We help candidates apply, interview and successfully secure offers from top-tier law firms.

Are you tired of submitting countless training contract applications without success? Let our team of qualified lawyers from top US, Magic Circle and Silver Circle law firms help you master the art of application writing.

With years of experience analysing and reviewing documents for some of the world's most sophisticated clients, we've channeled the same level of care and attention into curating our database of successful applications to the best commercial law firms.

Our line-by-line commentary on what the best applicants do to secure training contracts will help you avoid the common pitfalls and mistakes that most candidates make.

At Next City Lawyer, we believe that application writing is a skill that can be developed and honed. By following our expert guidance and proven strategies, you can improve your writing and maximize your chances of securing a training contract.

Don't waste another application cycle with a learning-from-failure approach. Let us help you stand out from the competition and secure a training contract this round.

We've helped >100 students obtain training contracts.

90+
firms in our database
110+
successful applications
100+
verified successful TCs
5k+
downloads
“After interviewng with several global firms, I've accepted a TC with Dentons beginning in 2025!

I'm amazed that after three years of being stuck at the application phase, I managed to secure a training contract less than a month after my first direct application (which undoubtedly would have been impossible without NCL)”
Anonymous NCL customer

Future Trainee Solicitor

Customer testimonials

Will you be our next success story?

“Their advice is always very thorough, precise and straightforward. I would 100% recommend Next City Lawyer. Thank you!”
Anonymous NCL customer

Future Trainee Solicitor

“This is more than a proofreading service. They catch your errors in logic and areas where your writing is ambiguous and unclear”

Future Trainee Solicitor

“The great thing about NCL is that they’re actual lawyers who are dedicated to helping you get a career in law”

Future Trainee Solicitor

"I wanted to let you know that I have been invited to an assessment centre at Macfarlanes. Thank you once again to your team for helping me with the application"
Anonymous NCL customer

Future Trainee Solicitor

"Thank you for your help this cycle...I'm amazed that after three years being stuck as the initial application phase, I managed to secure a training contract less than a month after my first direct application (which undoubtedly would have been impossible without NCL)"
Anonymous NCL customer

Future Trainee Solicitor

“The quality of resources is absolutely unparalleled”

Future Trainee Solicitor

“Another update - I got the training contract! Thank you so much for all your help, I definitely think it made a difference!”

Future Trainee Solicitor

Our values

NCL's guiding principles in everything that we do.

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Provide the best advice at the lowest cost.

We're passionate about improving access to the profession. Quality advice should not depend on your ability to pay.

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Always act in your best interests.

We go the extra mile to produce resources that actually help candidates, even if it takes us longer or costs us money.

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Continuously improve our resources.

We're constantly reviewing and improving our approach to help candidates achieve their goals.

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No unhappy customers, ever.

If you're not happy, tell us. Our 30-day no-quibble refund policy safeguards your interests.

Who are we?

Law firms are complicated places. We've chosen to stay anonymous to enable us to provide the unvarnished truth on the profession without hurting our own careers.

Tom
Senior Associate

Tom trained at a Silver Circle law firm in London. Shortly after qualification, he moved to a well known US firm where he still works today.

Will
Assistant General Counsel

Will trained at a Magic Circle firm. After qualifying into Funds, Will worked for a further four years in private practice. He now sits on the other side of the table, acting as Assistant General Counsel at a large organisation.

Our latest advice

Free application, interview and assessment centre advice and resources.

A young woman talking to a male law firm partner in their shared office
Application Advice
May 28, 2023

How to Get a Law Firm Training Contract Without a Vacation Scheme

Discover how to secure a law firm training contract without participating in a vacation scheme. This blog post delves into which candidates are likely to succeed in direct applications, how to decide whether to pursue this route, and valuable tips to successfully secure a coveted training contract. Click to learn the pros and cons of applying directly for a training contract and explore the opportunities first-year schemes can offer.
Schematic explaining the key points for preparing for a telephone interview
Interviews
May 28, 2023

How to Prepare for a Law Firm Telephone Interview with Graduate Recruitment

Discover expert tips on preparing for your graduate recruitment interview, from understanding the process to impressing your interviewer. Find out what to expect, how to answer common questions, and how to avoid pitfalls in this essential guide. Don't miss your chance to stand out from the competition and secure an assessment centre place!
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