How to answer 'why this firm' when there's no information available about their cases?

[christina04]

I'm thinking of applying to BP Collins for a vac scheme as I'm interested by their high rankings in family law, which I want to specialise in. However, I can't seem to find any information about the cases they've worked on in this area - I've tried the firm's website, Legal Cheek, Times awards, etc. Would this put me at a disadvantage when talking about why I want to join the firm as it may look like I haven't researched enough/don't have a strong enough reason?

 

[axelbeugre]

I'm thinking of applying to BP Collins for a vac scheme as I'm interested by their high rankings in family law, which I want to specialise in. However, I can't seem to find any information about the cases they've worked on in this area - I've tried the firm's website, Legal Cheek, Times awards, etc. Would this put me at a disadvantage when talking about why I want to join the firm as it may look like I haven't researched enough/don't have a strong enough reason?

I would also try to use their LinkedIn page or alternatively follow the partners and associates in the department and look at what they post and what they like since they might share what they have worked on recently too.

It might put you at a disadvantage as it could appear generic so I would suggest to use every resource you have to find more about the firm and its work. Ideally, you could also message associates and lawyers working at the firm and ask them to speak to you about what they do and why they join the firm as you are really interested in having a similar path. This should work and I personally did it with some firms and it helped me massively to mention things that nobody would have known.

I hope this is helpful and good luck with your application!

 

[AlexJ]

I'm thinking of applying to BP Collins for a vac scheme as I'm interested by their high rankings in family law, which I want to specialise in. However, I can't seem to find any information about the cases they've worked on in this area - I've tried the firm's website, Legal Cheek, Times awards, etc. Would this put me at a disadvantage when talking about why I want to join the firm as it may look like I haven't researched enough/don't have a strong enough reason?

Have you tried reaching out to grad rec/ trainees at the firm on LinkedIn? This is how I got insight on firms difficult to research. The firm will be aware this is the case and happy to help in my experience

 

[christina04]

I would also try to use their LinkedIn page or alternatively follow the partners and associates in the department and look at what they post and what they like since they might share what they have worked on recently too.

It might put you at a disadvantage as it could appear generic so I would suggest to use every resource you have to find more about the firm and its work. Ideally, you could also message associates and lawyers working at the firm and ask them to speak to you about what they do and why they join the firm as you are really interested in having a similar path. This should work and I personally did it with some firms and it helped me massively to mention things that nobody would have known.

I hope this is helpful and good luck with your application!

Thank you for the advice - I'll try messaging associates at the law firm.

 

[christina04]

Have you tried reaching out to grad rec/ trainees at the firm on LinkedIn? This is how I got insight on firms difficult to research. The firm will be aware this is the case and happy to help in my experience

Thanks for the advice! I'll try reaching out to trainees or associates.