Why don't you move to another firms or get a training contract then?

omg i feel exactly the same way. (you dont work at my firm do you?!) I'm beginning to feel like I've made the worst decision of my life going into law, as this firm has made me hate law and lose all confidence in my abilities. What's worse is that its so tough trying to find a training contract that I'm starting to wonder why I'm even applying if I hate being a paralegal so much. I'm now looking at other career prospects, but if I move away from law, I'll always feel like I've failed. The reality is people like you and me would have training contracts right now if it wasn't for the economic downturn, and I feel robbed. It's a horrible feeling when you've put so much time, effort and money into a venture that doesn't seem like it's ever going to work out. Even more infuriatingly, the College of Law publishing ridiculous articles saying that there are too many jobs compared to applicants is just insulting! More realistic figures of 14,000 applicants for approx. 4,000 jobs available makes not getting that training contract this time round, a little easier to take.

I feel exactly the same way. I am seriously considering giving up on law as the continuous merry go round of applying for training contracts and not even getting a courtesy "thanks but no thanks" reply is soul destroying. At the same time I have qualified solicitors telling me that its tough out there for them, so what chance do I stand. If I could turn back the clock, I would stay well away from law.

Also keep thinking that I am glad that I have my degree in law, it is a very useful degree, but when it comes to your career path and dedicating your life to it, I think I pass. It's ridiculous out there, and apparently, none of us up here has got enough luck to get into, as it's not only about being Oxbridge prodigy, having oustanding legal work experience since you were 12, being president of the most prestigious society at uni, and having good connections - you need some serious luck even with that profile! Needless to say that the rest of us can just walk away and think realistically. And yes, attitude in law firms is not a secret, we will be like a slave labour, with no life, nor any chances of getting one, so it's really all about making decisions what you really want from your life. A career, with no guarantee to be really rewarding, or a normal, may be not very posh, but fulfilling and happy life?

I feel very sympathetic for the first two posters, but all I can say is get out and work elsewhere. If you are allowing whatever happens to permanently get you down, then maybe yes, the law is not for you but you have to believe in yourself. I am appalling on paper and about to do my final year of my BPTC. My husband is out of a job in less than 4 months and we don't have a house, I also have no job and have been told I am the least likely candidate for pupillage.I don't let it get me down. This is my choice and noone will take the knowledge I have gained away from me. I have used it to good effect so far and if the bar doesn't want me, someone else will. The attributes gained by studying are valuable in all walks of like and so you have to have belief in yourself. All it takes is one person to like you and say yes. I personally will not give up until I absolutely have to so come on, buck up and either tell your superiors that you want training or get out and find someone worthy of you!