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Hey guys!

So recently, I saw a post by Sandrou on how he would approach the 'why commercial law?' question. Thank you so much for that! However, us non-law students might have a trickier time developing an answer for this question, since we did not academically study law, or have any prior exposure to contract/commercial law.

So I wanted to start a thread where any non-law applicants or future trainees approached this question! Jaysen had some great tips in the TC app guide form, where we could, for example, talk about why we chose commercial law over management consulting, banking or academia. Do any other non-law applicants have any advice or examples for what worked for them?

I am guessing legal work experience and shadowing is useful to include. The trouble is, I feel like some of the aspects of this work that I am mentioning (e.g. strategic thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, organisation, interpersonal skills, teamwork etc) could be applied to other professions as well (banking, consulting etc). Any tips on how I could make this unique/exclusive to the legal profession?

Thanks guys!

Hi guys, I hope everyone is well.

Perhaps Jaysen can answer this in more detail as I'm no expert. However, I've recently been asked a question in respect to answering the 'why commercial law?' question on applications and I felt perhaps it might be helpful if I post my 'strategy' on a general thread.

'Why commercial law/legal career' and 'Why this firm'? are perhaps the most difficult questions to answer because not only does it need to be personal to you, but it also needs to be tailored to the firm you are applying to.

In terms of strategy, I make a list of why I'm interested in commercial law or a legal career. For example: I studied law at university and enjoyed it; I enjoy the intricacies of business (I run my own business); I've attended open days, workshops, completed internships/vacation schemes etc; I've been interested in economic developments since university etc.

I would then answer the question directly as to why and how these activities have cemented my interest or desire to pursue a career in commercial law and NOT any other career paths.

Ultimately, the question aims to seek your motivations towards commercial law, therefore if you're a non-law student (or law student), you need to formulate an answer to show your motivation towards commercial law. Talking about your experiences, whether that's within a commercial sector, position of responsibility or volunteering - you must relate it back to why this influences your decision to pursue commercial law.

Hi

I had a little scan and couldn't see one, so hoping nobody has asked this before!

I'd like to hear opinions on direct TC applications vs vac scheme applications. I graduated in 2015, did the Teach First programme, paralegal'd for 6 months and have worked at a litigation funder ever since. I've done solely direct TC applications this year (I haven't been so successful, but I think that was more technique as my apps are getting better.)

Just wanted to hear thoughts on whether I should bother with applying for vac schemes. I worry that, if I did get a vac scheme, it's a lot of time to take out of your annual leave - particularly if you then don't get offered the TC (though of course, getting a TC offer would make it all worth it).

Just wondered if anyone else is working and favours one application type over the other?

Any insight is hugely appreciated
Thanks
Lottie

I just wanted to ask, how long did it take you guys to secure a training contract

This was my first year of applying, I had three interviews and I was unsuccessful in all 3 along with no vacation schemes. I am a law graduate.

The prospect of waiting another year is killing me and all my non-law friends have secured top jobs some with GSK , some with Merril Lynch and I am not jealous at all, it's just I am feeling like a failure and for the first time, I literally have no energy left in me.

People are telling to go join IBM become a business consultant or data consultant as you won't have to wait 2 years and Its just a downward spiral feeling.

I dont even know why I am typing but I am hoping somebody is out there with a story that motivates me to get back up.

Hello,

I have recently come across an application question that states "Details and explanation of how you feel you have benefitted from this experience." in the work experience section.

Is it alright to directly state how certain responsibilities in an experience have helped to improve a certain skill?
e.g- ...and as a result, I improved *insert skill.

Is it better to give an explanation of the skill it helped develop or Is it better to "show" law firms than to tell them?
What are your opinions on this?

P.s. - I am directing this question in relation to skills only. I understand that there may be other ways an experience would have benefitted you.

Thanks.

Hey guys!

So I just completed my second year of a non-law (politics) degree (Russell group uni, if that is relevant) and I am currently planning out my application strategy for the upcoming academic year. I just wanted to know about how much firms care about specific module grades? Or to be more blunt, if somewhat mediocre grades should mean that I should lower my ambitions?

I am on track to achieve a high 2:1 in my degree, but got low 2:1 (62%) grades in 2 modules, and I got a high 2:1 (68%) for first year. My A-level results were good, but not exceptional by any standards, and the same is the case for my GCSE grades. The issue is that one of these grades was in a law outside option (EU law specifically) so I am worried that that might weaken my application.

Some law firms (Slaughter and May, Cleary and Sullivan and Cromwell, from what I have heard) are quite picky about individual grades. I am keen on applying to Skadden, Cleary, Slaughter and May, Freshfields and Hogan Lovells. Do my grades mean that I need to lower my ambitions, and apply to other firms?

In terms of work experience, I have undertaken two work experience/shadowing schemes at law firms in my city, and two internships in an asset management and a PE firm. For extra-curriculars, I've set up a society which I currently lead, and held positions of responsibility in two other societies at university. I've also participated in commercial law competitions.

Any advice would be appreciated,
Thank you

Hello!

I'm currently preparing for an interview and I read online that they tend to ask curveball questions that force you to think on your feet.

For example: "How would you explain Britney Spears to an alien” or “how would you explain your favourite sport to an alien”?

What's a good answer to those questions specifically?

Do you have any tips for responding to curveball questions in general?

Thank you so much!

Hi everyone,

Over the summer, I did two vacation schemes, one at an MC firm, the other at a regional firm's London office.

I got rejected from the MC's scheme, and the regional firm is not one that I feel particularly strongly about (the firm was quiet, nice, unexceptional, and left me feeling a bit dead inside). I see myself turning that firm down.

I therefore wanted to ask you guys a couple of questions about re-applying, if that's okay:

- Will the fact that I did two schemes count against me when I reapply in third year? Would it help if I explained that one firm rejected me and the other gave me an offer I turned down?

- Should I be aiming towards other MCs or good SCs this year? My grades are at a high 2:1 level (4/8 Firsts across first and second year, 68 average).

- What other work experience etc. should I be doing between now and October to improve my position?

- Are winter schemes a waste of time vs the full summer schemes? Should I apply for them?

- By when should I be sending in applications for 2019 summer schemes? They do say 'as early as possible', but I don't know whether that's a thing haha.

I'll obviously be putting in a lot of time reflecting upon this summer and preparing apps for next year, but I'm hoping to maximise my chances of getting something this time round.

Thanks in advance for all comments and advice. Much appreciated!

GGLove

It's deadline day for most of the big commercial law firms, which means some of you will be trying to squeeze one more application in before midnight.

In addition to writing my own applications a few years ago, I review a lot of training contract applications. I wanted to share some quick advice, so you can give yourself the best possible chance of converting your application to an interview.

Writing your application

• Use short sentences and simple language.
• Use the active voice, for example: "I set up the society in June", as opposed to the passive voice "The society was set up by me in June".
• Omit unnecessary words. You don't need to write about how you are very interested in commercial law, or how you were really involved in your university's law society.
• Avoid simply describing your qualities. Instead, use examples to demonstrate your organisation or your team-working skills.

Why are you applying to this law firm?

• Remember to write about why you are applying, not just what you know about a law firm
• Back up each reason with specific information about a law firm.
• Ask yourself: Could my reasons be applied to any other law firm? If the answer is yes, your answer is not specific enough.

Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor?

• Make sure your answer is relevant. Avoid describing what commercial solicitors do, or what skills they need.
• Back up your answer with specific information. For example, if you write that you like the combination of law and business, how do you know? Have you studied company law? Have you completed vacation schemes?

For more detail, I encourage you to read our training contract application guide and Ben Staveley's application guide. Otherwise, good luck!

Just got an invite for a Video interview with Hill Dickinson?

Anybody had any experiences with HD?

Hi there,

I have an upcoming Slaughter and May interview and from what I know (I've read the interview exp) it requires a lot commercial acumen. How do you suggest I prepare for it? I have spent today trying to acquire as much commercial awareness as possible but it has been very unsuccessful. I do not feel like I am doing the right thing.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Best regards,
Leke

Hi, I have an AC at Dentons in 2 weeks and was wondering if anyone could offer any advice?

I know the day will consist of a written exercise, role play, case study, and interview. I'm particularly worried about the role play as I haven't been to an AC with a role play so I'm unsure what to expect.

Will appreciate help on any part of the AC

Thanks!

I have have been having some difficulty pinning down a concrete answer as to why am I attracted to a particular firm.


How or rather why are candidates attracted to firms that open new offices? How does that make that firm an attractive place?

And secondly, some people say they are attracted towards a firm because of their PEP.

How? or why does this attract a candidate?


Any suggestions or specific examples as to what attracted you about a particular firm - This would be most helpful.

I just wanted to say thank you for all the guides/helpful advice/application reviews from the team and everyone on this site. I found out yesterday that I was offered a training contract following an assessment centre and I'm so so over the moon!! I have been applying for training contracts for five years!

This website in general has by far been the most helpful resource in helping me to prepare and I'm not sure if I would have been able to do it this year if it weren't for finding this place!

Hi everyone

I've been trying to answer the following question for an application :
Life is inherently challenging at times, whether it be at work or at home. Please give an example of a challenging situation you have faced and explain how you overcame it and what you learned from the experience.

I'm not sure which examples to use for this question - I was considering describing a difficult situation at work (conflict between team members & resolving that) or at university, when I was organising an event in a team and we faced some setbacks - but I'm not sure these address the question. I'd appreciate some advice on how to go about answering this and what sort of examples I should avoid.

Thanks in advance!

I am applying to a few training contracts and I am wondering how helpful it really is to apply now (say I send off a few applications a week before the final 31st July deadline).

This legal cheek article seems to suggest that it is pointless:

https://www.legalcheek.com/2015/07/last-minute-training-contract-applications-are-a-waste-of-time/

Anyone ever talked to graduate recruitment about this?

Hi everyone,

The law firm financial results for 2017/18 have been released and I wanted to share the results for a selection of law firms. It's quite a helpful way of comparing law firms by size and profit, and also to take a look at which firms are growing the most (even though it does fluctuate between years).

Revenue-wise, Clifford Chance has long been the bigger law firm within the magic circle (closely followed by A&O). In the last five years, the firm has seen an impressive 28% growth in turnover. It's also worth noting that Freshfields has bounced back from its static revenue in 2016/17 with revenue growing by 5%.


As you can see, the picture is different when the firms are sorted by profits per equity partner. Macfarlanes has topped the table despite being a considerably smaller firm by revenue. Linklaters has fallen to the bottom of the magic circle after PEP fell for the first time in almost a decade. The firm cited its investment in technology and its international expansion as reasons for the fall.

A student recently had a question about the negotiation exercise on a vacation scheme. Thought I'd share this post with you guys here:

· Start with your best possible outcome. A little obvious but it’s important – that way, if you have to concede, the outcome may still be optimal.

· Work out what outcome you don’t want. If you can define this point during your preparation, it can ensure you and your team don’t accept a bad deal.

· Be willing to concede. I’ve seen some teams be very unwilling to concede on anything, that isn’t the sign of a good negotiator.

· Make it seem like you want to concede. This is great if your negotiation exercise has you read out your team position first. The idea is that you seem to be reasonable negotiators, so the other team thinks it’s easy (when you may actually be negotiating a better deal).

· During your preparation, signpost goals and discuss within your team what you’d be willing to concede. That way you’ll be less influenced by the other side’s negotiation tactics and you’ll be able to steer the outcome towards what you want.

· (A slightly cheeky addition to the above, but sometimes it can work if you pretend a particular issue is very important to you and then let it go. The other team will likely concede something in return – only consider this if it actually fits within the task!)

· Ask lots of questions. Often each party is given a different set of information. If you have more information you’ll be more informed during your negotiation.

· Silence can be a good thing. If you’ve said what you need to say and another party is deciding, let them think. If they want you to jump to an answer, don’t be afraid to pause and think.

· Usually you’re allowed to go back to your teams to discuss, you may want to use this if the other side has proposed something or if things aren’t going too well.

· Write notes – so when you go back to your teams, you have all the information to form an outcome. This is especially helpful if numbers are involved!

· Stay calm and be patient – the quickest way to ruin your assessment is to let things get heated. It’s fine to be firm, but getting into a shouting match never ends well.

· On the other side of that, try not to get too excited if the other team is about to accept a bad deal – if they notice it, they may reconsider.

· Be careful negotiating on future promises, unless you have a way to ensure performance e.g. security over an asset. If you can’t, focus on what’s there at the moment.

I have identified a few challenges affecting the legal profession over the next 10 years, for example, cyber security, technology, the Big 4, alternative billing models etc. How can I use my skills and experiences to assist the profession in meeting these challenges?

I have completed a vac scheme and got interviews at some top firms however I have never done more than make my application questions or cover letter very thorough, firm specific and clear. Obviously I have had a host of rejections as well.

I was thinking - do law firms want to see how your work experience ties in with a future trainee role..?! I have never done this, I usually just copy and paste my generic work experience but is this something I should be doing? In other words, should I be tailoring my work experience entries to that specific training contract firm?

Does anyone do this and is it a good idea?
(bearing in mind, I am not totally sure I have the time to construct amazing new work experience paragraphs without making it look like a lazy add on)

Thanks!

Firms like Slaughter May, Jones Day and White Case are amongst the few that an applicant is required to write a cover letter as part of their application.

I am just confused - Do I need to introduce myself and say what stage I am at - (I just think all my information will be present in the application form so why waste precious words in introducing myself)

But this is just my viewpoint - if anyone has written a cover letter for such firms - Please let me know how did you start it?

Any advice that you can share will be heavily appreciated

Hey guys, sorry I've been away for a while (exams are finally over!). I'll be starting these posts up again for this month.

Commercial Awareness Update 27/06/2018 - 04/07/2018

General Electric continues to sell off its assets

The Story: General Electric continues its strategic review to focus on Aviation, Power and Renewable Energy. The company will sell off its healthcare division and its stake in Baker Hughes, one of the world's largest oil field services companies. The news caused GE's share price to rise, and investors are positive that the company is being slimmed down, especially after years of debt, disorganisation and poor management. The company also announced an extra $500m in cuts by 2020.
The impact on businesses and law firms: In 2015, General Electric reviewed its M&A and finance legal panel. The firms appointed included Allen & Overy, Weil Gotshal and Manges, Freshfields and Slaughter and May. This year, General Electric will be reviewing its panel, which runs every four years. Clearly General Electric will be looking for law firms with strong M&A practices to help it unwind its stake in Baker Hughes and spin off its healthcare division. The law firms chosen can expect high fees and a high volume of work if they are selected, and those in the run in will have to think about how they pitch themselves.

The consequences of Trumps tariffs continue

The Story: Donald Trump has been criticising Harley-Davidson, the American motorcycle manufacturer that has announced plans to move some production out of America. The news comes as the EU has imposed tariffs on motorcycles imported from America in response to Trump's tariffs.
The impact on businesses and law firms: Trump's tariffs has caused the cost of metals to rise and reduces expected European sales to fall. That's because Harley Davidson relies on metals for production and 16% of motorcycle sales come from Europe. Other businesses have cut investment and look to be waiting before moving production and adjusting their supply chains. But if America continues to chase a trade war, we can expect more businesses to follow Harley Davidson.

The smartphone patent war has ended

The Story: Apple and Samsung have settled a seven-year dispute over patents. The dispute started in 2011, when Apple filed a suit claiming Samsung had copied the design of the iPhone in some of its productions, violating Apple's patents.
The impact on law firms: This legal dispute is said to be the most high profile patent case of the last decade. It took place in courts in ten countries and reached the US supreme court. Samsung initially lost the 2012 trial, awarding Apple $1 billion, but this was then reduced to $548 million, and this settlement suggests Samsung has given up trying to overturn the ruling.

Hi all,

Sorry for my prolonged absence. Had a holiday and then started working for a Lawtech company in June so have been busy.

Thought a quick write-up on education provider's response to the advancement of tech in the legal field may be interesting.

University of Manchester - Has launched an undergrad module in conjunction with Neota Logic & Freshfields - https://www.legalcheek.com/2018/06/...eshfields-to-launch-undergrad-lawtech-module/

University of Edinburgh - Have an LLM in Innovation, Technology and the Law - http://www.law.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/llm_msc/innovation_technology_and_law

University of Swansea - Have launched an LLM in Legaltech - http://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/law/llmlegaltech/

University of Westminster - Have launched an a core module for 2nd year students called 21st Century Law in conjunction with a new start-up lab they're running - https://www.westminster.ac.uk/law-courses/2018-19/september/full-time/law-llb-honours

University of Liverpool - Have announced a partnership with Kira Systems and Weightmans. Will be interesting to see if anything is incorporated into the undergrad degree - https://www.weightmans.com/media-ce...ems-to-develop-ai-capable-of-legal-reasoning/

Does anyone have any news about other providers who have announced anything?

Hi, I was wondering whether you have any tips/advice in regards to the linklaters TC app? Thank you.

Hi All, one of my TC app questions is as follows - which area of law or public policy would you like reformed and why? I wanted to answer this question with issues within family law (which I studied in my final year of my LLB). However the firm in question is very M&A and private equity heavy, would my answer to the above TC question be viewed negatively because it does not relate to corporate law?

Any thoughts on this or I am over thinking this yet again