form and interview. However, a week or two spent with lawyers and support staff is the best way for both firm and student to make an informed decision about each other. Because they are so useful, I suggest you treat your applications for summer schemes as seriously as – if not more seriously than – your training contract applications.” This is your opportunity to show off your skills and charms to their very best advantage. So while there, make sure that you really do all you can to be your best possible self. That means: • asking questions; • showing enthusiasm and initiative; • taking advantage of all opportunities that are offered; and • behaving professionally. Equally, if you are at a firm or chambers, you should be assessing whether it is the sort of place in which you can imagine working. If you are at one of the other voluntary schemes (eg, Citizens Advice or a pro bono clinic), make sure you are taking mental notes about how you respond to the type of work to which you are being exposed. What sparks your interest? What makes you switch off? What would you like to learn more about? Don’t forget, it’s a two-way process. What about afterwards? Send a brief email thanking the recruiter for your placement/mini-pupillage/DIY work experience. Add a personal touch along the lines of how you think the experience has helped you at the outset of your career and what you most enjoyed. It may be worth jotting down some thoughts
and impressions of the experience to focus your mind. This will allow you at interview to talk about how it helped in terms of your future plans and overall knowledge of the legal profession.
Reality check: Some firms recruit trainees directly from work placements, so it is worth getting onto a scheme if possible. In addition, you should be asking family members, friends, teachers and even friends of friends if they know anyone working in the legal profession who might be able to help you get some work experience.
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