📩 What 55% of you said you’re missing in your legal journey...

Hey there

The end of application season is when most people slow down. But if you’re serious about getting a placement, this is the time to plant the seeds that will grow into next cycle’s offers.

This is the time to prepare — not when deadlines are days away and everyone’s scrambling.

That’s why we’re running 3 focused sessions with a legal graduate recruiter. Each one is designed to help you work smarter, not harder — and build a strategy that actually gets results.

You won’t hear the same recycled advice like:

“Tailor your application. Show your motivation. Do your research.”

Most people already do that — and still getting rejected.

If you want to stand out, you need insight from someone who’s made those hiring decisions.

Whether you’ve applied before or just getting started, this is your chance to stop guessing and start learning what actually works:

👉🏼 The truth about what firms really look for

👉🏼 How to craft an application that demands attention

👉🏼 Insider strategies to ace the entire recruitment process

It’s clear from last week’s discussion that the SQE sparks strong opinions, and for good reason.

As always, your comments are anonymous, but they deserve to be heard. Here are a few that really stood out:

🗣️: “How on Earth it takes a computer three months to mark it [the exam] is beyond me.”

🗣️: “More of a hindrance than actual progress in opening up the legal sector.”

🗣️:“Nothing will ever compare to the LPC. Ever.”

🗣️: “The LPC should’ve been left in place for law students / people not already working in the legal sector.”

The last one really stuck with me, and honestly, I think it makes much more sense to offer the SQE as an alternative, not a replacement.

So… where do we go from here?

While the SRA figures that out, here’s something unexpected:

David Cameron (yes, the ex PM) is set to join DLA Piper as a consultant. I hope he’s been practicing for the Watson Glaser.

Last week, I asked what’s been the biggest challenge in your legal journey.

Over 55% of you said lack of guidance is the biggest barrier.

This gave me an idea.

Through Equal Opportunity and LinkedIn, I’ve been lucky enough to connect with trainees, associates, and partners across the legal industry.

So let’s use that.

You ask the questions, and I’ll get real answers from people who’ve been through it.

Here’s how to submit your question:

✅ Tap the comment icon at the top of the email and write your question [public]

✅ Vote in the poll below and submit your question in the pop-up [private]

Each week, I’ll select the most recurring or pressing questions and get answers from industry insiders. The findings will be shared in the next edition, then repeat.

→ First Class Problem Question Answer and some guidance

→ First Class Essay Structure

→ Oscola Referencing Cheat Sheet

→ 3 Tips for a First Class Degree

→ Law School Planners

→ First Year First Class LLB Notes

→ Everything else

25 May 1871 — House of Commons passed the Bank Holiday Act, creating public holidays on Whit Monday, Easter Monday and Christmas Day.

26 May 1798 — Income Tax was introduced in Britain — a 10% tax on all incomes over £200 a year.  A year later this was dropped to £60.

27 May 1679 — Habeas Corpus Act is passed, which makes it illegal to hold anyone in prison without a trial.

28 May 1842 — Britain’s first public library is opened on Frederick Street, in Salford.

29 May 1871 — Whit Monday became the first official Bank Holiday in Britain (see 25 May)

30 May 1536 — Eleven days after he beheaded his second wife, Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII marries Jane Seymour.

31 May 1859 — The clock in the tower of the Houses of Parliament was started. Big Ben will sound for the first time ever 2 months later on 11 July.

Tuesday, 27 May

Graduate Recruiter Q&A – What They Really Think of Your Application — Tuesday 27 May, 14:00–15:00

Thursday 12 June

Insider Interview Tips – What Firms Don’t Put on Their Website — Thursday 12 June, 15:00–16:00

Wednesday 25 June

Assessment Centre Success – The Proven Formula That Works — Wednesday 25 June, 14:00–15:00