Application technique
By the time you submit an application, you should have thoroughly researched the profession and know where it is that you want to apply. Mention why you are attracted to the firm or chambers in question (ie, the specialisms and unique characteristics that stood out in your research after following our advice in the previous chapter), and how your skills and qualities match what they are looking for. Andrew Campbell, a barrister at Queen Elizabeth Building and heavily involved with the chambers pupillage committee, explains: “An application form is in many ways a form of written advocacy. The case the candidate is presenting is why they should be offered a pupillage or mini-pupillage. Every question must be seen as an opportunity to impress, rather than a hurdle to overcome. The best answers will be like any good argument in court and will support the case with strong evidence.” Bear in mind the need to apply to a manageable number of firms or chambers. Ten well-researched and considered applications will serve you far better than 100 randomly fired-off CVs. Read on for targeted advice that will help you to create just such an application. What’s in a name? Firms and chambers take offence when you get their name wrong. One graduate recruitment partner at a regional firm recalls a student who “sent an application and covering letter for a training contract stating that ‘I would love to work at Withers.’ Wrong firm!” Don’t make this amateurish mistake. And don’t take it upon yourself to change the name of the firm by shortening it – Caroline Lindner, global communications and engagement senior manager and former trainee recruitment manager at Norton Rose Fulbright, says: “Along with spelling and grammatical errors, abbreviating the name of the firm should be avoided at all costs.”
Equally, don’t be the applicant who admitted to one City firm, on being called for interview, that “she couldn’t remember applying to us – we were not impressed!”. Timing Many firms and chambers fill their training places two years in advance. For law students, this means applying during the summer between the second and third year of your law degree. Non-law students should apply before starting the GDL. While budding solicitors should apply directly to firms for training contracts, the recruitment process for the Bar is different. Certain applications must be made through the centralised online pupillage application system, the Pupillage Gateway (www. pupillagegateway.com). See “Training as a barrister” on p116 for further details. Some smaller organisations accept applications just one year in advance. Head to the “Jobs” section of LawCareers.Net to see vacancies open at shorter notice. Many recruiters mention the importance of applying well before the official closing date: first, so you don’t have to rush to get the application done; second, because the most popular firms may well fill their quota of trainees before the deadline. A former head of graduate recruitment and development at a large City firm says: “Know your deadlines and find out whether the firm you are applying to recruits on a rolling basis, as this could influence when you submit your application.” The message here is clear – don’t let it go down to the wire. Presentation An application may be the first contact that you have with prospective employers. Make a good impression by convincing them that you have the necessary skills, experience, qualifications and enthusiasm for the job in question.
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THE LAWCAREERS.NET HANDBOOK
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