Advice
Hints and tips
Remember your application is your opportunity to demonstrate the qualities we are looking for. It is your chance to show us your strengths and tell us why we need to meet you. We recruit people with the desire and ability to be exceptional, commercial lawyers. This means that we look for more than just a great academic record and strong technical aptitude. We seek people who are curious, empathetic and understand the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues.
We also look for an international mind-set and a desire to work within our global network, not just one office.
Here are a couple of useful tips to remember.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Identify your skills, preferences and areas of career interest
- What are you good at? What do you enjoy?
- What sort of environment do you feel most comfortable in? Do you enjoy teamwork or working on your own?
- Do you want to embark upon further study?
- Are you prepared to travel/be flexible?
- Do you want to work for an organisation that other people have heard of?
- How much training and development support do you want from your employer? Do you want a structured development programme?
DO YOUR RESEARCH
The more research you do, the better prepared you’ll be to complete your application.
COMPLETING THE FORM
Before you start the form, research both the firm and the role. Think about the skills needed for the job and the way in which you could demonstrate them.
Look for the specified criteria. This is particularly true for academic requirements. If you don’t meet them, think about whether you should be applying. We set high academic criteria for a good reason: they are a good indication of success in professional exams.
- Think seriously about the skills we’re looking for and the ways in which you could demonstrate them
- Aim for a mix of academic, extra-curricular and work experience in any examples you give us – making sure they’re as recent as possible
- Follow the instructions. And if the application form asks for a particular format, use it
- Answer the question. It might help to break down the question into sections to ensure you cover everything and to give your answer some structure
- Proof your application properly. Attention to detail is a key attribute of any lawyer
Keep a copy of your form. If you’re invited to an assessment day, you’ll need a good knowledge of the examples on your form as you may be questioned about them. Also, make a note of any reference number, just in case you have to follow it up later.
And finally...
Remember the purpose of the application form is to highlight your breadth of skills and suitability for the position. Make sure you make the most of every part of the form – the narrative section is just as important as your academic record. We are looking for well-rounded individuals.
