u/TooGodlyy

Hey everyone, looking for some brutal realism and career advice from those who have qualified or made lateral jumps.

I found myself in a position where I only started applying for Training Contracts/SQE routes around March. Because it was so late in the cycle, the big international and regional corporate firms had already shut their gates. I basically had to choose from what was left open.

Right now, I have an upcoming final assessment day for a reputable, specialised, insurance-backed mid-market firm in the North West (think heavily Legal 500 ranked for commercial litigation/professional negligence, but not a standard Top 100 revenue corporate machine). Alternatively, there is a national firm option in the South of England, but looking at the relocation costs to a high-rent university town, the trainee take-home pay would effectively work out the same as staying local.

If I get and accept the local offer, the SQE starts this September (funded), meaning I’m contractually locked in and completely out of the next recruitment cycle. I would qualify in 2028.

My Profile:

* Russell Group graduate (High 2:1, missed a 1st by 2%).

* Straight As at A-Level.

* Decent extracurriculars/leadership roles.

The Dilemma:

My long-term goal is to work at a Tier 1 international firm in the North West (e.g. Eversheds, DLA Piper, Addleshaw Goddard) doing heavy commercial disputes or premium corporate work, earning those £70k+ NQ salaries.

I see two options:

Option A: Take the bird in the hand. Slog it out for two years doing niche insurance litigation, qualify in 2028, and then try to use my academic profile to lateral across to a Tier 1 international firm as an NQ. (How realistic is this jump from an insurance litigation background?)

Option B: Reject/skip the late-stage options and reset. Wait until September/October when the new cycle opens. Use my straight As and Russell Group credentials to apply early for Vacation Schemes at the top corporate firms in the North West, paralegal for a year to build experience, and aim for a 2027/2028 SQE start.

Am I being completely stupid by considering walking away from a funded SQE starting this September just to gamble on the next cycle?

I completely acknowledge how incredibly rare and important any funded Training Contract is in this market, and I know that absolutely nothing is guaranteed in the next cycle, regardless of academics.

However, my thinking is that a fresh cycle opens up dozens of firms to actually apply to and choose from. When I was applying in March and April, there was barely anything left on the board, and the options were almost exclusively Direct Training Contract (DTC) routes, with very few vacation scheme pathways still available. Is having the full field of choices worth the gamble of letting a live September start go?

Would love to hear how recruiters and partners view an insurance litigation background when looking at NQ CVs.

I’m more concerned about my options after I qualify. Because the 2 years where I train would technically decide my future. And how hard and difficult my path might be to higher slarary etc

I’ve been learning about Hinduism recently, and there’s one thing I genuinely can’t wrap my head around. This isn’t meant to disrespect anyone. I’m trying to understand whether there’s something I’m missing.

One of the first things I was told is that rakshasas aren’t inherently evil. They’re simply a race or class of beings, and just as there are good humans and bad humans, there are good rakshasas and bad rakshasas. But if that’s the case, why has the word “rakshas” become the general Hindi word for someone evil or monstrous? If someone called me a rakshas, nobody would think it’s a compliment. So while I understand there are exceptions like Vibhishana, surely the overwhelming portrayal of rakshasas is that they represent evil.

The bigger issue, though, is the boons.

From what I’ve read, many rakshasas perform extreme tapas or devotion and the gods reward them with extraordinary powers. Whenever I’ve asked why the gods would empower someone who goes on to terrorise innocent people, I’ve been told that the gods are simply rewarding sincere tapas, not the person’s morality. Another explanation I’ve heard is that the gods are bound by cosmic law, so if someone completes enough austerities they must receive the fruit of that effort regardless of who they are.

I’ve even heard an analogy comparing it to a university awarding a degree. The university recognises the work someone put in. If that person later becomes a corrupt doctor, that’s not the university’s fault.

But I don’t think that analogy works.

A university doesn’t know the future. God does.

If the gods are all knowing, wouldn’t they already know this person is corrupt, or will become corrupt? If they already know the outcome, why grant the boon at all?

People then reply that the boon doesn’t create evil. It simply amplifies what’s already inside the person.

But that’s exactly my question. If what’s already inside the person is arrogance, cruelty or a desire to dominate others, then why amplify it? Why knowingly give them more power?

Another response I’ve heard is that these beings weren’t practising bhakti (loving devotion), only tapas (austerity). They weren’t seeking God. They were seeking power.

Again, that raises another question. If God is all knowing, wouldn’t God already know their intention? If someone is performing devotion purely for selfish reasons, why should that devotion be accepted in the first place?

To me, genuine devotion should transform someone. If someone spends centuries worshipping a deity yet remains arrogant, cruel and obsessed with power, were they ever truly devoted? Surely devotion without moral transformation is missing the whole point.

People also say justice eventually comes because avatars like Rama or Krishna restore dharma.

But why not stop the injustice before it begins?

If innocent people are praying for justice while the oppressor is praying for more power, why should the oppressor’s prayer succeed first? Why knowingly allow countless innocent people to suffer before eventually intervening?

This is where I struggle the most.

Is ritual and tapas more important than morality?

Because if someone can be deeply devoted, receive world changing powers and still be evil, then what exactly is that devotion accomplishing?

I’m genuinely asking because this is the biggest philosophical issue I’ve struggled with while learning about Hinduism. If there’s a theological explanation that directly addresses these questions rather than simply saying “that’s how cosmic law works,” I’d really like to hear it.

I honestly don’t remember if I’ve been rejected or still waiting to hear back. But I’ve heard someone people got AC invites so I thought is it over?

Hi, I had a internship in Exeter and had to order stuff online and I ate kfc from m5 junction. At that time it seemed halal because on uber eats I typed halal and it came up. I definitely should have done more research

What to do now. I ate twice from there. And I feel bad like smth changed. Maybe if someone can double check if it’s halal or not. But yeah ofc I want to repent but anything else I can do. Please any sadqa I can give?

Hi has anyone ever had a telephone interview with them for trainee solicitor interview.

After telephone interview it’s literally assessment centre. So how much can we really show in 20 mins to get a place in a competitive stage.

What can I focus and I know it’s still “formal” but with phone interviews how much into detail you need to go. And truly show your passion?

Anyone knows a fun fact that’s always worked for them.

Like at insight days or vacation schemes when introducing your yourself they ask for a fun fact.

What’s smth light or funny that has always worked

Has anyone applied for this scheme or been through this process??

Especially the video interview stage and how can I perform the best. I know star method is very important but actual niche material I should focus on. Like what do they want to hear and the experiences. Or questions they ask.

Also any general help.

I’m trying to find fellow students or graduates who are attending ashfords summer scheme. It’s already began this week. But literally can’t find a single person on LinkedIn. I’ve done every type of search. It seems like no one did a post about it lol

I can find previous attendees but I need current ones :/

Hi got a vac scheme coming up with a national firm

And I’ve also been offered a job with greater Manchester police but it starts in September. But it’s quite mid level role and I had to go through an assessment centre for it.

Anyways should I mention that in the final interview during vac scheme? To show my commitment to giving back to the community or handling life and death situation (shows working under pressure). Also passing an assessment centre shows a bit of evidence of skills.

I’m only saying this because I only have limited legal experience. Yes a few customer service roles ranging from KFC to airport operations. But nothing else to really stand out (I’ve done forage courses but I think that’s irrelevant really- only helps in cv I guess) few and insight days with firms like TLT.

But yeah how would I word it or show my level of commitment towards leveraging my skills.

As an aspiring solicitor still in the process of qualifying, I’m not yet familiar with the exact layout of the SRA website or the granular level of detail they require for Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

However, I often hear that getting QWE signed off is a notoriously rigorous and difficult process for the confirming solicitor.

Why is this the case? Does signing off on QWE carry significant risks for a solicitor's own career?

I understand that the SRA places a massive emphasis on honesty and integrity. But aside from the hassle of chasing down a busy solicitor for a signature, what makes the overall process so difficult? For instance, if a solicitor signs off on an applicant's experience knowing that only 50% of the work actually met the QWE criteria, how would the SRA ever find out?

I know the legal profession relies heavily on self-regulation and honesty, but I am genuinely curious about the practical mechanisms at play here and why confirming solicitors are often so hesitant.

Is it a decent firm? With good future prospects.

It is a large national firm, but in terms of like future prospects, if I wanted to move to a bigger firm as NQ or overall good enough to be taken serious by silver circle firm etc.

Because I’m thinking if it’s worth enough to relocate to Exeter for the TC, because it is an investment the first 2-3 years in any firm. And then maybe choose a different firm.

NQ roles are equally as hard to get that’s why I wanna make sure my stepping stone firm is going to give me some advantage to stand out :)

Honestly feels weird asking this with all the technology and ChatGPT available online.

Can I get a comprehensive guidance on the SQE. Someone who wants to take in Jan 2027 (think that’s when the next one is)

Right now I’m just researching. But i definitely want to take it. Just need guidance on everything I should know. Like everything.

I’ll be honest I didn’t even know FLK 1 is broken down into 90 questions.

I want to hear from a real person who experienced this as a beginner instead of ChatGPT. Because honestly we have to LITERALLY memorise a whole book??! There has to be catch to it, like multiple choice questions, a trick on what they focus. Like is it questions more on the police or actual criminal situations etc. to understand the format.

Anyways can I get a comprehensive guide everything I need to know :)

You know when you get a email from your boss and it’s smth unprofessional or borderline wrong or breaks the HR rules. People always say to CC the HR when replying. For example for issues like cancelling the holidays wrongfully or wrongfully request.

Are they not scared of ruining the relationship with the boss? Like clearly it will make an impression or have an impact on how your boss will treat you going ahead? I think promotions will be more harder and just that bad energy.

Or is that normal in corporate and nothing personal?

Hi I’ve got my first vac scheme and I was wondering what to wear, it’s gonna run for week and probably on last day there will be like a networking dinner etc.

The assessment centre will be mid week.

Anyways I know I can wear formal first day? But what about other days? Can I just repeat the same outfit across 5 days? Or what others way I can look professional.

I’ve got quarter zip but it’s in like brown and honestly never really tried that look with tie. Feels too much layered and then what about the pants

Update: is this fine? This is the most “plain” looking one I have. I got a navy one but it’s more like a dinner party

Has anyone been part of the summer Exeter scheme with Ashfords LLP?

It’s technically going to be my first vacation scheme, and of course I want to prepare for it the best way. There’s still plenty of time, but I wanted to ask for tips and whether the firm is worth it long term. I genuinely like the firm and I’m interested in it, but as law students we tend to apply for every opportunity. Especially coming from Manchester, I’m trying to think realistically about long term goals. Of course any TC is valuable, but still.

Also, what should I expect overall?

And one more thing, I’d ideally relocate to Exeter for the week. Any good hotel recommendations? Do they usually pay for attending the scheme? I know they cover accommodation. And just generally, how can I make the most of it?

Based on my top 5 can someone tell me good shows to watch please? Please don’t be generic like squid game etc

1. Prison break

2. From

3. Severance

4. 30 coins

5. Money heist

Has anyone received any update on Browne Jacobson trainee pathway?

Have they started booking interviews etc? I recently got a email saying I failed to complete to online assessment and then later another one saying that it was a mistake.

But have they started the next stage?