if the firm is, for example, an energy specialist knowing the general trends of the EV market etc. this sort of application.
3. Apply early in the cycle (if you have completed a solid app). My applications were submitted in the first 2 weeks of opening. I applied to 7 firms this cycle and got two final stage ACs. Prepare in advance and be ready for the window. In the meantime, focus on other roles to help your career each cycle you apply you will be a stronger candidate.
4. Masters?: Consider engaging in further professional development opportunities. This could include attending workshops on interview skills, networking, or even specific legal skills that are in demand. Sometimes, showing that you're actively working on improving and acquiring new skills can be appealing to employers.
5. Oxbridge Network?: Leverage your network, including your university's alumni, especially those working in the legal sector. They can offer invaluable advice, insights into their firms' hiring practices, or even mentorship. Networking can sometimes open doors that traditional applications cannot. My first Paralegal role was through a contact at a small firm I never heard of. After that I moved to a big commercial one because I had more exp.

Note: Your failure won't define but your response to it will. Obtaining a TC takes time and it will happen as you go through these cycles.

 

[Gentlecynic]

Identify the graduate recruiters, identify the partner who is head of the grad scheme, go up and talk to them, be it an open day/ vac scheme you get, and find out what they like (i.e. ask: "what do you do to relax, or for fun?") Then - surprise, surprise - find a way to relate to them and share common interests. Most people look at life like it is some Rubik cube, in reality humans are humans. They just want a reason to think you are part of "their tribe", so give it to them. Birds of a feather flock together...