How to ace your training contract application with our checklist

👇 First-generation #LawStudents: what nobody tells you about applications & interviews. When you’re the first in your family to pursue law, the process can feel like walking into a room where everyone else already knows the rules. Here are 5 tips I wish someone had handed me: 1️⃣ Decode the language– Phrases like #CommercialAwareness aren’t about memorising the FT. They’re about showing you understand how law firms and clients make money. 2️⃣ Practice competency answers – Don’t just list what you did. Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to show your impact. It feels formulaic, but it works. (take a look at my recent LinkedIn post on how to tackle Competency based questions) 3️⃣ Research beyond the website– Speak to trainees, alumni, or people on LinkedIn. Firms want to see why them– not just why law. 4️⃣ Prepare questions– Not “what’s the culture like?” (too vague). Try: “How does feedback work for trainees here?” 5️⃣ Build confidence through practice – Mock interviews with friends, mentors, or even in front of a mirror or recording yourself on your 🤳. Confidence isn’t innate – it’s rehearsed. 👉 The#HiddenCurriculum in law means some people get this advice at the dinner table. If you didn’t, you can still learn it. 💬 What’s one application or interview tip you wish you’d known earlier? I keep talking about #SocialMobility and the #HiddenCurriculum as they matter as much today as they did when I trained to be a #solicitor many years ago. Because if you’re the first in your family to enter law, no one passes you that “rulebook” in advance. #SocialMobility #HiddenCurriculum #FutureLawyers #LawStudents

Today we kick off with Day One of the #SQE2 Revision Masterclass, focusing on the two key skills every candidate must master: 🚀 Day One: #SQE2 Oral Skills Revision Masterclass! 🎤 Client Interview & Attendance Note / Legal Analysis (morning) ⚖️ Advocacy (afternoon) Participants will: ✅ Practise live exercises with guided feedback ✅ Learn tips, strategies, and structure for success in interviews and advocacy ✅ Watch and analyse real candidate videos – spotting strengths and identifying how to improve ✅ Explore examples of good practice and common pitfalls Here’s today’s agenda in detail ⬇️ SQE2 Oral Skills Assessments 📢 Interview & Attendance Note / Legal Analysis (i) Interviewing Element - The Interview – A Suggested Approach - Summarising and checking accuracy of information with client (ii) Attendance Note / Legal Analysis Element - Writing an Attendance Note for a Client Interview 📌 Example SQE2 Interview and Attendance Note / Legal Analysis Assessment 📢 Advocacy A detailed overview followed by; 📌 The 20 Basic Principles of Effective Trial Advocacy 📌 Example SQE2 Advocacy Assessment It’s a packed, practical day designed to build confidence and exam-readiness. These masterclasses are 💥 included 💥 with the SQE2 preparation course, but also available as a stand-alone skills booster for anyone wanting to sharpen their performance ahead of the assessments. If you would like to book one of these weekend Masterclasses for the January assessment, do get in touch! ✉️ 🔴 Next week; Day 2 will focus on Written Assessments. #SQEPrep #AspiringSolicitor #FutureSolicitors #Paralegals ##SQE2Masterclass #SQE2Assessment #SQE2OralSkills #SQE2InterviewSkills #SQE2Advocacy #LegalTraining #Advocacy #ClientInterview #SolicitorQualification #SQE

I failed to get my training contract at a large City firm. but I chose not to give up. I often hear from brilliant law students consumed by the pursuit of Magic Circle or large City firm training contracts. I was there once, too. I sent out the applications, faced the rejections, and felt the sting of not being "chosen." The honest truth: that narrow focus is a huge strategic mistake. The most valuable advice I can give you is this: The law is the law; it is a good lawyer that makes it meaningful, and you can achieve that anywhere. Here is the three-part strategy for seizing a training contract at a smaller, high-quality firm: 1. Stop Chasing Prestige, Start Chasing Responsibility Smaller and regional firms often hire reactively: they need help now. They are less focused on abstract potential and more focused on immediate capability. Action: Target firms with 1-3 offices or those specializing in niche areas (e.g., Intellectual Property, high-end Real Estate). These firms frequently offer training contracts directly from paralegal or support staff roles. The Advantage: As a paralegal in a smaller firm, you get hands-on responsibility instantly. You'll draft documents, speak to clients, and manage case files, building practical experience large firm trainees take years to achieve. 2. Convert Experience into the Offer In a smaller firm environment, your work is your two-year job interview. They already know your work ethic, your client manner, and your commitment. Action: When you get your foot in the door, be indispensable. Anticipate client needs, volunteer for tasks outside your comfort zone, and become the most reliable and commercially aware member of your team. The Advantage: Your conversion rate is exponentially higher because the firm knows exactly what they are hiring. You bypass the generic online tests, assessment centres, and competition from thousands of external applicants. 3. Build a Marketable Skill Set The skills you gain in a smaller firm are immediately transferable, whether you stay there or move later. Focus: You will develop client relationship management, practical drafting, and genuine commercial awareness faster than in a hierarchical global firm. These are the exact skills all firms are desperate to hire at the Newly Qualified (NQ) level. The Result: You qualify with superior hands-on experience and a network built on direct relationships, giving you incredible leverage for your first NQ move. I know this is cliche... but don't let rejection from the big firms define you. Pivot your strategy, focus on gaining real experience, and carve out a training contract that is built on your practical value. #TrainingContract #LegalCareers #LawStudents #ParalegalLife #LegalStrategy

If you’re in the middle of applications, I’ve just found a few free tools on AllAboutLaw that are actually worth trying: 💡 Application Masterclass – helps structure your answers for online forms 💡 Watson Glaser Practice Test – perfect for anyone preparing for firm assessments 💡 SQE1 Taster Course – a free insight into what to expect in the SQE exams 💡 Commercial Awareness Compass – takes you from beginner to advanced I’ve been using a few myself as I prep for interviews and they’ve been genuinely useful. Sharing here in case it helps someone else ⚖️✨ https://lnkd.in/e7jjC5_S #lawstudents #trainingcontract #legalcareers #allaboutlaw #vacationschemes #Allaboutlawambassador

𝟳 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽, 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿 Being a lawyer is challenging, but with the right habits, you can excel, grow your professional presence, and make a meaningful impact. Here are some key tips I follow: 1️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: Laws evolve constantly, keep learning and stay informed about legal developments. 2️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Accurate and thorough research is the backbone of solid legal advice. 3️⃣ 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Clear writing and confident speaking make complex legal concepts understandable for clients. 4️⃣ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, the legal field is unforgiving of delays. 5️⃣ 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Understand your clients’ needs, guide them patiently, and maintain trust. 6️⃣ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and professionals collaboration and connections open doors and enhance your practice. 7️⃣ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Showcase your expertise and values consistently, your reputation and visibility set you apart in a competitive field. Success as a lawyer isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about applying it wisely, ethically, and strategically while growing your professional brand. Which of these tips do you focus on the most in your career? #LawyerTips #LegalPractice #ProfessionalGrowth #Networking #PersonalBranding #LawCareer #RwandaLaw #LegalSkills #LawyerLife

The Power of Reframing Your Application Narrative 👇 👇 How you frame your application is everything. Many candidates fail because they approach their applications with a passive narrative. Instead of framing their experience as success stories, they simply list tasks and responsibilities. This approach fails to demonstrate how they’ve added value. Here’s how to reframe your narrative for maximum impact: 1⃣ STAR-3® for Competency: Your answers shouldn’t just describe what you did. They should explain why it mattered and the impact it had. Show how your decisions led to measurable results. • Example: Instead of saying “I worked on a team project”, say “I led the team to reduce delivery time by 30%, resulting in a £100k cost saving for the client”. 2⃣ PEAL-X® for Motivation Elite firms want to understand why this firm matters to you. Don’t just say “I’m passionate about law”. Link every motivation answer to specific facts about the firm’s clients, deals, and values. • Example: If applying to White & Case, explain how their global impact on cross-border transactions aligns with your background in international law and interest in expanding access to global markets. 3⃣ VTMR© for CV Precision Don’t list responsibilities; focus on outcomes. Tailor each experience to demonstrate how you add value. Use VTMR© to highlight how your actions led to positive, measurable results. • Example: Instead of “Responsible for contract drafting,” say “Drafted 10+ contracts, reducing processing time by 15% and increasing client satisfaction with faster turnaround.” Strategic Takeaway: Don’t just describe your experience; reframe it in terms of impact and strategic fit with the firm’s goals. Recruiters want to see evidence of how you’ll contribute immediately, not just a list of past duties. How will you reframe your narrative to showcase your value in your next application? 

🎯 Training Contract Tips & Tricks: Post 1 – Research with Purpose It’s that time of year again — training contract season. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of tips that I believe helped me secure my TC, in the hope they’ll help you too. Tip 1: Research the firm like it’s your job. Not just the surface-level stuff. Go deeper: 🔍 Who are their clients? 💡 What are their values? 📚 What services do they offer? 🤝 Do they align with your own values and goals? You don't need to memorise the entire website but having a few well-chosen insights ready to share to demonstrate you have done your research can make a real impression in interviews. Follow firms for updates — many share insights on recent deals and cases. Irwin Mitchell has a News and Insights page on the firm's website: https://lnkd.in/edJSjpYk Current trainees are also a brilliant source of insight. Don’t hesitate to connect with them on LinkedIn — many are happy to chat or answer a few questions. It’s a great way to get a feel for the firm’s culture and day-to-day life. Then ask yourself: What do you bring that’s uniquely yours? If you’ve got legal experience, use it. I did. But don’t overlook the value of non-legal experience - just make sure you can relate it back to the role you're applying for. For example, I drew on my time as a semi-professional dancer and Dance Captain — roles that taught me discipline, resilience, leadership and teamwork. I use those skills every day as a trainee solicitor. Be yourself. Firms aren’t looking for perfect answers — they’re looking for people. People with perspective, personality and potential. Don’t be afraid to show that. Work smarter, not harder. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Choose a few firms that genuinely resonate with you and give them your full attention. When your interest is real, it shows — and that’s what makes your application stand out. #traineeadviceAtIM #LifeAtIM #traineesolicitors #trainingcontracts #irwinmitchell

It's good practice for every lawyer to compile a deal sheet (a running list of representative matters that they have worked on. It’s even better to do this regularly 😇 . Not only will keeping an up-to-date deal sheet allow you to keep track of your experience, which will come in extremely handy if you intend to change jobs or put together your business case. It will also allow you to see where your experience may be lacking. Here are some top tips for compiling a deal sheet. Tip 1: A deal sheet isn’t needed if you have little experience If you are very junior or only have two or three deals in total, you wouldn’t want to hand over a deal sheet; these should be included in your résumé as bullet points instead. Even if you include a separate deal sheet, if you have enough experience, make sure to add several bullet points in your résumé to summarise your most high-profile or most representative deals. The more concretely you can show your experience, the better. Tip 2: Compile a deal sheet as early as possible and update it often You want to start compiling a deal sheet as early as you can into your career as you will be more able to accurately record all the relevant details. Imagine 4 or 5 years down the line and you’re thinking of switching jobs, you have to recall every single deal you have worked on, including the exact dates and specific details and you have to be able to talk about them at length. Do your future self a favour – start now and update along the way. Tip 3: Include the dates of each deal Just like a résumé, it is logical to list your experience in each category in descending chronological order, so make sure to state the month and year of each deal. This makes it much easier to identify just how recent your experience is in different sub-practice areas. Tip 4: Describe your specific roles Many lawyers include a description of the matters that they worked on in each deal, but you should also include a description of your specific role on each matter too. This is especially important for junior associates. Not only does this give your potential employer a clearer depiction of your personal experience and the level of work you did, but it also shows that you are serious about the job search as you took your time to reflect on your experience and it helps you remember the experience so that you can prepare for the interview questions. Read 6 more tips for compiling a deal sheet here:https://lnkd.in/e2KyS-nS #lawyers #attorneys #lawfirm #lawyersoflinkedin #legalcommunity #howtomakepartner

Moses Singer’s Lindsay Kane on being a businessperson first, lawyer second M&A partner Lindsay Kaplan tells IFLR that the most effective deal lawyers go beyond drafting and negotiation - they understand their clients’ businesses, industries and goals. Kaplan emphasises that clients value lawyers who act as trusted advisers during pivotal business moments: “The best way to be a value add to your client is to understand their business, understand how the industry works, and analyse their pain points and goals.” She also shares advice for younger lawyers: pay close attention to partner redlines and comments - they are a crucial real-time learning tool that helps associates develop drafting and strategic skills early on. Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/e6SZ8ntw

I play an active role in MD Law (Yorkshire) LLP’s recruitment process, and nothing frustrates me more than seeing candidates make avoidable mistakes in their applications or interviews. Alongside this, in my role with the Sheffield and District Law Society, I’m passionate about helping aspiring lawyers give themselves the best possible chance of securing legal work experience or the right training contract. To support this, I’ve written a new blog sharing my top tips — aimed at helping students avoid being cut from the process prematurely and instead stand out for all the right reasons. Here are just a few of my biggest bugbears: ⚡ Being emailed daily with questions already answered on our website (it shows a lack of research and initiative). ⚡ Submitting covering letters in the wrong format — or not providing one at all. ⚡ Giving cliché answers to questions like “What’s your biggest weakness?” (yes, “I’m too much of a perfectionist” really does make me sigh!). 👉 You can read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eP2tuTGS I’d love to hear from my network: 🔹 What advice would you give aspiring lawyers applying for work experience or training contracts? 🔹 What are your own hiring horror stories or pet peeves? Your insights could help the next generation of lawyers approach the process with confidence and professionalism. #LegalCareers #TrainingContracts #WorkExperience #FutureSolicitors #MDLaw