Help needed: application questions about a firm's clients...

[Jasmin1777]

Considering a lot of the information about a law firm's clients is not in the public domain, why do law firms ask application questions about them? I am really struggling to answer an 800 word application question about which client I would most like to work with if I were a trainee at the firm... even after much googling I am still struggling to find a client worthy of 800 words. Also, as I am applying to a regional office - I am keen to select a client I would actually be working with rather than showing a lack of knowledge by selecting a client in an area of law that the Northern office doesn't even work in.

 

[Jaysen]

Considering a lot of the information about a law firm's clients is not in the public domain, why do law firms ask application questions about them? I am really struggling to answer an 800 word application question about which client I would most like to work with if I were a trainee at the firm... even after much googling I am still struggling to find a client worthy of 800 words. Also, as I am applying to a regional office - I am keen to select a client I would actually be working with rather than showing a lack of knowledge by selecting a client in an area of law that the Northern office doesn't even work in.

I've never seen an 800-word question like that - sounds quite specific to the regional firm! Your best bet is to use the firm's website to find a client and then go through the associated articles/press releases. When answering the question, it's an opportunity to show your interest in commercial law as well as your commercial understanding. You might find it helpful to ask yourself questions: What deals has that client undertaken and why is that interesting to you? What is interesting about the sector the client works in? Why would the role of a trainee lawyer be interesting here - what would it expose you to?

 

[Lumree]

Is this WBD? I’d consider, as Jaysen says, what client works in a field you’re interested in? It helps to go beyond the law firm here and really dig into your chosen company’s expertise/line of work/sector.

If you’re struggling to find a client, firstly check out websites like Chambers student for the firm’s main clients. You could also use Legal 500!

 

[Jasmin1777]

Is this WBD? I’d consider, as Jaysen says, what client works in a field you’re interested in? It helps to go beyond the law firm here and really dig into your chosen company’s expertise/line of work/sector.

If you’re struggling to find a client, firstly check out websites like Chambers student for the firm’s main clients. You could also use Legal 500!

Yes it's WBD - I can find a few clients but it is difficult to check whether they will be applicable to the Newcastle office other than making sure they have that department in the Newcastle office. Thank you!

 

[Changes]

See if any of their clients are HQ’d in the north east that wouldn’t be covered by another office? Do any of the articles about deals talk about which offices/teams were involved?

It might be worth giving HR a call, it may be that they’re not expecting you to choose a client that’s definitely covered by the specific office, especially if that info isn’t readily available.