‘I’ve failed vac scheme applications three years in a row. When is it time to give up?’

Co-asking cause I am in a similar situation for four application cycle. I studied law but now I am wondering if law is for me.

This is my second cycle. The first year was learning about it. Half of the second cycle I started to do trial and error. In other words, I did not use the same strategy and approach for all my applications.

I also didn’t rush to submit applications as soon as possible in order to test which strategies worked better. Once I saw what worked and what didn’t I started progressing. My first AC came through and that was another learning experience (I didn’t get an offer) then the second and third came in and I can successfully say I have 2 offers now. I didn’t burn all my options at the beginning of the cycle, in case I don’t convert then I can still apply to direct TC after my VS which would give me an advantage.

My overall advice is:
If something is not working, change it! The definition of madness is taking the same approach and expecting different outcomes.

I think it’s a very common experience among aspiring solicitors.

You may want to consider what it is you truly want and map out the different possibilities of getting there. Qualifying as a solicitor doesn’t need to follow the pathway of doing a vac scheme at a city firm, then gaining a TC and then qualifying. Of course this is a great goal to work towards. But it simply doesn’t work out for everyone. And that’s totally fine because there are other ways to achieve your goal.

Some find their way to qualification through paralegal roles that progress to TC. And even now it is still possible for paralegal roles to be considered QWE (although obviously there are critics of this). But consider if you find something that works for you.

Also consider in-house. Lots of aspiring solicitors underestimate in-house legal roles (or simply don’t understand them). Depending on the company, you can achieve stellar legal experience with top notch lawyers. This can also set you up to move to private practice to firms that really appreciate the commercial and business awareness you gain in-house. I have heard many people that have done this. Or you might end up staying in-house if you like it. Businesses work very regularly with external solicitors so it’s a good way to build your network too.

Even for in-house, you can find a job in a legal adjacent department (Compliance, Regulatory, Corporate Governance) and eventually make your way to the Legal department.

So don’t feel pressure to exactly fit the mold if it isn’t working for you. Just also explore other pathways and options – you have better control over this and it might be more worthwhile and enjoyable in the long run than subjecting yourself to torturous law firm recruitment processes!

Good luck!

It took me 5 application cycles. It will come but you have to be realistic with yourself. Are your applications actually good? What are your grades like?

I found myself more successful with US firms and non-magic circle (global/silver circle). Once I recognised that pattern I stopped wasting time on Magic Circle firms and it saved me time as I was not doing Watson Glaser tests and could spend that time on other applications. Other people might have better luck with MC firms and less luck with US/SC firms. Maybe it was a coincidence but everyone I’ve mentored to go for US/SC firms always has better luck with them.

All the firms care about good grades but I think MC really prefer oxbridge trainees. Just my opinion and observation. US and SC firms seem to be a bit more ‘open’ and diverse with educational background/grades.

A huge element is also luck – who reads your application; whether you make a good/lasting impression at an event etc. This is a huge element and unfortunately not much you can do about that.

Keep applying, test out different types of firms and see where your application may land best.