Hello everyone!!
As the new application cycle is approaching, I have decided to create my own thread and keep myself accountable.
A bit about me: I am an international student who recently graduated with a 2:1 from a non-RG uni and 3 Bs at A levels (was still getting used to the UK system at the time
). I was involved in some extracurricular activities while at uni: Secretary and Treasurer of my uni's law society (2nd and 3rd year), VC of the volleyball team, campus ambassador for an organisation. I also have some office and customer service experience (through part-time jobs).
My goal in this new cycle is for it to be my last. I didn't take this (2024/2025) cycle as seriously as I was focused on my grades. I applied to 5 firms, got 1 PFO post app, 3 post online test, and 1 post interview. I learned that I need to improve my commercial awareness and video interviewing skills. My applications could also be more tailored.
MY PLAN
I'm not fully sure what kind of firm I want to work in yet as I don't have any formal legal work experience yet, so I plan to apply to a range of them (11 firms):
Freshfields (VS)
HSF (VS)
Pinsent Masons (VS)
Simmons & Simmons (VS)
CMS (DTC)
CC (DTC)
Reed Smith (VS)
Addleshaw Goddard (VS)
OC (VS)
DLA Piper (VS)
Baker McKenzie (VS)
If anyone has any advice on whether and how to be more specific on the type of firm, please let me know!
MY ACTION PLAN
Also, if anyone has any other tips for preparing for the cycle beforehand, let me know. Please and thanks!
As the new application cycle is approaching, I have decided to create my own thread and keep myself accountable.
A bit about me: I am an international student who recently graduated with a 2:1 from a non-RG uni and 3 Bs at A levels (was still getting used to the UK system at the time
). I was involved in some extracurricular activities while at uni: Secretary and Treasurer of my uni's law society (2nd and 3rd year), VC of the volleyball team, campus ambassador for an organisation. I also have some office and customer service experience (through part-time jobs).My goal in this new cycle is for it to be my last. I didn't take this (2024/2025) cycle as seriously as I was focused on my grades. I applied to 5 firms, got 1 PFO post app, 3 post online test, and 1 post interview. I learned that I need to improve my commercial awareness and video interviewing skills. My applications could also be more tailored.
MY PLAN
I'm not fully sure what kind of firm I want to work in yet as I don't have any formal legal work experience yet, so I plan to apply to a range of them (11 firms):
Freshfields (VS)
HSF (VS)
Pinsent Masons (VS)
Simmons & Simmons (VS)
CMS (DTC)
CC (DTC)
Reed Smith (VS)
Addleshaw Goddard (VS)
OC (VS)
DLA Piper (VS)
Baker McKenzie (VS)
If anyone has any advice on whether and how to be more specific on the type of firm, please let me know!
MY ACTION PLAN
- Listen to the FT news briefing everyday. I have already started creating this habit so I could get a better understanding of commercial news and how they affect clients and law firms. I think what I'm struggling with now is how to communicate that in interviews and stuff.
- Practice each type of psychometric test at least once a week. I am currently using Graduate First and Assessment day.
- Pre-draft my 'why law', 'why commercial', 'why me', and 'why this firm'. I think this will help me write applications faster. The first three can be applied to all firms and I can tweak the last one to whatever question the firm asks about them.
- Create an application timetable. I currently gave myself 3 applications per month so we'll see how feasible that will be.
- Create and experience and interview questions bank. Most firms ask for similar, if not the same, skills and/or experience so I think it'll more efficient to get this done early (though I've only actually started the experience bank haha)
Also, if anyone has any other tips for preparing for the cycle beforehand, let me know. Please and thanks!
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