Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Training Contract Model Answers

[Name]
[address line 1]
[University]
[POST CODE]
Tel: [tel number]

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
City Place House
55 Basinghall Street
London
EC2V 5EH

Dear Graduate Recruitment,

I am a final year student at the [University] expected to graduate in June, [year]. I am predicted to achieve a first class degree. I am applying for a training contract to commence in [year] advertised on Latestlawjobs.com. Please find my CV attached.

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 work experience.

Cleary Gottlieb interests me very much for a number of reasons. Firstly, I am particularly attracted to the firm because it has represented a broad range of high calibre clients ranging from Arcelor Mittal and Goldman Sachs to the [language] Federation. Given my interest in the ongoing nature of commercial law I would be very pleased to work for such high ranking clients as it would introduce me to a broad spectrum of legal and commercial practices. This would also expose me to multiple jurisdictions which I would be very keen to learn about especially since I have recently completed an advanced competition law module which provided me with a comparison of EC, UK and US law. I found ‘refusal to supply’ cases to be of the utmost interest, especially the ruling of EC in the Microsoft case which produced a split between US and EU competition on the subject of consumer welfare.

Secondly, I am attracted by the small intake of trainees and the “one firm” approach 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. This environment will unquestionably foster my professional and personal growth in my capacity as a lawyer, therefore allowing me to provide Cleary Gottlieb’s clients with legal work of the highest quality.

Having worked for a number of private clients at leading legal firms, [law firm] and [law firm], I can attest to the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships. This, coupled with my fluency in [language], English and [language], would make me a valuable asset when working on cross-border transactions or with international clients.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to attend an interview for which I am available at your convenience.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

[Name]