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The training contract application process can feel daunting, particularly if it’s your first time applying or you don’t have experience in the legal industry. While everyone’s experience will be different, I have set out some practical things to consider as you navigate the application process.
1. Understand what type of firm you’re looking for
Law firms come in all shapes and sizes, from smaller high-street practices to large international firms, so it is important to consider what sort of firm best suits the career you want to build. Looking at a firm’s website is a great place to start, but it’s difficult to understand the culture of a firm through a screen.
Many firms hold in-person or online events and open days, giving you the chance to attend sessions about the firm, meet current trainees and even get top tips on applications. These events are invaluable in helping you decide if a firm is the right fit for you. If you’re considering applying to Michelmores, we have a number of upcoming Early Careers events which you can sign up to here.
2. Don’t underestimate your existing experience
When writing your application or preparing for an interview, it’s important not to overlook your non-legal work experience. It’s easy to think that certain experience isn’t relevant, but you may be surprised by the transferable skills you have developed.
When I applied for training contracts, aside from pro bono volunteering at university, my experience was in hospitality, childcare and the beauty industry. These roles helped me develop my organisation, commercial awareness, communication and time management skills, which I was then able to discuss in my interview. It’s important to go beyond purely listing your skills and instead demonstrate them through real-life examples.
If you have limited work experience, think about your hobbies and life experiences too. Remember, you’re applying for a training role, so firms are looking for future potential, not just what you’ve already achieved.
3. Quality over quantity
It’s important to take time to research the firm you are applying for and tailor each application rather than firing out hundreds of applications. I was once told that if you could copy and paste your application to a different firm then it was not tailored enough – this was a piece of advice I always went back to when writing my applications!
Take a look at the type of work the firm offers and whether this aligns with your interests – is there anything specific that one firm offers that you’re keen to learn more about? What recent successes has the firm shared and why do they interest you?
In addition to the work the firm does, have a look at their values and any ESG initiatives and see if anything stands out to you. These are great talking points in your application, interview and if you’re attending firm events.
4. Be yourself
It can be tempting to write what you think a firm wants to hear, but your application is also an opportunity to show who you are and what genuinely interests you. Remember that anything you include in your application could become a talking point at interview, so make sure you feel comfortable expanding on it and explaining why it interests you.
Rather than choosing topics simply because you think they sound impressive or because other applicants might discuss them, focus on topics that genuinely interest you. This will make it easier to talk about them naturally in an interview and allow your personality to come through.
5. Make the most of the resources available to you
There are lots of free resources available to support you through the training contract process, including trainee blogs, virtual law fairs, webinars and other online events. It’s important to make the most of these to build your understanding of the profession and strengthen your applications.
When it comes to experience, see if there are any charities you can volunteer with or pro bono projects you can get involved in. These are great ways to develop your skills if you are struggling to secure any legal work experience.
If you’re at university, you’ll likely have a careers team who can support you throughout the application process. I was lucky enough to be able to attend several application workshops and even undertake a mock interview. Universities also often host law fairs where you can meet representatives from a range of firms, learn more about the opportunities they offer and ask any questions you may have.
6. Rejection is normal
Rejection is a common part of the process – try not to get too disheartened and instead focus on the positives.
Whether it was through writing the application, attending an open day or participating in a vacation scheme, you will have learnt something from the process. It’s important to reflect on what went well and what could have gone better so that you can adjust your approach going forward.
The overall takeaway
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to training contract applications – everyone’s experience will be different. The application process can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to learn more about the profession, different firms and what you want from your future career.
Be yourself, focus on your own experiences and interests and take each application as an opportunity to develop your skills and experience. Most importantly, don’t be discouraged by setbacks along the way.
If you’re interested in training with Michelmores, you can find our current Early Careers Vacancies here.