We’ll be very honest: there is no checklist that applies to all international firms alike. Firms don’t usually set out to hire a type of candidate and there are many variables to account for. That said, as we have seen many applications (both successful and unsuccessful, and having completed training at international firms ourselves), we discuss below how to increase your chances of securing a training contract at your dream firm.
1. Completing a vacation scheme
If you are set on a career in law, a vacation scheme is crucial. Generally speaking, international law firms tend to hire trainees from their vacation scheme intake, and only consider direct training contract applications if they are unable to recruit the right talent from the vacation scheme pool. This should not come as a surprise, because firms get to assess way more in a month than what they can from an interview. During the scheme, you can therefore expect a series of tasks designed to test your competency and events to get to know you as a person.
So...how do you get a vacation scheme, and how do you convert that into a training contract?
2. Getting a vacation scheme
Plan ahead and do your research. Consider how many firms you can realistically apply to and prioritise them according to deadlines.
There is no fixed number of firms that we would suggest you apply to, but attempting five to ten seems to be sensible. The success of your application depends largely on whether you’re a “good fit” for the firm - something you won’t know until you actually work there. Rejections are common, so remember to stay positive and persistent. It’s not unusual to receive more than one offer either. Applying to more firms may give you the option to choose from more than one offer later on, and you won’t feel like you need to accept whichever offer that is thrown your way.
Because of the fierce competition, you can expect law firms to be strict about their minimum requirement for candidates to be on course to achieve a 2:1. Firms are also looking for good communicators, as they expect you to present solutions to clients in a clear and concise manner. The usual suspects, teamwork and commercial awareness, are of course also necessities for aspiring solicitors. The first hurdle here, however, is to get you from the paper application to an interview.
3. Submit an application that makes the recruiter want to meet you in person
One thing we know from reviewing applications is that they can get really boring. Most candidates seem to say the same things when asked open-ended questions like “why law?” and “why us?”.
Our advice here is: say something different, highlight what makes you standout and why the firm should choose you. Make sure your communication is effective. Your application forms the first impression, and thus your writing style is just as important as dressing properly to an interview. The application must also be tailored to the firm and supplemented with research.
We are experienced in reviewing applications and providing personalised comments based on your CV and tailored to the firms you apply to -- we prompt you to edit, write better and express your points in simple but effective terms. Book here or contact us to learn more.
4. Showcasing your unique selling point
While you are selling yourself, you don’t need to be arrogant or make up things that are untrue. Honesty is valued, and it’s better to show than tell.
If you do a word search of all the applications, the phrases “leadership skills”, “interpersonal skills”, “communication skills”, “attention to detail” and “commercial awareness” would probably yield a 99% hit. This doesn’t mean you should refrain from using these words, but everything you say should be backed up to a scenario which illustrates the point. Have a list of experience (work or personal) that you can use to support the skills that law firms look for, and be ready to concisely explain the context, how the skill was used, and the outcome achieved.
When choosing these experiences, it’s also good to talk about something other than the law. At the end of the day, firms are looking for interesting (and normal) people who can sustain a conversation.
We’ll cover interview tips more extensively in separate posts. Now, assuming you’ve gotten a spot on the firm's vacation scheme...
5. Converting a vacation scheme into a training contract
Once you secure a vacation scheme, you have 50% of the training contract in your pocket. But how do you get that remaining 50%?
It boils down to your personality and effort. A vacation scheme serves two purposes: (1) for the firm to know you on a work and personal level, and (2) for you to know the firm and its people. Remember - apart from technical competence, firms are always looking for candidates that they enjoy working with. Therefore, it is very important for you to make an effort to get to know the partners, associates and trainees and make sure they remember you personally. However, there is also a fine line between being personable and being a total suck up (which nobody likes), so don’t go over the top.
From a competency perspective, you will be assessed on the quality of the work you produce and the consistency of your performance. During a vacation scheme, you are likely to be assessed by trainees at the first instance and they are usually the ones providing written feedback at the end of your vacation scheme. You will also be invited to an exit interview with senior members of the firm at the end of your internship, during which you will be asked about your experience at the firm.
Be sure to reflect upon your experience during the scheme, and articulate how the experience has reinforced your desire to join the firm. During the scheme, have in mind the sort of questions that may come up and make notes of details that you’ll use to back up the points. Firms may also ask you what they can improve on. It would be good to give constructive criticisms and think about what you wish the firm had done.
Email us to sign up to our forthcoming webinar to find out how you can convert your vacation schemes into training contract offers!
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