First-year Insight Scheme Application

[Iliana Amor]

Hello, as I know this platform is home to advice guiding students to apply for first-year open days and insight schemes in London Law firms. I was wondering if there is any specific way to begin the application process. Although I am aware of the general idea that one should use the specific firm's values, practice and core principles to relate to my own academic, work or legal experience, I wonder how exactly the application should be formatted. I understand that the application should showcase my willingness to learn rather then act as a CV application by promoting my experiences, but if there are any tips on how to start writing it, it would be very helpful!

Thank you!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hello, as I know this platform is home to advice guiding students to apply for first-year open days and insight schemes in London Law firms. I was wondering if there is any specific way to begin the application process. Although I am aware of the general idea that one should use the specific firm's values, practice and core principles to relate to my own academic, work or legal experience, I wonder how exactly the application should be formatted. I understand that the application should showcase my willingness to learn rather then act as a CV application by promoting my experiences, but if there are any tips on how to start writing it, it would be very helpful!

Thank you!

Hi @Iliana Amor and welcome to the TCLA forum - this is indeed the best place to come to for any and all commercial law-related questions ! As for your specific query about formatting a first year scheme/open day application, I would be happy to give you more detailed advice if you let me know the exact questions you are asked on the application form. In terms of general advice, I would say the following:

1. If you are answering a motivational question (why the firm, why commercial law, etc), aim for the following type of structure in each paragraph: (i) State succinctly the aspect of the firm/commercial law that you are attracted by or interested in; (ii) explain why the aforementioned aspect is attractive/interesting to you; and (iii) illustrate this point by connecting it to a relevant example of an experience where you were interested/attracted to a similar thing.
2. If you are answering a skills-based question (why you, what relevant abilities do you have, etc), aim for the following type of structure in each paragraph: (i) State succinctly the skill/ability you possess; (ii) provide evidence to the effect that you actually possess this skill/ability by describing an example of an experience which demonstrates it; and (iii) explain why the skill/ability is relevant for succeeding as a trainee/commercial lawyer or for simply doing well in an insight scheme.
3. When describing your experiences, follow the STAR structure: first explain the Situation (the background context to the experience - how did it come about?), then the Task (what you were meant to do), then the Action (what did you in fact do, and how did you go about doing it? - here, you should try to be extremely specific on what you individually did, rather than for instance what a team you were part of did), and finally the Result (how well were you able to do what you did? - are there any quantifiable/concrete results, were you commended for your work, etc),
4. Generally, aim for a concise, formal, structured, and above all a very clear writing style - so signpost a lot, be specific with your points, avoid using unnecessary jargon, and try to get to the essence of the point quickly.

 

[Sonia2004]

Hello, as I know this platform is home to advice guiding students to apply for first-year open days and insight schemes in London Law firms. I was wondering if there is any specific way to begin the application process. Although I am aware of the general idea that one should use the specific firm's values, practice and core principles to relate to my own academic, work or legal experience, I wonder how exactly the application should be formatted. I understand that the application should showcase my willingness to learn rather then act as a CV application by promoting my experiences, but if there are any tips on how to start writing it, it would be very helpful!

Thank you!

Hi Iliana,

Here are some tips that will help you ensure your application is not generic and becomes very tailored to the firm. Alongside the useful advice Andrei has provided, for 'why x firm' I would also add:

1. Specific partner names. When you mention a deal, if there are notable partners (such as those who have won awards, or progressed into partnership quickly), mention their names. Mention how this will give you valuable mentorship opportunities (and link to the firms mentoring programs they have). Also, research their background e.g if the deal you are speaking of would have undergone extensive regulatory scrutiny and the partner has previous advice working in-house with the regulatory, that would be very helpful for the case, and shows your commercial awareness.

2. Mention their clients, why this client is important to the firm, and what their expectations may be (of course, make sure it is relevant to the case etc).

3. Mention any non-legal services the firm may offer that could be useful in distinguishing the firm e.g is the firm's AI speciality the main USP?

I hope those tips are helpful!!

 

[Sian]

Hi @Iliana Amor

Thanks for sharing! The advice you’ve already received here is really strong and detailed, and it’s great to see you thinking carefully about tailoring your applications. I wanted to add a few slightly different points that might help you start your application with impact:

1. Start with curiosity or a question
Instead of diving straight into why you like the firm, you could begin with a short, reflective statement or question about something the firm has done recently for e.g., a notable transaction, initiative, or insight programme. This immediately shows engagement and frames your motivation as a genuine interest rather than a generic “I like your firm” statement.

2. Link learning goals to the firm
As you mentioned, the focus should be on willingness to learn. You could start by highlighting what you hope to gain from the scheme or insight day, for example, exposure to client interactions, understanding commercial decision-making, or observing transactional work, and then tie it to something specific the firm does. This draws a clear line between your curiosity and the firm’s opportunities.

3. Use a micro-story or concrete detail
Even one short sentence illustrating your engagement with law such as a small project, academic insight, or extracurricular experience, can make the opening memorable. Think of it as a “hook” that reflects your personality and proactive attitude.

From my experience as a Campus Ambassador, applications that begin with a clear, specific, and reflective opening tend to flow naturally for the rest of the responses and immediately stand out to recruiters.

Best of luck!