How to get a Training Contract | Tips and Advice

Summary

In this video, trainee solicitor Shannon shares six key areas to focus on for securing a vacation scheme or training contract with a law firm. She emphasizes the importance of demonstrating genuine interest in law, particularly commercial law, and aligning with a firm's culture and strategy. Shannon advises on building transferable skills, commercial awareness, and mastering application and interview techniques. She also stresses the need for resilience and a proactive approach, recommending resources like the Corporate Law Academy for further support.

Takeaways

• 📘 To secure a training contract with a law firm, focus on six key areas to become a well-rounded applicant.
• 🎓 Engage with the Corporate Law Academy (CLA) for resources and community support to start your legal career.
• 📚 Show genuine interest in law, especially in the areas that the firm practices, to demonstrate your commitment.
• 🏆 Highlight transferable skills that are essential for a legal career, which can be developed through various experiences.
• 💼 Develop commercial awareness by understanding business operations and how they relate to law practices.
• 📈 Use storytelling to answer 'why law' questions, making your response personal and relatable.
• 🔍 Research firms thoroughly to align your personal interests with the firm's culture and strategy.
• 🗣️ Practice application and interview techniques to effectively convey your skills and experiences.
• 🔄 Be prepared for a competitive process and maintain a resilient mindset to handle challenges and rejections.
• 🚀 Start applying even if you feel unprepared; the process of applying will teach you the most about what is required.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video?

The main goal of the video is to help viewers secure a vacation scheme or training contract with a law firm by providing key areas to work on in order to become successful and well-rounded applicants.

Who is the speaker, and what is her professional background?

The speaker is Shannon, a trainee solicitor in London. She provides insights and advice for those looking to start their legal careers.

What is the first key area discussed for becoming a successful applicant?

The first key area is demonstrating a genuine interest in law, especially commercial law, and being able to effectively answer the question, 'Why law?' through storytelling and sharing personal experiences.

What type of experience can help demonstrate interest in law?

Experiences such as debating, studying law, engaging in pro bono work, and working part-time at a law firm can help demonstrate a genuine interest in law. Non-legal experiences that have a connection to law can also be helpful.

What does Shannon recommend doing to learn more about specific law firms?

Shannon recommends doing thorough research using law firm profiles from websites like Legal Cheek or Chambers Student. Networking through events like law fairs, insight evenings, and open days can also provide firsthand information about firms.

What are transferable skills, and why are they important?

Transferable skills are skills that can be applied to different roles, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. They are important because law firms assess these skills to gauge a candidate's potential to become a successful lawyer.

How can someone develop their commercial awareness?

Commercial awareness can be developed by following news related to business and law, understanding how businesses and law firms operate, and analyzing how current events might impact firms. Resources like podcasts and specialized reports aimed at law students can also help.

What advice does Shannon give regarding application and interview technique?

Shannon advises presenting yourself clearly and concisely, being specific to the firm and yourself in your responses, and ensuring you answer the exact question being asked. Using techniques like storytelling and the STAR method can improve competency question responses.

How can someone prepare for competency questions in interviews?

To prepare for competency questions, Shannon suggests keeping a mind map or table of experiences and skills you've developed. This will help you quickly recall relevant examples and structure your answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.

What mindset should applicants have during the process?

Applicants should approach the process with patience and resilience. Shannon emphasizes taking the process step by step, learning from rejection, and being open to criticism to improve. Throwing yourself into the process and staying focused on long-term goals is also important.