Law Training Contracts: Application Strategies For Success

Applying for a law training contract is a highly competitive process, with recruiters receiving hundreds, even thousands, of applications per year. To stand out, applicants must submit a strong academic record, relevant work experience, and a tailored cover letter and CV.

The application process typically involves completing an online form, providing academic records, work experience, and skills, as well as a personal statement and academic reference. Verbal reasoning tests and assessment centres are also common steps in the process.

It is important to research the firm and demonstrate a genuine interest in the organisation and role. Applicants should also be mindful of spelling and grammar, as well as the tone and language used in their application, ensuring it is professional and concise.

Additionally, applicants should be mindful of deadlines, with most training contracts at City and national firms having a 31 July deadline. Applying early and demonstrating a clear understanding of the firm and role is key to a successful application.

Research the firm and the role

Researching the firm and the role is an essential step in the application process for a law training contract. This step will help you tailor your application to each organisation and stand out from other graduates who want to become solicitors. Here are some tips on how to research the firm and the role effectively:

• Firm Background Information: Find out the areas of legal practice the firm covers, its strongest areas of law, office locations, main competitors, history and defining moments (such as mergers), diversity of legal staff, growth strategy, recent noteworthy cases or transactions, unique offerings compared to competitors, and the firm's culture.
• Training Contract Structure: Understand the firm's training contract structure, including the number of trainee solicitors they take on each year, the seat rotation system, secondment opportunities, academic requirements, sponsorship for legal qualifications, required competencies and skills, recruitment process, application deadline, trainee salary and benefits, opportunities for pro bono work, and retention rates after qualification.
• Firm Culture and Appeal: Explore the firm's core values, reputation, self-portrayal on social media, encouragement of socialising among staff, and your own reasons for being attracted to the firm. If you have participated in a vacation scheme or open day, reflect on what you observed about the firm's culture, work, clients, and training.
• People: Research the partners who will be interviewing you by checking their profiles on the firm's website or LinkedIn. Look into their specialisations, whether they trained at the firm, and any other relevant details.
• Work and Clients: Understand the nature of the firm's cases, notable clients, and accomplishments. If it is a large firm, you may find information about their client base and high-profile cases in the news.
• Training and Development: Learn about the firm's training and development opportunities. Are they open to supporting your personal growth initiatives, such as learning a new language or gaining additional qualifications?
• Deals and Examples: Research the firm's recent deals or examples of their work. Look for press releases on their website or publications on legal websites (Lexology, The Lawyer, Law360, etc.). Understand the impact of these deals on the firm and the market.
• Reach Out: Connect with current trainees and associates on LinkedIn or attend graduate recruitment events to gain first-hand insights into the firm's culture, training opportunities, and day-to-day work life.

Prepare a cover letter and CV

The cover letter and CV are crucial components of your application for a law training contract. Here are some tips to help you prepare these documents effectively:

• Understand your goals and competencies: Before writing your cover letter, reflect on your motivations for becoming a solicitor and the skills you possess. Make two lists: one outlining your reasons for pursuing this career and what you hope to enjoy about it, and another listing your experiences and the skills they helped you develop (e.g., attention to detail, interpersonal skills, teamwork). This will provide raw material for your cover letter and help you identify firms that align with your interests.
• Research and shortlist firms: Creating a tailored application takes time, so be strategic about the firms you choose to apply to. Consider factors such as location, size, work areas, and partnership opportunities. Aim for a shortlist of around five to ten firms that match your interests and criteria.
• Understand application requirements: Different firms have varying application processes, so ensure you carefully review and follow the instructions provided. Most applications will require an online form detailing your academic record, work experience, and skills, along with a personal statement explaining your interest in the firm. Some firms may also ask for an academic reference.
• Pay attention to details and deadlines: Ensure your application is free of spelling and grammar errors, as these are common reasons for rejection. Proofread your application carefully and ask someone else to review it as well. Adhere to word limits and submit your application well before the deadline.
• Tailor your cover letter: A cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your interest in the firm and explain why you are a good fit. Start by introducing yourself and your background, then highlight your experience and passion for the legal sector. Demonstrate your knowledge of the firm by referring to specific deals or cases they have worked on that interest you. Keep your cover letter concise, ideally within one page.
• Craft a compelling CV: Focus on using a clear and simple format for your CV, with a safe font, basic colours, and adequate line spacing. Include a brief overview at the top of the page, highlighting your current educational institution, concise work experience examples, and adjectives describing your character or personality. Provide details of your educational achievements, including grades and predicted grades if you are still studying. If you have legal work experience, include it, and if not, showcase other unique experiences. List your work experience in order of relevance, with the most relevant roles at the top. Aim to keep your CV within one side of A4.

Know the deadlines

Deadlines are a crucial aspect of the application process for law training contracts, and it is important to stay organised to ensure you don't miss any important dates. Training contract application cycles typically align with the first term of the academic year, so you'll likely be busiest with applications between September and November.

Most training contracts at City and national firms have a 31st July deadline. However, deadlines vary between firms, with most occurring in January, May, June, and July. It is essential to check the websites of individual firms for exact dates and set reminders to ensure you don't miss any application windows. Some firms recruit on a rolling basis, so they will review applications as they come in and may invite candidates for interviews before the official deadline has passed. Therefore, applying as early as possible is generally good advice.

If you're a law student, the ideal time to apply for a training contract is in the summer of your penultimate year. For non-law students, the recommended timeframe is the autumn of your final year or as a graduate. It is worth noting that some firms may have specific requirements or preferences for when applicants should apply, so be sure to consult the firm's recruitment website for detailed information.

When preparing your application, it is crucial to manage your time effectively. Crafting a quality application takes significant time and effort, so it is advisable to apply to a smaller number of firms and focus on submitting tailored and well-prepared applications rather than rushing to apply to many firms.

Additionally, try to avoid submitting your application at the last minute. Applying well ahead of the deadline can help your application stand out, as a high proportion of forms received in the final days before a deadline tend to be lower in quality.

Understand the application process

The application process for a law training contract can be competitive, so it's important to spend time perfecting your application. Here are some steps to help you understand and navigate the application process:

• Understand your goals and competencies: Start by articulating your motivations for pursuing a career in law and becoming a solicitor. Identify your skills and experiences that align with the role. This will help you determine the type of firm you want to apply to and provide content for your cover letters and application forms.
• Create a shortlist of firms: Research and select a shortlist of firms you want to apply to. Consider factors such as location, size, work areas, and partnership opportunities. Be realistic about your chances at each firm and choose a manageable number of firms to focus on.
• Prepare your application materials: Most applications will require an online application form, a CV, and a cover letter. Ensure your application materials are well-written, concise, and tailored specifically to each firm. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and word limits. Seek feedback from others before submitting.
• Timing and deadlines: Aim to apply as early as possible within the application window. Most training contracts have deadlines ranging from January to July, with many firms having a 31st July deadline. Prioritize firms that deal with applications on a rolling basis.
• Understand the selection process: After submitting your application, be prepared for potential assessment centres, interviews, and competency-based interviews. Some firms may also use verbal reasoning tests in conjunction with application forms.
• Stand out: Recruiters receive numerous applications, so it's important to make yours stand out. Showcase your unique experiences, skills, and passion for the legal sector. Demonstrate your commercial awareness and analytical abilities.

Be aware of the competition

When applying for a law training contract, it's important to remember that you're likely to be up against a lot of competition. Recruiters can receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications every year. So, it's crucial that you spend time perfecting your application to stand out and secure an interview or assessment centre invitation. Here are some tips to help you navigate the competitive landscape:

Understand the Odds

Recognise that the odds of securing a training contract vary significantly between firms. At elite US or Magic Circle law firms, the success rate can be as low as 20% or even 5%. Your chances improve based on criteria such as the university you attended and your academic grades. A 1st-class degree, for instance, can significantly enhance your prospects compared to a 2:1.

Start Early

Many firms recruit a year or two in advance of the training contract start date. Aim to apply by May or June of your penultimate year if you're a law student or your final year if you're a non-law student. Applying early demonstrates initiative and gives you an edge over those who wait until the last minute. It also shows your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.

Craft a Tailored Application

Firms want to see evidence that you have specifically chosen their organisation as the place to pursue your career. A generic application that could be sent to any firm is unlikely to impress. Take the time to research the firm, its culture, its recent deals, and its key practice areas. Demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the firm in your cover letter and application form.

Pay Attention to Details

First impressions count. Ensure your application is free of spelling and grammar mistakes. Poor presentation, whether written or verbal, will not be tolerated by firms. Remember that your application reflects your ability to communicate clearly, a critical skill for solicitors. Proofread your application carefully and ask someone else to review it as well.

Highlight Your Unique Experiences

While strong academic records and relevant work experience are essential, learning to sell your unique experiences is just as important. Reflect on your journey, your extracurricular activities, and your passions. Think about how your experiences have shaped your skills and interests and how they align with the firm's values and culture.

Be Authentic

Firms are not just looking for excellent qualifications and work experience; they also want to understand how you tick as an individual. Let your personality shine through in your application and interviews. Be genuine and allow your answers to tell your story. This will help the firm determine if you are a good fit for their culture and team.

Frequently asked questions