worth applying to lower tier firms this summer?

[rocky123]

hi,

I'd like to get some work experience next summer, but I don't think I'm ready yet to apply to my choice firms. Is it worth applying to less competitive firms, just to get some experience this summer? my worry was that when I eventually make my applications for my chosen firms and they see less competitive firms on my cv it might somehow disadvantage me? but I have no idea if it works like this so wanted to ask. For context I am non-law at Oxbridge, going into my final year and hopefully doing a master's degree after BA. Thank you!

 

[abbietc03]

Hi!

That's a really great question! Your academic background is really strong, and it's great that you are looking to get some work experience this summer. I wouldn't worry too much about whether it is a less competitive firm, as all experience is good experience. For example, working at a free legal advice centre or doing admin work in a law firm can be really beneficial when making applications.

For context, I completed a placement year during my degree at a niche firm in London that I assume would be labelled a 'less competitive' firm. I think that the main value of gaining work experience, beyond making your application stronger, is the skills and confidence you gain from it! This makes things such as assessment centres, interviews, and vacation schemes easier. I found that I was more confident in vacation schemes than some of my cohort, as they had never been in that office environment before, and I had experienced it and knew the general office etiquette and some of the systems used.

Even gaining a week or two of experience at a firm can be incredibly useful, as I did a week's work experience at a less competitive firm in my uni town, and it gave me a really good insight into a practice area that I had not encountered before. This can strengthen your motivations when applying for your choice firms, as you can show you have experienced working in a certain area for a week and now know that you would like to learn more about the area.

Most competitive firms won't offer these kinds of work experience schemes outside of their vacation schemes, so competitive firms won't expect you to have a wide range of experience from city firms, as they know it is unrealistic. The majority of applicants won't have much legal work experience, so any experience you can gain, even at high-street firms or less competitive firms, will be really beneficial for your application and your skill set.

I hope that all makes sense! Let me know if you need me to clarify anything, and best of luck

 

[ZNadeem]

hi,

I'd like to get some work experience next summer, but I don't think I'm ready yet to apply to my choice firms. Is it worth applying to less competitive firms, just to get some experience this summer? my worry was that when I eventually make my applications for my chosen firms and they see less competitive firms on my cv it might somehow disadvantage me? but I have no idea if it works like this so wanted to ask. For context I am non-law at Oxbridge, going into my final year and hopefully doing a master's degree after BA. Thank you!

Hi! I’d definitely still apply to your “choice” firms too — you have nothing to lose, and with a strong application you could progress further than you think. On the “competitive vs. less competitive” point, in reality there isn’t much difference — firms one might think are less competitive often offer fewer places, which can actually make them just as competitive in terms of making it past the application stage.

I’d focus on applying to firms you’re genuinely interested in, rather than categorising them by competitiveness. And don’t worry — any work experience, big or small, will strengthen your CV as long as you can reflect on it well and explain what you learnt from it.

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Hi @rocky123!

I completely echo the advice above.

I would definitely try and pursue opportunities at both 'safer' and 'first-choice' firms if you have the time.

As @ZNadeem said, you have nothing to lose, especially if you are planning on completing a master's after your degree regardless. Widening your options will increase your chances of securing a placement for the summer while also helping you master the valuable skill of writing applications on top of full-time university work.

Good luck!