Future Trainee Series: Balancing Applications with Life

Future Trainee Panel Series - Balancing Training Contract Applications With University, Work and Life Guests: - Gulsum Qane, Clyde & Co - Josh Medina, A&O Shearman  - David Wallis, Freshfields In this episode, three future trainees share practical advice on one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring solicitors: balancing training contract and vacation scheme applications with university, work and everything else going on in life. Key topics include: • Prioritising applications alongside exams, essays, seminars and part-time work, using systems such as priority lists, weekly reviews and application trackers. • Quality versus quantity when applying to firms and why focusing on fewer applications can sometimes produce stronger results. • Staggering applications to avoid multiple psychometric tests and assessment stages landing at the same time as university deadlines or exams. • Using Notion, Google Docs, spreadsheets and dedicated email accounts to organise firm research, application progress, interview preparation and important deadlines. • Preparing for psychometric tests by allowing time for practice rather than relying solely on the estimated completion time provided by firms. • Deciding between winter, spring and summer vacation schemes and direct training contracts based on your year of study, academic commitments and existing legal experience. • Managing the pressure of vacation schemes alongside university exams, including the importance of protecting your academic performance. The episode finishes with practical advice for aspiring solicitors: understand your own schedule, prioritise strategically, keep applications organised, leave enough time for later assessment stages and don't feel pressured to apply for every opportunity if it comes at the expense of your academics. 🎧 Listen: Apple or Spotify, @Lawsy Originals Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Meet the Future Trainee Panel 01:00 Balancing Applications With University & Work 01:43 Prioritising Tasks & Managing Time 03:05 Building an Application Strategy 03:29 Tracking Applications With Notion 03:58 Quality vs Quantity 05:28 Staggering Applications & Psychometric Tests 06:04 Managing Assessment Deadlines 07:00 Planning for Every Stage 07:44 Reusing Research & Applications 08:56 Managing Application Emails 10:51 Winter, Spring & Summer Vac Schemes 11:46 Choosing the Right Scheme 12:26 Balancing Vac Schemes With Exams 13:35 Key Takeaways & Final Advice