Hey [USER=36891]@jojo23[/USER] , it's amazing that you're taking this step again, and that's already something to be proud of! Every application is a new opportunity, and even though it can feel daunting, you've likely gained so much experience and insight since your first round. It's never too late to find the right resources, and it's great that you've discovered this forum now! Just remember, every bit of progress, no matter how small, counts.
Standard Motivational Questions
- In an application for a commercial law firm, it would be good to cover your motivations for a career in the profession. Why have you decided to go into law? Why is it ’commercial’ law you want to go into? What it is about a career in this specific profession you want, that other jobs in say marketing or investment banking may not offer you? Really dig deep into your passions, interests, and work experiences to answer this. This shows demonstrated interest. Another thing candidates often forget is that you don’t necessarily need legal work experience to show demonstrated interest. Leverage all your experiences.
- Another focal point is to address the reasons why a particular firm appeals to you. Avoid generic points like stimulating work or an international presence - a lot of law firms, and indeed professions outside law, offer this. Firms will have specialties across a broad range of practices but will generally specialize in some practices more than others. Thoroughly explore a firm‘s practice offerings.
- Leverage any extracurriculars or achievements as this would suggest an ability to juggle multiple commitments - soft skills for lawyers. You would want to dig deep into your past involvements to answer this. Often times as candidates, we forget about how much we have done and how valuable these are to employers.
Number of Applications
There are two thoughtful approaches to consider when deciding how many applications to submit.
1. On one hand, some may choose to focus on a select few applications, dedicating significant time to understanding each firm’s values, practice areas, and aligning these with their personal passions. This approach allows for a deeply tailored application but can be seen as a higher-risk strategy, especially if only applying to a small number of firms.
2. On the other hand, the process can also be viewed as a numbers game. By applying to a wider range of firms that genuinely interest you, you not only increase your chances statistically but also improve with each application. The more you write, the more refined your responses become, which enhances your chances of progressing to assessment centres. Each stage you reach helps to strengthen your interview skills, ultimately increasing the likelihood of success.
