Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Training Contract Application Model Answer

I have been a very zealous member of the ‘[society]’ society. In the past I have been in projects aimed to save electricity and helping the local wildlife, such as switching off unused computers in the library during vacation breaks. In January [year], I have successfully started an on-campus [Sport] club which has been unsuccessfully attempted for over fifty years. I am currently the president of the society and have the responsibility of managing ten executives and coordinating the overall strategy and direction of the club. Throughout my second and third year at university I have actively represented Bank of America to graduates. I had to communicate to graduates interested in a career in investment banking, give presentations, organise on-campus marketing events, coordinate and manage people involved in marketing campaigns. I am a very active executive of the [language] Speaking Society where I am actively organising cultural events such as the [celebration], [language] Army Day, [language] Winter Party just to name a few. I am the Student-Staff Liaison Committee member for the third year law students and actively exercise my commitment to the legal profession by maintain a social dialogue between the students and staff of the law school. On a sportier note, I have won a gold medal for England in the Four Nations amateur [Sport] tournament. I am also a member of the [university] [sport] club and have been selected to play in the [sport] National Championships last summer.

I am interested in corporate and commercial law because it will allow me to assume the role of a project manager and will afford me early responsibility. Given that commercial law is both transactional and ongoing, it is clear that I will have to build a rapport with the client and apply strong communication skills coupled with high technical ability when forming a clear picture of the client’s needs and objectives and then explaining what may well be a complex area of law when advising on the best solution. This may require me to liaise with a number of legal departments thus making each day a unique, enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

I am attracted by the small intake of trainees which I feel will offer me bespoke training that is individually tailored to my interests, experience and aptitude. Small teams also suggest that I will have increased responsibility and operate as a lawyer from day one in an informal and collegial working environment.

I am also very much attracted by the training prospects at BLG. Unlike other firms, BLG operates exchange programmes with overseas law firms. Being fluent in three languages and keen to improve my knowledge of other jurisdictions, I would embrace this opportunity with utmost passion and commitment.

I am also exhilarated by the idea that partners are to the fore throughout every transaction. Being a member of such a team will allow me to develop real relationships with clients and a genuine in-depth understanding of their business.

Name 3 skills that you think are necessary for an individual to make a good solicitor?

Firstly, a commercial lawyer must be entrepreneurial and confident to take responsibility to ensure that they deliver an effective solution to a client in challenging circumstances.

Secondly, a commercial lawyer must have excellent communication skills to ensure that they fully understand their client’s needs and are able to communicate to the rest of team.

Thirdly, a commercial lawyer must be an excellent team player to ensure that they contribute ideas to cases where it is necessary to liaise with other practice areas, clients, and other bodies.

Please give an example for each of the 3 skills that you have stated in the previous question to demonstrate how you have used each of these skills in the last year.

I am an entrepreneurial individual as I am the founding member and president of ‘[University] [Sport] Society’ (which has finally opened after being refused by University for the past fifty years) and am currently managing seven executive members and overseeing the overall operation of the society. These skills would not only translate into my ability to effectively manage my caseload but also my ability to present innovative and effective solutions to clients.

In my capacity as a student-staff liaison committee member I have developed my communication skills at both a student and a more senior level. This skill would allow me to successfully communicate with clients and solicitors on two different but nonetheless professional levels.

My ability to switch between [language], [language] and English languages highlights my flexibility which could prove to be invaluable when dealing with a diverse range of both national and international calibre clients as well as being an excellent team player within the firm. During a ‘[legal practice area]’ module I specifically enjoyed working alongside two other solicitors in a simulated solicitor’s environment. I found teamwork to be a vital element for an effective exchange and refinement of ideas as well as socially and professionally rewarding experience.