Choosing where to apply
entirely swayed by salary: a higher salary might be attractive but look at the long-term prospects and quality of training too. Many firms and chambers will hold events at your university/college campus, such as workshops, seminars and networking events at which you can learn about their work, clients and culture. You can also attend open days and go on work placement schemes and mini-pupillages, as well as do online research. And after a year of virtual events, it is likely that some of these will be set to stay as we emerge from the pandemic, so you can network with lawyers and gain insights into employers without leaving the house. Vanessa Harvey, recruitment manager at Milbank encourages aspiring lawyers to identify their USP. She says: “It’s an increasingly competitive market with thousands of applicants to hundreds of places. You need to stand out and be brave enough to bring your personality across in applications and on vacation schemes. Too often candidates try to be what they think the law firm wants them to be.” As a starting point, you should also consider the following factors when researching firms and trying to work out what you want from your career: • Type – commercial or high street? • Size – law factory or local firm? • Focus – highly specialised or a wide range of clients/practice areas? • Location – City or regional? • ‘Feel’ – high pressure or relaxed?
emphasis is on regular court work; for others, the volume of paperwork is much larger. And choose an area of law in which you have a genuine interest.” Students should ignore where their peers are looking to apply – what suits one person will not necessarily suit another. Ashton Chantrielle, a barrister at 8 New Square, says: “You should research not only your chambers, but also the area of law you’re going into. Every chambers will want someone who wants to be there and who makes an effort in getting to know what they do.” Learn more about what a pupil’s life at each of these might be like by reading the ‘Types of chambers’ chapter. What other factors are important? When considering applying for a training contract or pupillage, you might also want to bear in mind the following factors: • the work area/s you will experience on the training programme or pupillage; • the expectations of you as a trainee/pupil; • the firm’s or set’s overall reputation in the legal market; • any awards received (LawCareers.Net profiles firms recognised for training and recruitment); • any impending changes such as mergers that may affect the firm’s or set’s future; • any financial help offered during postgraduate training;
• trainee/pupil retention rates; • the firm’s or set’s client base;
• the salary on offer and any benefits; and • future opportunities and remuneration.
Work-life balance is also an important aspect to consider – lawyers do work hard and it is likely that you will have to work long-hours on occasion. However, most firms now also encourage their trainees to get involved in various additional activities, including sports teams, choirs and pro bono work, so it’s worth researching this as well. Equally, don’t be
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