Training Contract Application Example Answer - Why this Law Firm?

Training Contract Application Example Answer - Why this Law Firm?

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. More importantly, I will receive the excitement and challenge of working on high value, complex transactions and disputes, in the size of office where everyone knows who you are. For me this will mean getting involved in real work from the start whereby I will be able to add something to the cases I work on. This environment will unquestionably foster my professional and personal growth in my capacity as a lawyer.

Please state any legal sector preference and why.

I am interested in employment law because it will vest me with early responsibility. Given that employment 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.

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

I strongly feel that my strength lies in communicating to people on a both personal and professional level. I am fluent in three languages and have lived in [country], USA, [country] and UK which has in turn vested me with great flexibility and cultural sensitivity. This I feel makes me very suited to communicating and being able to personally ‘connect’ with people from different backgrounds. Last summer I especially enjoyed interacting with South African clients whilst working on a conveyancing transaction at [company name].

I am especially good in motivating and inspiring a team. Whilst being a [bank name] graduate representative for the [University] I worked in a close-knit team. The members did not enjoy some tasks that we had to undertake, such as handing out leaflets. I took the initiative to show the team that representing a company is more personal than simply giving the leaflet.

I am a very good at managing my time and prioritising. Whilst working for [law firm] I have successfully managed to keep to deadlines and complete the tasks to an exceptional standard.

I am very entrepreneurial and passionate in what I do. This is reflected in amateur [Sport], where I have won a gold medal for England and had over fifty amateur fights. I was determined to pursue my interest at the university and thus pioneered an amateur [Sport] club at the [University].

Think back to an occasion when you came up with a practical solution to a problem. Briefly describe the problem and your solution. How effective was your solution?

Whilst being a university representative for the [bank name] I was responsible for conducting a major marketing campaign to graduates. I worked in a team of five. Some of the tasks were dispensing leaflets, putting up posters, giving presentations and talking to graduates. The main problem throughout the campaign was graduates’ lack of interest. I therefore decided to change the entire nature of the campaign by introducing little role plays, putting up posters with key words and most importantly I approached graduates with a positive attitude and a good sense of humour.