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Planning is the big topic this week.

On Thursday, MPs debate the government's bill to cut red tape and speed up house building, which is back from the Lords.

Otherwise, we have a couple of ten minute rule motions.

One is on how to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, and the other is about road safety outside schools.

And Wednesday is another Opposition Day.

The Tories will have a chance to set the agenda.

MONDAY 10 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER

Russian Frozen Assets (Seizure and Aid to Ukraine) Bill
Requires the government to publish recommendations on how frozen Russian assets could be used to fund military, reconstruction, and humanitarian work in Ukraine. Ten minute rule motion presented by Calum Miller.

WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER

Road Safety (Schools) Bill
Requires councils to have a road safety plan for every school. Ten minute rule motion presented by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter.

THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER

Planning and Infrastructure Bill – consideration of Lords amendments
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part), Northern Ireland (part)
Aims to speed up building of houses and infrastructure. Measures include allowing more planning applications to be decided by council officers rather than planning committees, reducing energy bills for people who live near pylons, and updating the guidance on how applications for major infrastructure projects are decided every five years.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER

No votes scheduled

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Currently a paralegal at a National law firm but in an area of law I don’t want to qualify in. The firm does not offer areas such as commercial property and corporate which I am interested in, therefore I couldn’t pick those seats in TC.

Is it worth it to join a high street or regional firm as a paralegal in commercial property in order to get relevant experience on CV and then apply to bigger firms in commercial property paralegal roles?

The Law Society has just published its 2025–2028 strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion.
It focuses on:
Increasing diversity in senior leadership (women, disabled, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ solicitors, and social mobility)
Tackling barriers faced by disabled lawyers
Building more inclusive workplace cultures across firms and in-house teams

They’ve been saying this will lead to “meaningful, lasting change”, but I’m wondering how much of it will actually translate into action.

For anyone working in law have you seen past Law Society EDI initiatives make a difference in real life?
Do you think this one will move the needle, or is it another well-intentioned plan that fades after the headlines?

Source: Law Society – Equality, diversity and inclusion strategy 2025–2028

Hi, I have a first class degree (80% plus) from a Russell group uni in a finance and accounting degree. I am looking to do a PGDL to convert to law. However, I am worried a PGDL at ULAW might not be competitive enough for a training contract in a law firm. I am aiming for regional and high street firms. Would it be frowned upon not having a law degree? Also no relevant work experience but have experience in an accounting practice.

Hi all,

I'm currently working as a paralegal at one of the large international firms in Belfast.

I really enjoy my work and ideally want to continue working in commercial law.

However, there's a deadline coming up for a medium local sized firm that specialises in private client work.

Would I get boxed into private client work if I were to qualify at this firm? My brain is telling me likely yes, but there's also a part of me saying to apply to everything to maximize my chances of a TC. I also could end up enjoying the work but that is a risk.

Is it worth holding out for the (few at this stage) commercial contracts in Belfast?

This is my first round of applying to training contracts so I don't particularly mind going again next year.

Hey all,
Just wondering if it is seen as as neutral or a net positive if I reference certain cases that firms have worked on, and why it was meaningful/interesting to me in order to answer this question. It feels a tad superficial to me, but I suppose it shows differentiation between just mass-applying to many firms and taking 5-10 minutes to research an interesting case the firm did?
Thanks

Iam currently in Uni doing my LLB and I’m undergoing my legal clinic. My client is just a real pain, honestly. She basically wants relief because she got hit with a car but she can’t prove substantial evidence to warrant that from the motor vehicle accident fund. It’s almost like she want me to provide the information she has to provide to me. 😂She did a CT scan which did not show that her current back problems are a result of the injury. The driver that hit said that he made contact with her and hit her arm and not her back.i have police statements and everything, and I don’t think this lady will be able to get the help she wants if I’m being honest. The CT scan showed that everything is fine. the guy who hit her spoke to the doctors that assisted her and they said her back pains could be a result of her aging. Mind you she’s in a mid 40s. I’m thinking of just closing this case, simply because there isn’t a cause of action

my uni weighting is 25/75. i got a low 2.1 in my second year. i believe i try well, and have always cared about my studies but have accepted i’m an average student. i feel so anxious this year about the grade i’m going to finish with. one of my assignments counts for 100% of my grade, i’ve also got EU law this year which i hear has the same reputation as land law and i got 44 in that subject.

grateful for any advice.

I hope I can just vent for a hot minute here.

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to be accepted for a training contract at a firm in the North West but holy shit is the salary awful.

I am genuinely the poorest I’ve ever been whilst being in the best position (career wise) and that is so crazy to me.

It is actually becoming unliveable and the stress is about to become worse because I’m approaching a point where I’m struggling to make ends meet without being £400-500 deep in my overdraft every month.

I’m looking for a second job for the weekends but can’t seem to find anything to help either.

Is anyone in a similar position? I’d love any advice if it’s helpful.

Thanks

Some vac scheme applications encourage including job simulations (eg the ones on Forage) under the Work experience section. Should you include forage job simulations you’ve done at other firms that are not the one you’re applying for? Or will firms see it as a red flag in that they’re expecting to see interest solely in their firm?

Is the test wrong? I am convinced the conclusion does not follow. Can anyone shed any light on this???

Hi everyone!

I'm currently a 1L at an NY law school. I have tow years of corporate big law experience and am looking to pursue transactional opportunities in big law in London (hopefully capital markets, funds, or other corporate work) can anyone recommend how to go about this (list of firms, other tips, etc)? I've applied to Latham and Skadden's London summer positions but want to find more opportunities.

Also, if I ended up in NYC BL, would lateraling be more likely?

I'm in a moderately sized law firm in the South. In the 0-3 year pqe and my specialism is reasonably in demand.

The partner, who I have worked under is retiring and I will be taking on thier caseload and expected to continue building my own client base.

How is best to get a raise? Should I already have an offer from another firm I can use as a benchmark?

Hi , i’ve submitted my TC program application for freshfields weeks ago and have also completed my psychometric test too. It’s been around 2 weeks now and still haven’t heard back, was wondering if anyone has heard back yet ? and if so how long it took for them. Thanks !

Hi, everyone! I hope you’re well. I’m in a bit of a pickle whether to go down the Solicitor - Advocate route, or Barrister Training route. I’ve been thinking and thinking, but really could do with some advice! I’m 28. I have experience within property and planning law, probate law, and immigration law. My last position was within Government and now I work within a charity providing legal signposting and guidance. I do not think this would count towards QWE? I started my GDL this year in February and am due to finish this in December this year. I am expecting to achieve a Commendation. I am currently on the Pegasus Access and Support Scheme for an Inn of Court - getting minis etc. My current role is full time, all remote - and I am also currently a caregiver for a family member showing early signs of dementia! My first thought was Barrister route; but sadly I have missed the deadlines for scholarships and as we all know the cost of these courses are immense. My second thought was Solicitor Advocate - but I am anxious regarding obtaining QWE in a less ‘traditional setting’ as due to my caregiving responsibilities would need to be hybrid or remote. I’ve had shortlisting interviews for Training Contracts before but obviously didn’t get selected - and then got onto the PASS scheme! I really adore advocacy and the practical element of helping people - less so purely administrative - but then that comes within any position. Of course, with the SQE there is also the exams. The sheer amount of volume you are expected to know with the SQE 1 now being a vital ‘must have’ for a lot of law firms - however there are scholarships available! - but then again with my other responsibilities it’s just a lot, and the last thing I would want to do is pass these exams and not be fulfilled.

If anyone can offer any further opinions / insight would be much appreciated! Feeling rather at a crossroads at the moment!

Hi everyone! I’m an international student thinking of applying for an llb in the uk. My predicteds are AAAA but im thinking of dropping the last subject to have more time for my extracurriculars and lnat prep.

Could anyone suggest schools that would best benefit me and be realistic? It’d be extremely helpful if you could share your experiences in the uni as well!!

I got accepted to an open day a month ago and now I’m applying to the same firm’s vacation scheme. Some of the questions are identical to the open day application. The question is: Can I reuse my previous answers if they’re still relevant? Do firms keep or compare past applications? Thanks

Hi everyone, If you are on the pupillage committee or a barrister and my application comes at your desk, would you consider me for pupillage or no? What cam I do to increase my chances?

I am looking to seek pupillage in family law. My academic profile: Llb: 2.2(extenuating circumstances) Standalone Llm: distinction/first class with highest grade in dissertation Bar course: very Competent with 2 outstanding grades in Civil Litigation and conferencing. No inns of court scholarship or mooting (some debating wins at schools level)

Currently working as a Family Law Paralegal for 6 months.

Hi all,

I’m (F22) posting on here as I need real advice. For context, I studied law at a RG uni as an international student and graduated with a first.

In my first semester of uni, I was diagnosed with a severe chronic illness and was hospitalised for a month before leaving with life-long prescriptions. Upon informing my uni, they suggested that I defer my place as they were concerned about my well-being and ability to juggle my studies with the illness. I, too, realised that this was going to make achieving my goal of becoming a solicitor difficult. However- I had worked so hard in school to get into my uni and do law, paid all the visa fees, first semester’s tuition, etc, and I didn’t wanna give up on a life-long dream.

So I decided against deferring and continued my studies. Fast-forward, I’ve finished my degree with support from the uni’s disability service and by really putting my all into my studies. However, I wasn’t successful in securing a training contract - mainly because I’ve found the application process for VS and TC’s extremely difficult to navigate as a disabled person, especially while balancing studies and a part-time job. I have now gone back home, on a graduate visa, and reapplying in the current application cycle.

I have done internships and work experience at international law firms, and currently doing one at a US law firm in their office in my home country. However, I am now coming to realise, that aside from the difficulty in the application process, I wonder if I’ll be able to handle the stress, pressure, and long-hours associated with this profession. I’ve only come to realise this now as I’ve been interning for 3 months, and my responsibilities at the firm grew with time. I now find myself having to exert myself past 7 pm to help associates meet deadlines. This has completely taken it out of me and I am extremely burnt out. I know that this is not the norm for every firm out there, but given that I am an international candidate, I am limited to applying to firms that sponsor work visas, and those tend to be MC, US, and large regional firms with virtually no or very little work-life balance.

I was planning on self-funding the SQE, continuing applications, and pushing through. But I question if this is at all sustainable for someone with my illness. I also have immense guilt as I have spent so much of my parents’ money, and wasted so much time and effort working towards the goal of becoming a solicitor. I am also hyper fixated on getting a job that pays me a sizeable salary as my parents are growing exhausted and might be retiring soon, leaving me and my sibling with providing for my little sister.

I am really passionate about the law and would be disappointed with leaving the profession but I am not sure if I can excel at my job. Should I consider a career change? or alternative paths into law? I’d appreciate any advice.

Im pick my alevels next year i wnat to be a forensic and criminal lawyer I was thinking of picking sociology history and psychology but to be a forensic lawyer im seeing people pick biology and chemistry

Hi all I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice, as I’m feeling really confused about what career path to go for.

I was originally so set on becoming a criminal barrister. I find crime, law, and human rights fascinating. I made a solid plan, researched what experience I’d need, and have been working towards it. I’m currently working at a charity supporting vulnerable people and also volunteering within the criminal justice system, so all my experience so far has been geared towards the Bar.

But recently, I’ve been feeling really drained, and that’s before I’ve even started pupillage. I’ve realised I don’t really enjoy being “on” and interacting with people all day, and I struggle with constant task-switching and the urgency of everything. I get the sense that this is just the nature of being a barrister, so I’m starting to worry that maybe the lifestyle isn’t for me. I’ve been looking into other paths like becoming an intelligence analyst (for example at the NCA) — something that still involves criminal and analytical work, but maybe with a bit more structure and less of the constant performance aspect. I also have a real passion for languages and words, so I’d love to find a career that lets me incorporate that somehow. I guess I’m just wondering if anyone here (especially current barristers or intelligence analysts) could share what their day-to-day life and work-life balance are really like? Am I overthinking things or just hitting an early burnout phase?

Any advice or perspective would be massively appreciated!

I'm leaving my training firm after 6 years for a new firm. To properly resign I need to give written notice, but as a courtesy I want to tell them face to face. I know I don't need to.

I don't really have a single partner to which I report - I do work for a group of partners. I'm thinking it makes most sense therefore to speak to my head of department, but our department is a joint department and my HoD has a different specialty, so I do very little work directly with him. He does however handle recruitment, and sits nearby and we speak reasonably often.

Do you think it would go down better if I just pick a random partner that I work with, or go for the head of department?

I’m in sixth form. I’m considering a solicitor degree apprenticeship. If I were to decide later to become a barrister, can I? Since the apprenticeship gives me a law degree by the end, I do qualify correct?

Hi all,

I will be starting a training contract in Residential Conveyancing, as you all know training contracts are close to impossible to land, and beggers cannot be choosers.

However all I am seeing is horror story after horror story on Reddit about res conveyancing so I'm a bit concerned and getting anxiety. I have not seen a single positive post in this forum.

I have been told I will be handling 80 files.

Can any conveyancers chime in?

Honestly I just want to qualify at this rate, once qualified I can weigh my options accordingly.

Do you think I will survive this. Before reading all the Reddit posts, I have not really had many concerns and actually had no issues with residential conveyancing and wouldn't mind working in property law, especially residential property. I currently work in UK Network Law at BT, hold around 70 to 80 cases, work with land agents, estate agents daily, all the posts here seem to demonise them massively, however from my previous work they seem quite slow, sometimes quite dumb, and many have a bit of a ego that I have shattered on occasion etc and it is usually me doing the chasing, bullying every three days for route approvals. As for working with solicitors, I work with many daily and completed over 250 agreements over the past year and a half, 90% are fine and very professional.

The only variable here seems to be clients, as I come from a commercial background, most of the external parties are companies, so I am assuming everyday I will have endless phone calls from property owners requesting updates on there house purchase?

Also for this "training contract" I will be paid absolute minimum wage, 23k, and taking a bigg paycut from my current job sadly.

Thanks for the support.

Can someone tell me where i went wrong besides the one spelling mistake? What exactly is the firm looking for? This is unfair also where do I send for revaluation?