24 y.o. and no Training Contract - Advice Hugely Appreciated

Do you require a work permit?

Ok... this isn’t straight forward then.

You need to make it clear on applications you have been unable to apply to vacation schemes due to conflicts of interest/exclusivity clauses in your employment. However even with this, firms will be wondering whether you gained any legal work experience beforehand. If it’s because you have only considered a legal career recently, again you need to explain this.

You also need to explain you will be applying for permanent residency in 2020 (will that be possible if you go back to study the GDL/LPC though?).

The equivalent of AAB is enough for most firms. There’s very few who want straight As. Your grades are no the death warrant you think they are (based on what you have said anyway). Obviously depends on more detail though, like your individual module results.

1) Go to more networking events and open days if you can’t do vacation schemes.

2) I recruited plenty to know it is possible. I’m not sure you would have much time out if you’d need to complete part of the GDL and then the LPC, so I am sure there would be enough to keep you busy. You could also stay in your current employment.

3) Get someone to review your applications. Your careers service could do it (typically still have access up to 3 years after graduating). Or you could pay for a professional to review it if you are earning. Some people on here might offer to review it for you. Or sign up to something like Aspiring Solicitors and get one of their professional mentors to review it.

4) you are in a paralegal job so it seems odd to jump from one to another one. I think you’d struggle to find paralegal work where they would sponsor your work permit, I’m surprised you are in one now.