Hi!Hi guys! I'm currently filling in the BCLP application form, which contains the following question (with a 500-word limit!):
"What do you find attractive about BCLP's sectors/departments and which area(s) are you interested in having exposure to in your Training Contract and why?"
Does anyone have any ideas on how candidates are supposed to approach answering this? For example, would it be valid to start by focusing on sectors that BCLP specialises in that I find attractive (and, of course, explain why) - e.g. healthcare, energy, etc; and then go on to particular departments that I find interesting (e.g. M&A, Real Estate, Finance) and dovetail that with why I'd like to have exposure to those areas during my TC (perhaps with reference to specific seats that BCLP do?)
If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be very grateful!
You're definitely on the right track! The way that I would approach this question is to see it as asking why BCLP's work appeals to you and how that shapes what you'd want to explore during your training contract, rather than dividing it into two separate elements.
Starting with sectors works well, particularly as BCLP is quite sector-driven - I would just make sure that you are not simply naming sectors like healthcare or energy in your answer, but explaining why you find them attractive from a commercial or legal perspective (and why BCLP's position in those sectors stands out to you). This can be by referencing your past experiences or discussing what your overall career goals are and how those areas fit into that.
From there, it makes sense to move into departments / seats, but ideally you would address them in a way that links back to those sectors. For example, you might explain how a sector you are interested in cuts across various departments (e.g. corporate, finance, real estate, or disputes), and why gaining exposure to those departments during your TC would help you understand the sector holistically.
You definitely don't need to cover everything BCLP does. I would encourage you to focus on a small number of sectors and a few relevant departments, and explore these in depth, rather than trying to discuss lots of areas briefly. This will give you more space to link to your past experiences and show research, which will make your application personalised and tailored (and help you stand out!). Additionally, referencing BCLP's seat structure or their specific training approach can also help to show that you've thought carefully about how the TC itself would allow you to develop those interests.
Overall, I'd say that if your answer clearly shows why BCLP's work excites you and how their training contract specifically supports your curiosity and development, you'll be addressing the question fully. I hope that helps!
