MAY 2014
If I Had My Time Again... A Trainee’s Advice With The Benefit of Hindsight!
More Law Student Problems
+ More Priceless Grad Recruiter Tips For Success....
Editor’s Welcome W
elcome to issue 6 of Into The Law, a digital magazine for those pursuing a career in law.
This issue lands on your virtual doormat at one of the busiest times of year for training contract hopefuls. Not only is it exam time, the training contract application season is well underway too. Naturally, we want our loyal Into The Law readers to keep one step ahead of the crowd so this issue is packed with tons of valuable advice. We bring you tips galore from those in the know on how to succeed with your applications and interviews - you won’t want to miss any of it! We also bring you some helpful advice about beating procrastination, as well as less serious law student problems from our resident twitter superstar agony aunt! We are already working on issue 7 and would love to know what you want us to cover. Please send your suggestions to: info@legalcareersgroup.co.uk And if you want to write for the magazine and bolster you CV just email in your ideas. As always, we're here to support you on your journey Into The Law!
Into the Law Magazine Editor - Matt Oliver
This Issue’s Contributors Sam Lee Pippa Allsop Matt Oliver Jade Paine Paula McMullan Samantha Hope Janine Turner Mr Law Student Problems
Get in touch: info@legalcareersgroup.co.uk Cover image: Steve Jurvetson
Matt Oliver Copyright © 2014 Legal Careers Group Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Contents
Insider Interview: Graduate Recruitment Manager, Sam Lee >>> Trainee Hindsight: What Would I Do If I Had My Time Again? >>> Beating Procrastination >>> Following Footsteps: An Interview With Trainee Solicitor Jade Paine >>> Q&A: Graduate Recruiter Question Time >>> More Law Student Problems from @LawVicissitudes >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Insider Interview: Sam Lee, Bond Dickinson
Sam Lee is the Graduate Recruitment Manager at Bond Dickinson.
Into The Law editor Matt Oliver caught up with Sam recently and asked her some of the questions sent in by you, the readers
Matt: What would you recommend candidates do over the coming months to ensure their training contract applications are as strong as they can be? Sam: It goes without saying that those still studying should first and foremost be focussing on obtaining the best grades they possibly can. It's still the first screening question for firms, and in many cases the most heavily weighted question. Aside from that, try to gain as much work experience as possible whether that's through the formal vacation schemes or more informal placements. It sounds obvious but it can be the difference on an application form. Good quality legal or commercial work experience can go a long way to demonstrating drive and commitment to a chosen career as well as giving the evidence needed to complete the competency questions.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Insider Interview: Sam Lee
If you're not completing work experience placements then spend your time researching the firms that you're applying to. This is important to make sure your application is as tailored as possible. Matt: What sort of extra-curricular activities really stand out on an application? Sam: For me it's always been less about the what and more about whether you can identify why you've have been involved in the extra-curricular activities. I want to see more than just box ticking here. Can you recognise the value to yourself, and others, and can you identify the transferrable skills you've developed. Most applications that I see will have evidence of pro-bono activities, sporting achievements and positions on societies and that's all great but make it relevant, otherwise its meaningless. If you have been involved with something slightly more unusual, fantastic, but remember to identify why and what the value has been. Matt: Would you be able to have a go at defining what "commercial awareness" means to Bond Dickinson Sam: Put very simply it's about understanding our clients. It's about getting to know the sectors in which they operate and the challenges they face. It's about identifying with them, and helping them achieve their commercial objectives by offering pragmatic, commercial solutions. It's also about understanding that we're all in business to make money! Matt: Many people struggle with the "why law" type of question. What tips could you give them on what to focus on in order to convince you with their answer? Sam: I always think this is a difficult question because it's very subjective and very different for everyone. That said, recruiting and developing junior lawyers is a huge investment and we want to believe that we're going to get a return on that investment. We're taking a calculated risk that we'll get that return so we're looking for those who have an obvious passion for the law, whether it's down to the intellectual challenge, the rapidly changing profession or the career trajectory that is offered. Whatever the reasons, make sure that they marry up with the type of firm you're applying to. Matt: What sort of paralegal work would you recommend candidates get if they are unsuccessful in getting a training contract before they complete the LPC? Sam: We've seen enormous growth within our paralegal team in the last few years in response to the changing legal market and the pressure from our clients to deliver more for less. As a result, our paralegals are getting access to great quality work that might have been the remit of more qualified lawyers a few years ago.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Insider Interview: Sam Lee
This has really given our paralegals some great experience which has been instrumental in allowing them to secure training contracts. Many firms now take a similar approach and it's this type of paralegal role that I'd most recommend but ultimately anything that allows you to be fully immersed within the business giving you a deeper understanding of what clients want and how the law firm operates is going to be invaluable. In-house opportunities are also a great option. Although you miss some of the law firm angle, no-where will you develop a better understanding of what clients want and that's what will help you stand out. Matt: What would you say the most important competencies are for a potential future trainee? Sam: We're all looking for a lot of similar competencies but I think many of them are now an absolute given (your intellectual capability, commercial and analytical skills, critical thinking). On top of these, I like to see trainees who are flexible, have a willingness to learn and an intellectual curiosity. Why is that all important to us? As a trainee, there will be times when you're asked to undertake tasks that may be a little more mundane than you would like, or you might be asked to spend time in a seat that is not your natural first choice so flexibility is crucial. A willingness to learn really means a willingness to take constructive, and sometimes difficult, feedback. We firmly believe that your development is in your own hands. We'll offer you all the opportunities, support and guidance that you need to become a firstclass lawyer, but you've got to be prepared to take responsibility yourself and that can sometimes mean taking those difficult messages and turning them into a positive. Matt: What do you most like to see included in a good answer to a competency question? Sam: All parts of the question answered. This is often where most points are dropped on a competency question. I see too many candidates cut and paste from other application forms and while on the face it of it you might think that a team working question is a team working question, quite often there are subtle differences to the question and by not tailoring each one, you risk losing valuable points. I also like to see the most commercial responses to these questions. We're a commercial law firm so it's important to us that you can demonstrate the competencies in that context.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Insider Interview: Sam Lee
Matt: After spelling and grammar mistakes, what are the 3 most common application mistakes you see that lead to candidates not being invited for interview? Sam: It's rarely one thing that candidates do that lead to them not being invited to interview, but a combination. It's quite possible to be invited to interview with less than stellar grades, but if we're honest it's rare. We do read every application cover to cover and if we can see a very genuine dip in academics but the rest of the application is very strong, then you're likely to get yourself an interview but you do need to make sure the competency questions and work experience make up for any weakness. I'm still amazed at the number of applications that reference to the wrong firm so aside from spelling and grammar I think the number one complaint from me would be lack of attention to detail. This covers a multitude of sins from the wrong firm name to not answering every part of the question. The other common mistake I see is candidates who fail to tailor the application sufficiently or research the organisation they're applying for. The question about why a particular firm is a great opportunity to really demonstrate your research but all too often we see very generic responses that could apply to any law firm.
About Sam Lee Sam is the Graduate Recruitment Manager at Bond Dickinson and has been with the firm for over 15 years. She is passionate about graduate recruitment, dedicating much of her time to developing the Bond Dickinson brand and supporting graduate employability initiatives through attendance at careers events and fairs and delivering presentations and skills workshops to students.
•Connect with Sam on Twitter here >>> •Find out more about training contracts at Bond Dickinson here >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Looking for an award winning training contract? Make the informed choice… We’re proud of our award winning training and development programme. Why? Because more than shouting about it, we deliver on what we promise. When you join us, we look at you as the future associates and partners who will contribute to the growth and success of our firm, whilst developing your own rewarding career. We’ve worked hard to create a culture that encourages, inspires and challenges. We think you’ll agree. So why not take that first important step in securing your training contract and find out more about what we can offer you? Come and talk to us at one of the many events and open days we host. We’d love to hear from you.
For more information about us and to find out about our next open days, please visit our website or send us an email. Contact us here E: Graduates@ bonddickinson.com W: www.bonddickinson.com/ join-us/trainee-solicitors
Trainee Hindsight: What Would I Do If I Had My Time Again? by Pippa Allsop
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
What Would I Do If I Had My Time Again?
Whilst flattered to be asked to provide insight for aspiring trainee solicitors, increasingly I find that I do not feel equipped to advise this intimidatingly intelligent ambitious sea of A** students. However, I have discovered that this is not a feeling unique to me, rather a theme through the legal generations. I recall that I have been humbled and surprised on numerous occasions by senior solicitors saying that they were never as bright, focussed or as generally enthusiastic (/ desperate?) as the trainees they encounter nowadays. I have often heard reminiscences about how it used to be only the very best who went to University, but then nearly everybody walked straight into a job after their degree, into a market that was literally crying out for trainee solicitors. Now, attending University is basically a given and I don’t have to wax lyrical here about how I feel about the resultant disillusioned unemployed. The reality is, getting a training contract is far more difficult than it was ten years ago, and it's not getting any easier going forward. With all of that said, I have decided that the best advice I can give to others in relation to applying for training contracts is that which I have gained with the benefit of hindsight. Don’t get disillusioned First and foremost, chin up. Don’t lose sight of the fact that a Law degree in itself is an incredibly strong basis for securing a future career and not just in the legal sphere. I have numerous friends who studied Law at the same time as me, have incredible jobs and absolutely no intention of becoming practicing solicitors. Also remember that people make successful applications for training contracts at various different stages in their lives/ careers, so if you’re not successful on your first attempt, that is in no way decisive.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
What Would I Do If I Had My Time Again?
Spend more time If I had my time again, I would have spent even more time (a) researching firms and (b) completing applications. Whilst the soul-destroying process of completing training contract applications still burns in my mind, (and I am positive that if someone had had the audacity to tell me during my application period that I should be devoting more time to them they would have got very short shrift), I do feel that this is something key that I would have done differently. Regardless of the stage in your career that you are completing applications, it is going to be difficult to balance your other studies/job(s)/responsibilities/personal life against the sheer volume of possible time that could be dedicated to the process overall. In my opinion, it is worth being absolutely meticulous. Your application for a training contract and/or vacation scheme is your first (and usually only) chance to demonstrate to the firm in question why you want to work for them and more importantly why they should choose you above everyone else. I would have undertaken a lot more research into the firms I was applying to in advance of completing their applications: their deals done, their approach to corporate responsibility, their key players and clients, what their plans for the future are etc. I would also have done considerably more research into the business market generally, in order to gain an understanding of how a law firm operates in this context, and familiarising myself with the concept of 'commercial thinking' at an earlier stage. In summary, I would have completed fewer applications and spent more time focussing on perfecting the detail of those I submitted. My approach at the time was that I was 'playing it safe' by making numerous applications, whereas the calibre of their content would have been significantly higher had I been brave enough to commit to say 5 or 6. My advice, depressing though it may be, is that if it feels like you are spending too long completing an application, you are probably doing it right! More work experience My experience of mentoring students has definitely made me wish that I had spoken to people about their views of potential candidates, from work experience students to trainees, in an attempt to get some honest feedback regarding the key do's and don'ts. Increasingly, I wonder whether what I thought was confidence at 16 actually came across as precociousness or even worse, arrogance.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
What Would I Do If I Had My Time Again?
Also, I did not properly take advantage of the wealth of experience in trainee/ recruitment blogs, the careers advice service and other sources of guidance. It is only with hindsight that I now appreciate how invaluable these resources are, and how foolish I was not to utilise them fully during the application process. I would definitely have undertaken more work experience, (legal and otherwise) and been a little less selfish about giving up my coveted summer holidays! My advice is to not be too precious about what you go for work experience-wise, it is amazing how you can use a seemingly irrelevant experience to demonstrate a trait that firms want. You will never be able to anticipate when in the future a seemingly trivial experience will come in handy. More life experience I would also have said yes to more opportunities and experiences in terms of travelling, jobs and hobbies. During the second and third years of my Law degree, I let extra-curricular activities take a back seat under the pressure of work, which I regret immensely. Although I did have to prioritise my studies, (not being one of those enviable natural all-rounders who manage to write all of the first-class essays, be a member of every social group and sports team and still be on every night out), I wish that I had been reminded that applications are not solely grade focussed. Furthermore, if an application is 'intellectual only', you are not going to be able to separate yourself from the hundreds of other candidates who also got the grades. You literally cannot replace or replicate life experience. This leads me on to my final and arguably most important piece of advice. I was not a head girl or a first degree law student, but I truly believe my work and life experiences have carried me to where I am now. Working on you Book smarts aside (which are now treated as a given anyway) it is equally, if not more imperative to develop yourself and your own personal brand. I am aware that my advice in this respect is twee, but I truly believe it is so important. It is your personality that will carry you above the other candidates for training contracts. Remember though, this will differ between firms and so you shouldn’t take it personally if you do not fit in with a particular firm.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
What Would I Do If I Had My Time Again?
People will see through you trying too hard to be something you are not, and equally you have to trust that they will recognise (and more importantly value and appreciate) really genuine, hardworking individuals. How you treat others defines you. It is important to remember that no matter where you are in the food chain. I have found that my colleagues who command the most respect are the senior practitioners who never forget what it is like to be where you are. I was recently told by one of the most highly decorated Partners at Michelmores that her mantra was to never ask anyone to do anything that she wouldn’t have been willing to do herself. However, trite it may sound, it is important to be true to yourself and never lose sight of that. Building your own personal brand can involve anything from writing technical articles and blogs, to attending events or tweeting a picture of something that you are doing outside of work. You need to find and develop your USP, because firms want to invest in individuals and not drones. Especially as the requisite grades are now a given, if you cannot sell yourself then you are in serious trouble, because your CV alone will no longer do it for you.
About Pippa Allsop Pippa is a second year trainee at Michelmores LLP. She read law at Southampton University and completed the LPC at the College of Law in Bristol. So far she has worked in the Planning, Commercial and Family departments at Michelmores, and is currently the trainee for the Commercial Property team Find Pippa on LinkedIn >>> on Twitter >>> and on Google+ >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Good at problem solving? Then you may be the lawyer for us…
360° legal thinking
Join us as a trainee and you’ll be embarking on a career with exceptional potential that will make you more than just a lawyer. Our training programme is about preparing you to be the very best in your chosen field. The deadline for trainee applications is 1st of July 2014.
www.michelmores.com
Beating Procrastination By Matt Oliver
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Beating Procrastination
I’m sure many of you will have experienced procrastination in its many forms - it’s a fact of life for many of us. However, there are things you can do to overcome it and to help you with your applications.
Feeling A Bit Stuck Procrastination is that feeling of being a bit stuck and unable to move forward with whatever you are doing. Procrastination can come about for a few reasons but the main one is because of fear. You may fear failure or you may fear what people think. Much of this can be happening on a more subconscious level too so its not always easy to identify it obviously as fear. Now without wanting to get too psychological and self-helpy on you, there are some ways to break through that fear and therefore the procrastination.
Examine & Let Go The first step is to sit for a moment and examine what you are thinking and analyse why you may think that you are fearful of failure or what others think. Weirdly you may even be afraid of success and this can lead to procrastination too. Once you identify these thoughts then just decide to let them go - recognise that they are limiting thoughts and let go of them.
Avoid Feeling Sorry For Yourself The next thing to do is to make sure you are not feeling sorry for yourself. This may sound a bit harsh but often we can stop ourselves moving forwards because we are feeling sorry for ourselves. Just choose to stop this now and move on more positively.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Beating Procrastination
Chunk Big Tasks Another major reason for procrastination is because we feel the task at hand is too big. Researching those firms, making all those applications and still trying to study and work at the same time all seems like too big a mountain to climb - but that's simply not true. At the start of your degree if you looked at all the work that needed to be done over the 3 or 4 years then you would have felt overwhelmed for sure. But when your university breaks it down into smaller chunks spaced evenly across the weeks it suddenly becomes much more achievable. A famous quote which is good to remember is “You can eat a whole elephant if you take it one bite at a time”. The same goes for your applications and dealing with your procrastination.
About Matt Oliver Matt is a former FTSE 100 in-house lawyer, editor of Into The Law magazine and MD of the law careers website, Trainee Solicitor Surgery. He provides entry level law careers advice to students and graduates through his writing and mentoring. Get your FREE copies of Matt’s essential guides to succeeding with applications, interviews and assessment centres >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Your essential guide to securing a training contract, vacation scheme or paralegal role
trainee solicitor surgery www.traineesolicitorsurgery.co.uk
LawCareers.Net tells you everything you need to know about becoming a lawyer, whatever stage you’re at in your education and life. The site boasts a huge amount of information, advice, news and features, and contains the only comprehensive directory of employers offering training contracts and pupillages. It also provides a free membership area where you can store and manage the research you do on the way to starting your career as a solicitor, barrister, legal executive or paralegal.
Following Footsteps: An Interview With Trainee Solicitor Jade Paine
Jade Paine is a first year trainee solicitor at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke in Brighton. She gained A, A, A, B at A-Level and went on to study a law degree at the University of Reading. She made around 50-60 training contract applications over a four year period and received four invitations to interview. She finally secured a training contract with QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke in August 2013 after being a paralegal with the firm. Jade had previously had two week long work experience placements with Olswang, Ince & Co and a small niche litigation firm in London. She also work shadowed a judge and a magistrate, did a mini-pupillage and spent some time as a receptionist at a regional firm and Family Mediation Services. Her extra-curricular activities included chair of the College of Law debate society, secretary of the university debate society, secretary of the university cocktail society, vice-chair of Reading University Singers, and volunteering at the university peer-to-peer counselling service. Jade is a great example of perseverance paying off. She has kindly agreed to pass on some of her best advice for those of you seeking to follow in her footsteps. Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Following Footsteps: An Interview With Trainee Solicitor Jade Paine
Matt: How do you recommend candidates go about the task of securing legal work experience? Jade: Ask as many people as you can! Whether it is family or friends, any connection could possibly lead to work experience. Attend local events as sometimes firms will sponsor them or have a representative present. Look to see whether your local Court has an open day or any available work experience. Just because it is not in a law firm or Chambers does not mean it is not good experience. Also make the most out of talking to recruiters at Law Fairs and make sure Vacation Scheme applications are made within good time. Matt: How did the extra-curricular activities you got involved with help you in the recruitment process? Jade: Extra-curricular activities allow you to discuss skills essential to the role of being a solicitor in applications and interviews. Recruiters do not expect you to have an expansive employment history but will ask you why you are suitable for the role. Think of key skills that make a good solicitor and match these up with what you have done during your participation in extra-curricular activities. Extra-curricular activities also give recruiters an insight into your personality and can be an interesting discussion point in applications and interviews. Matt: What else can candidates do to make themselves a more attractive prospect to firms? Jade: It is important to remember that the firm you are applying to is a business and so you will need to know what current problems firms are facing. In terms of the applications themselves check them for spelling and grammar before they are submitted. I found it helpful having a friend or relative read through them to get another perspective. Getting involved in non-legal work experience or doing charity work will also make candidates more attractive and is another way of demonstrating you have the skills needed to be a solicitor. Matt: What did you get out of attending law fairs or other events? Jade: Law Fairs taught me to be prepared! Research law firms before you attend as recruiters expect you to know a bit about the firm before approaching them. It is a great opportunity to talk to recruiters about what they do and do not like in applications and interviews. You also get to meet current trainees and you can get an invaluable insight into what a firm is like and what it is like to be a trainee there. Sometimes it is easy to forget that the firm needs to be a good match for you just as much as you need to be right for the firm.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Following Footsteps: An Interview With Trainee Solicitor Jade Paine
Matt: What were the key things you learnt about making applications that moved you from rejections to interview invitations? Jade: Rather than just answering the questions and writing the covering letters I took a step back and thought what is it that firms were after by asking the question. I thought about if I was a recruiter what skills I would like to see candidates were able to demonstrate. I took more time with applications and chose the firms I applied to more carefully as I realised that finding a firm which was a good fit and practiced predominantly in the areas I found interesting was much more important than just securing a training contract. Matt: What key factors would you put your interview success down to? Jade: I spent a lot of time researching the firm in terms of what they practiced in, their history and local events they had sponsored or been involved in. I also familiarised myself with current affairs relating to updates to the law and legal practice. I also thought of common interview questions and drafted possible answers. It is not possible to plan every question you are going to be asked but it was a useful exercise as it got me to think about my skills and experience thoroughly which helped me to answer the questions in the interview I had not anticipated. Matt: What do you know now that you wish you had known as an applicant? Jade: I wish I had known just how difficult securing a training contract would be. Not that I would have chosen another career path but I wish I had been able to prepare myself for the rejections better. Rejections happen to everyone and it can be hard to not get downhearted when an interview had not gone as well as you had hoped or the application you worked really hard on is turned down. I wish I knew at the time that this did not make me a bad candidate just that I was not right for that firm. You just have to pick yourself up, keep trying and with perseverance you will get there.
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Following Footsteps: An Interview With Trainee Solicitor Jade Paine
Matt: My final question - What is the one question I didn’t ask you but I should have? Jade: What would you say to students who already think they know what they want to qualify into? My advice would be to keep an open mind! Many trainees who have their mind set on one area of law before their training contract often do not end up practicing it. Studying law and practicing law are two very different things. Law is taught in a very segmented way but when it comes to practice there is an overlap between different areas of law. For example, do not be surprised if you end up needing property law knowledge when in a family or private client seat.
About Jade Paine Jade studied law at Reading University and graduated in 2010. She worked as a paralegal in the Private Client and Litigation departments at QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke for just over a year before being offered a training contract at the same firm. Jade is also Vice Chair of the Sussex Junior Lawyers Division. Find out more about Jade via her Linkedin Profile >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Got an interview coming up? Here’s a free guide on how to succeed
DOWNLOAD FREE COPY
Graduate Recruiter Question Time We are often asked about what sort of work experience candidates should be getting. This issue’s Q&A tackles exactly that....
Q Into The Law Magazine
What sort of work experience do you like to see in a training contract application and why?
MAY 2014
A.
Paula McMullan, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP (London), had to say:
What impressed about these experiences was the way in which the candidates explained how the work had improved their transferable skills...
We know that work experience is becoming almost as hard to get hold of as a training contract itself so we look for evidence that a candidate has, or is developing, the skills that we value in our trainees. These include resilience, flexibility and calmness under pressure. Experience which may highlight these skills include working with the public, to strict deadlines, within a budget, or having to solve problems or be creative in some way. We find that legal work experience may not actually encourage these skills because the kind of jobs available are often repetitive or administrative. For some firms, legal work experience is a deal-breaker because it shows a commitment to the profession and provides a real-life opportunity for a candidate to assess whether the law is right for them. We are more interested in what the candidate can do - examples of work experience that we have found interesting are: working as a translator, in the in-house team of a construction company, in a clearing house, in a mining operation and in a sales role. What impressed about these experiences was the way in which the candidates explained how the work had improved their transferable skills in a variety of environments. If you can keep the production line of a smelting furnace running smoothly, we are pretty sure you will be able to keep tabs on documents in a transaction!
Find out about graduate opportunities with Gide >>> Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
International law firm, aspiring lawyers, rewarding career Apply now for training contracts starting in 2014 & 2015 For more information, email us at tcapplications@gide.com
Gide London Trainee Recruitment @Gidetrainees
A.
Here’s what Samantha Hope, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Shoosmiths, had to say:
Treat every experience as a learning curve, and never think of it as ticking a box, or just adding it to your CV. Variety is the spice of life they say, so don’t underestimate the importance of including voluntary, and non-legal work experience on your application form as well as paid, and legal. Demonstrate transferable skills which will make you a better lawyer, and allow you to add value to the firm you join by including examples where you have made a real and measurable difference to a situation; where you have developed in your role; and are able to reflect passionately on how those experiences will support you through your career. Work experience also allows you to distinguish between different types of companies, Law Firms, and different practice areas, all of which will be invaluable when you reach application stage. Getting some relevant work experience in early will enable you to answer these questions confidently and provide examples to justify your decision. You also need to choose the right firm for you. In Law, one size does not fit all, so make sure you are choosing the right firm for you. Attend as many open days, employer events, and work experience opportunities as you can. Treat every experience as a learning curve, and never think of it as ticking a box, or just adding it to your CV. We consider all work experience to be invaluable.
Find out about graduate opportunities with Shoosmiths >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
A.
Janine Turner, HR Manager & Associate at North West based Stephensons Solicitors LLP, had this to say:
.... in my experience many candidates shy away from mentioning non legal work experience in their application for a training contract, feeling that this is irrelevant.
I like to see a range of work experience reflected in an application for a training contract – both legal and non legal. Of course the legal work experience demonstrates that the candidate has spent some time within a law firm and may have some practical insights into what working life is like in that environment. They may also have obtained experience dealing with clients, working on files etc. and of course this is extremely valuable. However, in my experience many candidates shy away from mentioning non legal work experience in their application for a training contract, feeling that this is irrelevant. I very much like to see a candidate describing all aspects of their working life. I like to see a well rounded candidate and, to me, this includes any part time work whilst studying as well as all the legal work experience they have acquired. Part time work in a shop or bar for example can demonstrate commitment, time management, communication and customer service skills – all of which are highly desirable attributes in a potential trainee solicitor.
Find out about graduate opportunities with Stephensons >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Stephensons Solicitors LLP Full Service Law Firm
Join the Team We firmly believe that our people are the most important asset we have. In order to build on our established success, we seek to recruit people who will both complement and enhance our existing team spirit and client-focussed approach. A down to earth attitude, commitment, drive, enthusiasm and expertise are just some of the traits that we value.
Stephensons For news on current vacancies call us on 0333 321 4236 or visit www.stephensons.co.uk Offices in Altrincham, Bolton, Leigh, London, Manchester, St Helens & Wigan
More Law Student Problems.... by @LawVicissitudes
Bringing you more classic tweets from the anonymous (and infamous) King of the Law Student Twittersphere, Mr “Law Student Problems” .....now with over 22,000 followers!!!
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
More Law Student Problems
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
More Law Student Problems
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
More Law Student Problems
About Mr “Law Student Problems� Now with over 22,000 followers on Twitter, our resident law student problem guru continues to strike a chord with law students and lawyers all around the world. Be sure to follow him @lawvicissitudes on Twitter >>>
Into The Law Magazine
MAY 2014
Got an iPad or iPhone? Get Each New Issue Automatically Delivered
FREE
Subscribe NOW Your Perfect Companion On Your Journey Into The Law Subscribe to Into The Law Magazine to get each new issue of the magazine delivered to your iPad or iPhone free of charge
Don’t Miss an issue.
Subscribe NOW!
Want To Be Featured In A Future Issue? Become An Into The Law Magazine Contributor
To Become A Contributor Send Us Your Idea Send Idea Now
Practice assessment centre tests and exercises TODAY Visit www.jobtestprep.co.uk
Click the “Share” link or icon to share this magazine with your friends
Put A Smile On A Friend’s Face
Photo Credits
Tysh (Flickr)
See-ming Lee (Flickr)
Steve Jurvetson (Flickr)
mkhmarketing (Flickr)
Krystal T (Flickr)