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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 226418" data-attributes="member: 42112">Hi!Great question - it can definitely feel overwhelming, and I remember having no idea where to start! You're making the right move by focusing on certain areas rather than trying to gather information on absolutely every area of the firm. There isn't necessarily a strict criteria you should follow when researching, but a good way to structure your research is to look for information that helps you understand these areas:1. What makes the firm distinctive<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">What differentiates them from competitors, e.g. particular practice strengths, international strategy, culture, innovation focus, legal tech, etc.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Their values and how they put them into practice - this could be CSR initiatives, diversity programmes, or maybe they have a particular focus on pro bono work.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Any standout features that are marketed as core (+ distinctive) elements of the firm - as examples, this could be Travers Smith's room-sharing system, or Reed Smith's Professional SQE year</li> </ul>2. Training contract and development<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Make a note of things such as the structure of the TC - for example, the number of seats, how seat allocation works, any compulsory seats, formal training sessions, etc</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Any specific development opportunities that they advertise - i.e. client contact, responsibility levels, secondments (client or international), mentoring schemes within the firm, or any standout support systems.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">It's also worth noting what the firm looks for in trainees, which you can usually find on their website. This gives an example of how the firm supports growth as well</li> </ul>3. Their work, clients and sector involvement<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Research their main practice areas and some of their recent deals or cases, ideally ones that you find particularly interesting or that align with your career interests</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Have a clear understanding of any sectors that they work and operate in (e.g. tech, finance, energy, life sciences, transport) and any current market trends that are affecting those areas. This is where I would direct a lot of your commercial awareness preparation, as they are likely to ask any commercial questions on these areas</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The type of clients they work for - i.e. do they work for large corporates, financial institutions, start-ups? Then make a note of what this means for the nature of their work</li> </ul>4. Awards, rankings and market reputation<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">It's always handy to know their standout rankings on websites such as Legal 500 and Chambers - particularly for any seats that you are interested in</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Research and see if they have any awards for other areas, such as innovation, trainee development, DEI, sustainability, etc</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Their position in the market - for example, leading in disputes, a strong M&A practice, or known for cross-border matters, etc</li> </ul>5. Your own reflections<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Most importantly, have a think and reflect on why these points matter to you - what about the firm excites you or aligns with your interests?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Be prepared to discuss how the firm matches your working style or long-term career goals, and how you would be a good fit based on your research</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I'd also note any specific examples that you could reference in interviews or AC discussions that you can link to your research on the firm</li> </ul>Researching these sorts of areas helps turn firm research into something genuinely useful for interviews and ACs, and avoids you making an unnecessarily long 'fact sheet' on the firm. It's mainly about connecting what you learn from your research to why you want to work there!I hope that helps! <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

Verification: Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?

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