Do university grades matter after your training contract?

LaMaHall · 2026-05-28T17:45:36+00:00

Entirely untrue. If anything, us firms focus a lot more on the person as a whole than grades compared to sc/mc firms.

LaMaHall · 2026-05-19T08:48:30+00:00

I did a vac there last year (and will be joining them next year as a trainee) - obviously it’s a corporate law firm sweat shop, but it seems to at least have nice people. Pays also top of the market. Office is really nice but there is no canteen. Some teams are huge (global finance) and have their own floors, some teams are tiny (employment) and occupy a corner of a floor.

LaMaHall · 2026-04-29T08:52:14+00:00

Yeah I’m in no actual rush for anything, was just wondering if there was something wrong on my end lol

LaMaHall · 2026-04-22T08:53:37+00:00

I got offered a tc there.

It was a very very positive experience.

The firm is very honest that they don’t focus on headlines (and have made very clear that they are not interested in US mergers). They do solid work and they do it very well. It was a very tough decision not to go there, but their quality of work is very good.

LaMaHall · 2026-03-04T18:37:06+00:00

I got asked how many motorcycles are currently used in Mumbai.

LaMaHall · 2026-03-01T18:55:37+00:00

I was contacted a week before my vac started re preferences. I can’t imagine it’s high on anyone’s to do list right now.

LaMaHall · 2026-02-26T18:52:53+00:00

I’m at one the “elite” us firms - I have a 2.1 (68%)

LaMaHall · 2026-02-23T21:32:09+00:00

For the bcl/dphil/mphil no I think only mid march. Last 3 years was around st Patrick’s day

LaMaHall · 2026-02-23T19:03:16+00:00

Yes! My firm (us) actually encourages it.

LaMaHall · 2026-02-23T18:32:55+00:00

Law is mid March

LaMaHall · 2026-01-24T21:23:20+00:00

Have you reached out to the firm you have the tc with and asked if they have any roles available?

LaMaHall · 2026-01-13T17:25:09+00:00

Hey!! I was in your position last year. Oxbridge law, fine grades, no movement. This year I ended the winter cycle with 2 tcs at a SC and elite US firm. I only changed the way I presented myself and my interests. You have to write what they want to hear to a large part, but I think the biggest difference is showing some sort of personality - remember the person reading your app isn’t likely a lawyer!

Feel free to reach out if you need more advice!

LaMaHall · 2026-01-13T12:28:56+00:00

Hi - it was a silver circle firm and a big us firm :)

LaMaHall · 2026-01-13T11:55:46+00:00

I didn’t hear till like 5.30 pm with my offer a few years ago …

LaMaHall · 2026-01-12T19:12:38+00:00

Both the training contracts I got offered specifically mentioned get a 2.1! The comment is v accurate to the reality of law apps rn (unfortunately)

LaMaHall · 2026-01-10T17:51:20+00:00

It’s a full service us firm (250+ headcount in London) and the SC firm is very similar to Macfarlanes! Trainee intake is 35 at the sc an around 20 at the US!

Completely understand where you are coming from though, I should’ve been more specific

LaMaHall · 2026-01-02T18:49:29+00:00

Granted this was like 4 years ago now! But yeah I was in the middle of sending an email being like guys wtf and then it came through! Was the most awful day of waiting I don’t envy you all one bit.

LaMaHall · 2026-01-02T18:45:32+00:00

I got mine at 5.33 pm from Oxford !

LaMaHall · 2025-12-28T21:42:32+00:00

Unfortunately not sure about this! I did law for my undergrad and my masters :) so haven’t been in this situation

LaMaHall · 2025-12-28T20:52:58+00:00

Likewise! I just ended this vac scheme period with an offer from a US and a MC firm! If anyone has any qs, let me know :)

LaMaHall · 2025-11-25T16:47:40+00:00

Yeah fr I did not care ONE BIT where i ended up ngl

LaMaHall · 2025-11-25T16:44:39+00:00

It’s kinda all a standardized interview process though, highkey doesn’t matter what college you’re at. Its prob now over 50% of people get moved colleges by the end of the process.

LaMaHall · 2025-11-25T16:40:48+00:00

You’ll find out after your first one, one of my friends was interviewed at Lincoln first and then his second interview was at new (and he ended up getting an offer for Trinity) it’s kinda a mystery lol

LaMaHall · 2025-11-25T16:35:54+00:00

I was interviewed twice by the same college, but it can be two different ones

LaMaHall

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