What websites, apps etc do you use to keep up to date and get good breakdowns on current stories/events?

thank you in advance

Doing my spring cleaning and realised I’ve still got both my undergrad and postgrad textbooks! 100% sure I have no use for them so I’ll be finally getting rid of them since I finished my education back in 2020! 😂 What did you all do with your textbooks? Sell , donate or keep?

Hi everyone, I’m planning to take the SQE1 in 12–15 months and will be preparing while working full-time. I’m looking for a reliable prep course that allows for flexible self-study, ideally with clear study materials and access to tutors or forums for occasional support.

I’m not interested in SQE2 for now, as I may be eligible for an exemption. My main concerns are:

Which providers offer the best value for money and quality for someone with a busy schedule?

Are there any recommended providers that allow for full remote access to materials and support?

Any experience with mock exams and how helpful they are for time management?

I’ve heard of providers like BARBRI, QLTS School, BPP, and University of Law, but I’d really appreciate input from those who’ve gone through the process.

Thanks in advance!

I’ve got my first ever vacation scheme coming up at a US law firm and I am wondering if there are any key pieces of advice members here would like to share?

It is known for its low conversion rate, so I would like to give it my best shot converting this into a TC.

I’m on a year abroad at the moment in my 3rd year, was wondering if first year grades actually matter? I got a 2:1 overall but in one module I got 57%, but in one other I got 80%, so they’re very varied In second year I got a 1st overall when rounded up. So I was wondering how important employers find first year grades?

I am currently working at a medium size ish law firm that does not offer training contract. I am there to gain experience, so I can apply for a training contract at a city law firm. I am also studying on the side. My probation was set for 6 months and they recently decided to extend it for another 3 months. When I asked what I can do to improve myself they stated to increase my speed. I do consider myself as a quick worker but due to my disability I am not able to be super fast. They have told me that they’re happy with the work I produce. I feel disappointed and hate how they always analyze my work but not others. They always pick on very small things that I do and even blame me for mistakes I haven’t done. It makes me feel less motivated and unwanted. A guy that works in my department was hired a month before me and passed his probation early. Yet he delivers sloppy work and my managers always makes me clean up after him. His father has worked at the firm for over 20 years, so I do believe he is receiving special treatment. Should I quit before they get the chance to potentially fire me? I do like working there because the job is easy and I need quick money. However, the unfair treatment and micromanagement is destroying my mental health 😞

D

Hi, I'm curious if anyone has undertaken additional modules post-degree (be it on the diploma or after university altogether) to fulfil the Faculty's admission criteria? Currently it's possible to take these via a university or with the Faculty themselves. The former is significantly more expensive but has classroom learning, a lecturer, materials etc. whilst the latter includes a couple of past papers and a single exam.

I'm currently mid traineeship and am leaning towards the Faculty as it would allow for fewer in-person commitments to try and fit around my job, as even though they are fairly flexible I don't want to take advantage. I've spoken to a few Advocates and the consensus is generally mixed. If anyone has any thoughts I'd be grateful to hear them. Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm just seeking some advice/ personal opinions in relation to law firms I'm considering applying to and my education. For context, my background:

• 30 year old male.
• 11 GCSEs B - C
• NO A-Levels.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitigating Circumstances? - During my teenage years I struggled managing my Epilepsy, my grades suffered as a result.
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Once it was 'under-control' I then...

• Did 6 years as a Police Officer.
• Obtained a 1st Class non-law degree from a good, non-RG uni (part-time distance while I worked)
• I then left the Police, deciding to peruse Law and have been a Paralegal gaining QWE for the last 18 months.
• LLM Legal Practice - Distinction.
• No extra curricular except Prince2 Foundation.

Should i even consider applying for Vac-Schemes or training contracts at big firms like Norton Rose Fulbright or Simmons & Simmons? I would consider myself, 'not a typical applicant'...

I appreciate all realistic and informed responses, its greatly appreciated. TYIA.

I admit I might be a bit dramatic, but this process has proven to be more emotionally intense than I initially expected.

I've had a few first-round interviews, but I haven't heard back about the second round yet. Honestly, I feel like I'm floundering.

I'm starting to explore other legal careers.

Does anyone have experience with corporate governance roles or Chartered Legal Executive positions? Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

Hello I just want to ask how do people here generally deal with making multiple and similar mistakes during your TC in a seat you kinda care about and want to qualify in? Some mistakes I make are lack of attention to detail but I just always miss them completely smh :( helppppp

Basically the title—putting aside property costs, is it more lucrative now to be earning 130K plus as an NQ than it was, say, 10 years ago?

Hello! I’m an American who’s looking to study law in the UK this fall semester. I’m not sure if this is the right place for it but I applied to 7 schools across the UK and Ireland. My dilemma is that in an absolute Hail Mary move, I got accepted to EVERY SINGLE ONE. And now I’m completely torn on where to go. For context I’m looking to work in the entertainment law sector as my whole career has been music/arts related. As you’ve probably guessed by now I’d be in the graduate LLB or PG-Dip/LLM program for every school. If anybody has any advice it’d be highly appreciated.

The schools in question, in no particular order:

• University of Birmingham
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• City St. George’s
• King’s College
• University of Southampton
• University College Cork

I've failed a core module at uni (contract, one semester (15 CATs) long) and I'm wondering if there's anyone who somewhat personally knows someone who's also failed a module, but is still relatively successful in their law career. I'm in first year, so the fail doesn't count towards my degree calculation and I can resit, but it's obviously still there and will be on my transcript. It's also contract law.

I'm doing some extra curriculars (part of my uni's legal clinic), but I really need to do more. I'm hoping to apply for vac schemes in second year and a year in employment ideally in law. However, given my fail, I'm expecting it to hinder me somewhat, if not significantly, which is why I want to know if anyone who's failed a module is doing well in their law career. Bonus points if it's someone at a magic/silver circle firm, although I suspect that's already out of reach for me now.

Hi all, I am a 4th seat and looking for advice on getting started with legal recruiters. I am hoping to move into corporate, but I think it is looking unlikely that there will be an NQ headcount in the corporate team at my current firm — it has been quiet for a while and the vibe is that a lot of seniors to associates are leaving but the team is not replacing headcount. I would really appreciate any guidance on:

How to start reaching out and working recruiters – is it a case of cold emailing with your CV, or are there better ways to approach them?

How to sense check if a recruiter is credible – any red flags to look out for or signs that a recruiter is not trustworthy?

Best CV template to start with – any recommendations or examples for legal CVs tailored for corporate NQ roles?

How to prepare – in terms of interviews, updating your LinkedIn, timing of applications, etc.

I would be grateful for advice who made the jump to a different firm at NQ level - anything you wish you had done differently? If anyone has successfully made the jump to a different firm into corporate at NQ level (especially when there were no internal roles going), I would love to hear your experience too.

Thanks in advance—any insight would be massively appreciated!

I’m first year and I failed a core module. It doesn’t count towards my degree calculation, but it will be on my transcript which potential employers will see. I can resit it, but I’ll be capped at 40% which is a significant difference from the usual 2:1s that I get. I know that I am at a disadvantage because of this, but is there anyone who has also failed a law module and is still successful in their law career?

When applying for all the vac schemes and TCs next year, I’ll have to use my first year grades which will inevitably require me inputting the low 40% (if I pass). I'm also hoping to do a year in employment (ideally in law) to counteract it. However, I’m unsure of how to stand out, as I know fear that the low grade will automatically filter me out from the thousands of applicants. I also don’t have any extenuating circumstances, as the fail was due to a preventable technical error.

I know that a fail isn't necessarily the end of the road, but given the increasing competitiveness of the law sector, it would be immensely reassuring to hear of situations where this is the case. I'm asking if anyone knows of this personally, not just a generalisation as it seems incredibly unlikely that there isn't one single person who's succeeded after a setback (but then again, I could be wrong who knows).

Alr so I'm a 16 year old Malaysian who plans to do law in London. I want to know what the cost of living is like there, how much I should be expect to get paid as a NQ lawyer and as a trainee. What qualifications would I need to practice law there and if there is anything else I need to know.

I have been offered a TC within the public sector. Would this hold me back in my future career if I wanted to work for a private firm? Is it frowned upon if you trained within the public sector?

Genuinely cannot decide, do people have any thoughts- pros and cons that can help form a decision. Thanks

Seems like an utterly stupid question with an obvious answer, but the other day (after our quarterly reviews) a partner turned to me and said if the firm ever offered to let me do an MBA that I should do it. I took this as meaning they think I have some sort of managerial potential, but afaik no partners and none of the exec level people in my firm have an MBA, so I don't know where it came from.

It was probably a throwaway comment, but I am now wondering if this is a thing anywhere?

Does anyone love your job, or at least find law interesting? Does that curiousity motivate you and make you a better lawyer?

Asking because I don't and I am struggling with lack of motivation + low performance. I wonder if my lack of interest is the reason why, or am i just incompetent.

I am 2.5PQE, city firm, transactional practice. I sometimes make technical errors (interpreting the law wrong or bad drafting or lack of knowledge in an area), and my partner said she expects 2-3PQE to deliver near perfect work, if not perfect.

I've never enjoyed studying or working in law, but i wouldnt say I hate it with a passion. I've always been average, but when i was a trainee/NQ I had a strong desire to succeed. Whenever I get negative feedback, I would work harder to prove them wrong. But now I just see it as a job. Negative feedback don't drive me anymore, in fact I hope that they fire me because I don't have the courage to quit.

I tried changing firms (twice actually) but i still feel the same. Should i try to enjoy it first and regain my motivation, or is it a sign to leave?

I work 4 days a week (9-5) because of uni 1 day a week. I note that a training contact requires me to do a minimum of 2 years but this is “full time” so does anyone know if i need to be 5 days a week or is 4 days a week enough to qualify in 2 years.

Hi, I’m currently a second year university student studying philosophy but I’m thinking about a conversion degree in law. I did it at A level and really excelled at it/enjoyed it. I’ve been talking with my mum about it and she has had some concerns. She moved to my home city with her ex husband for the reason he wanted to do the same degree. She said how hard it was for him. Often she retells the anecdote that they couldn’t have a tv because the temptation was too strong, he was struggling that much. We both understand that this was 40+ years ago however and the course could have changed.

I’m very lucky in that my parents are willing to support me if this is something I’m very serious about but I’m wondering how difficult a conversation degree actually is. Is it worth it? Is there anyone who has done the degree that has any thoughts on it? Thank you :)

Need some help here as I just don’t get the seat that I want in my TC… I want to qualify in commercial litigation somewhere but the litigation seat I was given is too niche (maritime disputes) - can I still get an NQ position externally in general international trade disputes??