@Abbie Whitlock
Hi, I hope you're well!
How do you discuss why you're interested in a particular practice area, especially if a firm is really known for that sector, if you have no experience in that area? Alternatively, I was thinking of discussing how the firm has Band 1 rankings in transactional and contentious departments, and I want to gain a breadth of experience - do you think that might be a better approach, or is it better to focus on a firm's prominent areas?
Thank you!
Hey!
I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!
It is really common to not have direct experience in an area you are interested in, so don't worry! The firm will be more interested in why the work itself interests you, and you can show this by referring to the type of work involved (e.g. problem-solving in disputes) and why that appeals to you. I always found it helpful to find online programmes, such as Forage, for specific practice areas and have a go at completing those (even if they are for a different firm), as you can use that to explain what interests you about the area.
It is also completely fine to emphasise breadth of exposure. If the firm has strong rankings across both transactional and contentious teams, it makes sense to say that you are attracted to the opportunity to explore a range of areas during the training contract.
If the firm is particularly known for a certain practice area, it can be a good idea to mention it briefly to show you have researched the firm. However, you don't need to build your whole answer around it if you don't have a strong interest there
