Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Training Contract Application Answer
[Name]
[address line 1]
[POST CODE]
Tel: [telephone number]
[date]
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP
107 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6DN
Dear [recruiter’s name],
I am a final year student at the [University] expected to graduate in [month], [year]. I have achieved an upper [grade] in my second year. I am applying for a training contract to commence in [year] advertised on Latestlawjobs.com.
I am interested in corporate and commercial law because it will allow me to assume the role of a project manager and will vest me with early responsibility. Given that commercial law is both transactional and ongoing suggests 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 unique, enjoyable and fulfilling work experience.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP interests me very much for numerous reasons. Firstly, unlike other international firms, Orrick takes a multi-disciplinary approach to handling complex transactions and litigation and in advising clients on a wide array of legal issues. Together with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP’s depth and breadth of experience for building strong relationships with clients I will be exposed to multiple angles on clients’ problems both in terms of practice areas and jurisdictions. This will entail me with a prospect of comparing and contrasting multiple jurisdictions and practice areas concurrently thus fostering a steeper trajectory for growth in my capacity as a solicitor. I was fascinated by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP’s advice provided to EBRD on its $150 million term loan facility to Troika Dialog, a leading [language] investment bank. Working alongside leading international institutions will allow me to interchange between different languages and jurisdictions which will make my work experience different, enjoyable and unique. Secondly, I am attracted by the small number of trainee intake which I feel will give me a hands-on experience and allow me to perform more substantive legal tasks than Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP’s counterparts thus making the work personally and professionally rewarding.
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]
Work experience- tailoring
Compiled a case bundle, wrote correspondence letters, attended case management discussions, conducted research using legal databases, accompanied the senior solicitors to meetings with a barrister and liaised with members of the corporate legal department. I proved to be an excellent team player and gained advocacy skills. I have achieved the skill of working under pressure with approaching deadlines in a medium-sized law firm. I provided a seamless and responsive service to [law firm]’s international financial institution clients.
Worked closely with fee-earners and gained practical experience in research, drafting, procedural and client-related skills. I have worked as a paralegal in an entrepreneurial environment which effectively improved my ability to work individually while still operating as a team player. I was a highly visible part of the working team: communicating with the team and clients. The fact that the firm is very entrepreneurial and has a very extensive global reach meant that I had to be adaptable, an active problem-solver and had to think on my feet. Through my practical experience and in-depth study of the legal and business issues affecting these clients, I helped to provide counsel in an intelligent, savvy, forceful and focused way.
Worked alongside Professor [professor’s name], [director of a department], on an innovative distance-learning course developed to provide a recognised qualification for [government officers] in local government. I have developed innovative skills and an ability to tailor legal material to [government officers] in local government. Having received little supervision I was able to contribute to the success of the project which shows my initiative at the workplace and a high degree of self-motivation and maturity.
Worked in the compliance department where I shadowed an in-house solicitor. On a daily basis I carried out both legal and non-legal research, accompanied the solicitor to meetings, helped to compile a case bundle, and wrote letters to correspondence. This work experience has taught me the interaction of law and business and thus increased my ability to effectively provide for client needs.
Throughout my work I was responsible for participating in property conveyancing, helped to find private clients for the purchase of property in affluent areas, advised the employer on legal aspects in the purchase and sale of property. This work has taught me the importance of a professional client relationship and commercial awareness, especially when it comes to delivering a timely and effective solution.
Throughout my second year of studies I have successfully managed to work for this supermarket on a part-time basis. Initially I started off as an on-floor worker but was later assigned the role of supervising junior employees and helping in the recruitment process, which gave me a great insight into the human resources aspect of business. Similarly, the work entailed me having to make everyday marketing and strategic decision which in turn has significantly improved my business acumen and made me more commercially aware.
I am a very pro-active member of the [university] [language] Speaking Society ([SOCIETY INITIALS]). I greatly enjoy working with [SOCIETY INITIALS] because it allows me to introduce new members to the society and introduce people to [language] culture which helps to increase diversity at the University and make it a more sociable and open community. I am 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. I am regularly involved in mooting competitions where I get the opportunity to exercise my analytical and advocacy skills amongst like-minded individuals in a competitive environment. On a sportier note, I greatly enjoy amateur [Sport]. With over [sport performances] I have [done the sport] at national level and represented England in the [tournament name]. Currently, I am responsible for training a large group of students at the [University]. I am also a very committed member of the [university] [sport] Club and last season was selected to represent [University] in the National [sport] Competition.