Becoming Jessica Pearson (An International Student's TC Journey)

[Jessica Pearson]

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 (DTC)
HSF Kramer (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 or how to be more specific about 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 law', '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)

NB: I am going to be working part time ish (like 30-45 hrs) while doing this so I'm not fully sure how I am going to be balancing it all. Pray for me *fingers crossed*. I'll try to post an update every now and again just to make sure I'm actually doing the work!
Also, if anyone has any other tips for preparing for the cycle beforehand, let me know. Please and thanks!

 

[Jaysen]

Sounds like an excellent game plan. I’m excited to follow your journey. And great thread title!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE

• I have been listening to the FT news briefing consistently (plus or minus one or two days). I'm still currently researching how to properly communicate my commercial awareness in interviews, so I had contacted some future trainees to ask for commercial questions they have been asked and tips on how to answer them.
• I haven't completed any psychometric tests in the past two weeks because I have been focused on applying for legal jobs, primarily in legal admin and paralegal positions. I feel like this is just rejection exposure therapy at this point 😭😭. All these entry-level jobs requiring 2-3 years' experience is crazy. At least I was able to get one interview, and I'm really hoping I get the job!
• I've drafted 2 versions of my 'why commercial law' and 1 version of my 'why me'.
• I have created an application timetable with some extra firms I'll consider if there's time.

REFLECTIONS

• I initially felt like I wasn't doing enough, but looking at the things I've achieved in the past two weeks makes me feel a bit better. Personally, I think the entire application process is more mentally daunting than the actual work. Waiting to hear back from firms stresses me more that writing the application or going for an interview

 

[Jessica Pearson]

UPDATE!!
Guys I got the job!! I'm so happy to finally get some legal experience... even though it's in criminal law. @Ram Sabaratnam do you have any advice on how I can translate this for my applications, especially regarding my motivations for commercial law?
I've also finished drafting my first application of the cycle! I'm trying to build the momentum of just writing the first draft because I tend to procrastinate because I want it to be perfect .

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @Jessica Pearson


that’s amazing news! I’m really glad to hear it. My own view is that any kind of experience (legal or non-legal) is a win. What matters is your ability to draw out the connections between this role, your other experiences, and your motivations for commercial law.

In terms of framing this experience for commercial law applications, it's definitely possible to draw out similarities/parallels. I did something similar in my own applications. For instance, for City firms with strong white collar, investigations, and fraud practices, I often discussed how my experience of doing a Government Legal Department scheme and shadowing a lawyer in the SFO, which sparked an interest in these matters. Even if you can't draw convincing parallels between the work you do in this new role and your motivations for commercial law, the experience is likely to help you develop skills that will assist you when you're a trainee solicitor. Depending on the work you do, you could definitely discuss how you've strengthened your client contact, communication, research, and organisational skills in ways that will make you a strong trainee. Ultimately, what matters is your ability to reflect on this opportunity and think about how it might speak to your overall profile as a candidate (and not only your motivations for commercial law).

Best of luck with the new role and your cycle!