Wants to travel

In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series, a solicitor apprentice seeks readers’ opinions on whether taking a gap year upon qualification would harm her career.

“I am a Solicitor Apprentice nearing the end of my first year at a mid sized law firm. Since I haven’t had the ability to have a gap year and go travelling and gain life experience, I wonder, would it be harmful to my career to take a year out upon qualification? Will I be less appealing to firms if I have taken a gap year immediately upon passing the SQE? Or will my six years’ experience negate that? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Advice needed

In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series a 30-something aspiring solicitor is seeking a career change from marketing to City law.

“I work in a marketing role in the finance sector, and whilst I once enjoyed my work I’ve recently turned 30 and looking to make the move into law — a move I’ve been considering for a couple of years now. I studied law at Oxford and fell into the world of marketing post-university. Would firms take me seriously? Are there some firms/types of firms that are more or less open to older applicants or those with previous careers? Please keep me anon. Thanks.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Seeks TC

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, an ambitious paralegal is looking for ways to stand out from the pack and put their best foot forward in TC applications.

“I have recently starting working as a paralegal at a top international law firm and was hoping to ask for some advice on how I can stand out amongst other paralegals. There is an internal application process for paralegals applying for a TC at the firm and this is something I am very interested in. Is there anything I should be doing to stand out in the firm and amongst my colleagues to be in good stead for a TC application and what sort of things do seniors (associates/partners) look for in a good paralegal?”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Fashion advice required

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series an incoming vacation scheme student is on the hunt for some advice on suitable workwear.

“Hello Legal Cheek. I think this question has been asked before but I am wondering if the position has changed since then. What do I wear for a vac scheme? I am a man btw but advice for women might also be helpful for your female readers! I have a vac scheme lined up at City law firm (I would prefer not to say which firm) and want to know if suit and tie is still expected? I understand the rules around office wear have relaxed a little bit but I obviously don’t want to make a fool of myself. I was thinking dark suit trousers, jumper and a shirt?”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Trainee needs guidance

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, a soon-to-be trainee solicitor wants some pointers on where to live in London.

“I will soon be starting my training contract at a law firm in London and I would like to recommendations on where to live. Their office isn’t far from Liverpool Street Station. I still haven’t decided whether to base myself somewhere outside of London (more affordable with the option of living alone) or opt for a flat share closer to my office. I am not really familiar with London or the surrounding areas as I have lived and studied in the Midlands most of my life. Any tips or advice would be really welcome.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Budding City lawyer seeks advice

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, an aspiring solicitor wants to know whether there really is such a thing as law firm culture, and how important this might be when selecting target firms.

“I’m a student currently researching law firms and TC opportunities, and am interested in working in London. Whilst I appreciate there are differences in pay and type of work etc, I’m less sure about the differences in culture between firms, or groups of firms. Is law firm culture really a thing or is this just a marketing gimmick? And if it’s really a thing, how much weight should I give it when making a decision?”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Career changer seeks guidance

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, a civil servant is eager to understand his likelihood of securing a training contract with a “good” City law firm.

“I have a 2.1 in law from a top target university. I graduated over 5 years ago and have worked in government across a number of departments including the Foreign Office, Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. I now run a team and have management responsibilities — for those familiar with civil service grades, I am a Grade 7.”

“Unfortunately, whilst I secured a 2.1, this was a low 2.1 – and I received 2.2s in key modules such as contract and tort. What would my likelihood of success be if I were to apply for a training contract at a good law firm, such as Travers Smith or Clyde & Co. I suspect I am unlikely to be successful at the Magic Circle.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Advice needed

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, an aspiring solicitor seeks readers’ opinions on the feasibility of pursuing a career in law.

“I’m a career changer and am interested in pursuing a career as a solicitor. I graduated with a non law degree back in 2020, which was graded an ‘Ordinary Degree’, a degree passed without honours. Realistically, what are my options for pursuing a career change? As an employment advisor for over three years I believe I have transferable skills to enter the legal field but my grades feel like a big blemish. I can’t go back and change them but going forwards I wanted to know if there are any law firms with no minimum academic requirements for TC’s? I wanted to also know, if any other students/career changers have been in my position before and if so what they did to enter the legal field?”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

Needs help on what to do next

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, an aspiring solicitor asks for guidance following disappointing SQE1 results and an unsupportive response from their firm.

“I sat the SQE1 exams in January and found out last week that I have failed. My training contract (City law firm) was due to start in September 2024 so I was extremely worried about what the consequences would be. After a few calls with graduate recruitment and HR, I’ve been told that my TC offer has been revoked. I just have no idea what to do at this point, and want to know if anyone else is/has been in the same boat, and how they dealt with the situation. How are other people’s firms handling cases of future trainees failing the SQE?”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Budding barrister seeks help

In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series, a prospective pupil barrister appeals for advice on how to handle pupillage interviews.

“I’ve secured a pupillage interview at a mixed common law set in London. They haven’t offered very much detail about what to expect in the interview, and so I’m looking for pointers as to the best things I can be doing to prepare, and any particular things that I should look to do or avoid doing during the interview itself. Any advice welcome!”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Aspiring solicitor seeks guidance

In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series, a would-be lawyer needs some advice after failing part two of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

“Hey Legal Cheek. I recently found out I failed SQE2 and I am looking for some advice from readers who have been the same situation. What did you different in order to pass? Did anyone go to the extreme of changing preparation provider? Is that even possible!? I don’t want to fail for a second time as one resit is expensive enough. In a sort of related matter, and presuming a pass the resit, will I need to let firms that I am applying to know that I previously failed SQE2? Is this something they’re likely to ask about? Thank you.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

NQ seeks advice

In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series, a trainee due to qualify this spring is looking for some pointers on how to hit the ground running.

“I am about to qualify into a team at the City firm where I completed my training contract, and I am seeking some guidance. It there anything I can/should be doing differently compared to my time as a final-seat trainee? Any help with things that I should (or equally importantly shouldn’t) be doing would be greatly appreciated!

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

One solicitor hopeful says they feel ‘pretty deflated’

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, an aspiring solicitor is concerned they may not have passed the SQE.

“Hi Legal Cheek. Please keep this anon. I recently sat SQE1 and I am seeking a bit of reassurance more than anything. It was much tougher than I expected, which seems to be a common theme on some of the message boards I have read! I felt like I was guessing the answers to half of the questions and I am feeling pretty deflated tbh. I’d like to know how other people who recently sat SQE1 felt it went? For context, I studied law at undergrad and completed a prep course. Thanks.”

Looking for guidance on all things SQE? Check out Legal Cheek’s SQE Hub.

Departing associate questions deduction

In the latest installment of our Career Conundrums series, a departing lawyer raises concerns about the firm’s decision to deduct the cost of her practicing certificate from her final paycheck.

“I am a commercial lawyer and having handed in my notice the firm is deducting the cost of my practising certificate from my final pay cheque. This certainly didn’t happen when I left my old firm and wondered if the readers of Legal Cheek would consider this to be standard?”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Is WFH over? questions associate

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, a junior lawyer wonders whether WFH is slowing becoming a thing of the past.

“Hello. I am a junior lawyer at a London law firm and I am curious to know what other firms work-from-home policies currently look like. We (associates) were initially required to attend the office three days a week, however this moved to four days towards the end of the summer last year. We’re now essentially being told its back to five days and you’ll need a good excuse for not coming in. I wondered if this is now the norm or whether we are being treated unfairly? I’ve seen a few news stories about firms (mainly US ones in London where the salaries are much higher than ours!) moving to four days in the office, so I’ve a feeling we might be.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Former aspiring solicitor now seeks career at the bar

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, an aspiring barrister questions whether they should mention their previous success in securing a training contract.

“Hello Legal Cheek. I’ve a slightly strange conundrum which I don’t think you have covered in the past. I am in my final year of my law degree and initially wished to become a commercial solicitor — so much so I completed three summer vac schemes and was lucky to receive two training contract offers.

I’ve since had a change of heart and hope to become a barrister. I won’t go into details as to why, but I know this is now the route into the profession for me.

Should I mention these offers when applying to chambers? Or does it suggest I might not be fully committed to the Bar route? It would be good to get your readers’ thoughts.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Join us on the afternoon of Wednesday 24 January for a virtual pupillage application masterclass in partnership with The University of Law (ULaw) and featuring barristers from leading sets Gatehouse, Henderson, Landmark and Radcliffe Chambers. Apply now.

Revision and assignments

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, one law student is keen to have a productive Christmas ‘break’.

“Hi Legal Cheek team. A second year law student here. With Christmas just around the corner I am a little bit worried about how I am going to remain focused. I’ve got a few exams in January and an assignment deadline the first week back, but I know the temptation to catch up with friends and family and generally have a bit of fun will be overwhelming. I wondered if anybody had any practical tips to ensure I stay focused and have a productive Xmas.”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Budding barrister needs help

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, a prospective pupil wonders where the best place to pursue a pupillage is — in the City, or regions.

“Hello Legal Cheek! I’m a recent graduate set on a career at the commercial Bar, although not sure whether to head for London, or pursue a regional chambers. I think a ‘top’ chambers in London is probably out of my reach, and so the sets I’m looking at are more mid-tier. My question is, where should I apply for pupillage? Would it be better to look for a position outside of London at a top regional chambers? My main criteria are the initial earnings that I could make, and then the long term prospects of a career. Thank you!”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Trainee needs help

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, one fresh-faced trainee solicitor finds themselves with time of their hands.

“Hello Legal Cheek. I’ve got a career conundrum as follows: my supervisor isn’t give me anything to do. For context, I am not long into my training contract with a medium sized national law firm and currently sit in the employment team. On occasions 2/3 days can pass without her even emailing! I’m trying to be pro-active and asking if I can help with anything, but she nearly always says no. What the hell can I do?!”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.

Qualification query

In the latest instalment in our Career Conundrums series, one soon-to-be solicitor is concerned that City law firms will be put off by their unconventional route to qualification.

“Dear Legal Cheek.

I am a career changer (previously marketing) who is nearing qualification as a solicitor. I haven’t completed a training contract in the traditional sense, but rather undertaken spells with three law firms over a two year period. I am in the process of getting this recognised by the SRA. Briefly, I spent six months as a paralegal with a high street law firm before spending a further six months with a national law firm — again as a paralegal. The majority of this work was in property, both residential and some commercial. I then joined another high street firm where I am approaching the one year mark. Again this is property and I am basically doing the work of NQ solicitor. My question is whether a City law firm would be interested in taking me on as a NQ associate? Or would my unconventional journey put them off?”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at team@legalcheek.com.