u/Excellent-Wonder8120

Hi, I am starting SQE with BPP in 2027, which my firm are sponsoring. I have a bit of free time and was wondering what I could be doing now to get ahead! I know it’s a year away and I don’t plan on doing much, but should I order some ReviseSQE books and start making notes on them. I’ve heard to do this for topics that you did at undergrad, not the ones that the provider actually teaches you (litigation etc). So I’ve ordered the land revise SQE book as I liked it at undergrad and thought I’d start off with something I like. Should I start making notes from it? Understanding the content? Not sure!

Hello, I’m pretty sure it’s okay, but I’ve got a paralegal job in the mean time as my training contract doesn’t start till 2028. Shall I notify my TC firm about this? Of course they’ll know when they carry out background checks on me etc but I didn’t know whether to notify them beforehand?

In my TC contract it basically says I can’t leave after a year of qualifying otherwise I have to pay the costs back (SQE etc). But I don’t get how this works when firms don’t retain all of their trainees and they end up going elsewhere. Do they move and pay these back or do firms not normally enforce? Can someone explain how this works because I don’t really understand

Hi, can anyone offer insight into what it’s like working for Shakespeare Martineau? What are the hours like, are they nice to work for etc. applying for legal admin/paralegal jobs !

How much are associates, senior associates, partners paid at IM? Thinking about NQ roles and was wondering if anyone can answer this! Thanks

Hello, so I’ve got a few questions about potentially transitioning to the bar once qualified, how it would work and the likelihood of it actually happening.
So I’ve got a training contract starting in September at a large national firm, working in one of their regional offices, that has a very good clin neg team (think DAC, Irwin, Kennedys). For context as well, I have a first in law from a Russel group uni (not a target RG but still a good one)I definitely want to qualify in clinical negligence for now and was wondering how would I go to pursuing the bar?
Would it be too early to do it as soon as I qualify? Would I have to wait a bit? Also, how competitive is the bar for clinical negligence? I’m also in the regions if that helps. Would I have to do the bar course or would I be exempt? Honestly, I don’t really know what the process is but it’s just something I’ve been thinking about. Does anyone have any tips on how I’d go to do this and HOW I’d actually do this?
Thanks!

Hi I am doing the SQE in Sept 2027. I have a job starting in a few months then I’m going to travel. However, I was wondering if there’s anything I could do before I start next year to prepare for the SQE. I’m aware I should just wait lol but I’m so bored at the moment and if there’s anything minor I could do now I’d like to know. Thanks!

I just wanted to share that I’ve got a TC at my dream firm and got a first class degree all in my final year of uni!! 😊 I have worked so hard for this and wanted to share on here as there can be a lot of negativity on this thread.
I never felt like the smartest person, people have always doubted my academic abilities. But I really, really tried hard and did this all in my first time applying for TC’s. If you are feeling hopeless, please have confidence in yourself. Believe in yourself, although it is so hard to in such a competitive, cut-throat profession!!
If anyone wants to message me feel free. I just wanted to share because I am so happy and incredibly proud of myself

Hi so I’ve got a TC starting in 2028, meaning I have a gap year. I had a few interviews for legal admin roles and paralegal roles the other week. I haven’t told any of them I have a TC even though it is on my LinkedIn if they did want to see- it’s not like I’m hiding it from them. I’m just not saying in interviews or applications because I feel like they could reject me otherwise as they would want someone permanent. Is this a bad thing to do? Bear in mind I just need a job for 6 months + so that I can travel after it. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

Hi everyone, I’d like a bit of advice into what to do/reassurance!
I’m very fortunate to have been offered a training contract but of course it doesn’t start till 2028 and I don’t start the SQE till 2027. As I will have a year out, I of course want to travel for a while but before that need to find some kind of work. I wanna do something non-law related/something a bit different as because I’ve secured a TC I don’t really wanna get a paralegal role as personally I want to try something different as I’m never gonna have this opportunity again- if that makes sense!
I was wondering if you have been in my position, what work/what did you get up to on your year out! I’d just like a bit of insight and inspiration into what sort of work I could undertake before I go travelling!
Thanks :)

Any law firm that you particularly don’t like or have beef with? Could be because they rejected you, were rude to you or you don’t like working against them etc, just interested!