Training Contract Application Personal Statement Example

Please write about yourself in no more than 850 words. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at school or subsequently, any regular employment or other work experience, any sporting or other achievements and any particular interests and personal qualities which are relevant. Please also state briefly why you are making this application.

As a dedicated member of the [environmental society], I helped to introduce and develop social responsibility initiatives at University. I had successfully organised and developed a scheme whereby all unused desktops at the library were turned off during the vacation breaks to help reduce the University’s carbon footprint. In my third year at university, I held the position of a law representative for the student-staff liaison committee and delivered constant improvements to the law school. During my tenure as the executive of the [language] Speaking Society, I introduced many exciting sports schemes, liaised with other executives, coordinated resources when organising popular events and maintained a rapport with the members of the society. As the President of the [university] Amateur [Sport] Society, I organised training sessions, coordinated and managed executives, promoted the club to students and helped to attract outside investment to help the society grow.

I possess initiative, drive and commitment which makes me suited for a training contract with Freshfields where I will have to transgress boundaries when solving complex problems. I had over sixty amateur [Sport] bouts and won a gold medal for England in the [tournament name]. For the first time in fifty years, I have established the ‘[University] Amateur [Sport] Club’ in [year]. I was actively involved in mooting competitions and secured a fifth place in the Clifford Chance Mooting Competition. In my third year, I demonstrated a steep learning by being selected to represent the university in the national [sport] championships after only having practised [sport] for three months. In [year], I was awarded the [award]for academic excellence in my GCSEs and A-Levels. I was awarded the [award] for excellence in amateur [Sport] and received the Best [sportsman] Award for several years running.

At [law firm], I demonstrated interpersonal skills whilst working on an international litigious matter. I was required to liaise with attorneys from the London and [city] offices during the preparation of witness statements for the trial. I constantly communicated with the attorneys to ensure that all changes incorporated into witness statements were unified and consistent. I have proved to be a good communicator when explaining problem areas and discussing all possible solutions.

Also at [law firm], I demonstrated analytical ability, discerning judgment and organisational skills whilst proofreading and amending an Offering Memorandum for a luxury goods company. Whilst at the printers, I demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and good judgment when incorporating real-time changes into the prospectus during the final discussions between the parties. I successfully logged all pages that were handed in for processing and prioritised my workload to meet tight deadlines.

At [Law Firm Name], I demonstrated commercial acumen when I assisted on a shareholder dispute in a joint venture vehicle. I attended a Board of Directors EGM of a joint venture in Amsterdam in my capacity as an interpreter between clients and overseas solicitors. I applied a sharp analytical mind to explain complex issues in a simple language and made sense of a very complicated situation. I was required to think on my feet and always align myself with client’s commercial objectives. At the end of the meeting, we have managed to identify and analyse all salient points which allowed us to take immediate action to protect our client’s position.

I enjoy fitness and regularly practise [Sport], go jogging and play football. I share my skills and passion for the sport by providing lessons to friends and people who have an interest in [Sport]. Last year, I trained several students at the [University], who went on to do very well in the ‘varsity’ championships. Whilst doing [Sport], I was regularly required to travel to compete. This has developed my interest in travelling and exploring. In the past, I travelled to Mallorca, Marbella and Ibiza where I was caught up in the heat of the world cup final between Germany and Spain. Several years ago, I travelled to Marmaris and Antalya in Turkey and especially enjoyed the country’s rich and exotic history. I also enjoy travelling nationally and was overwhelmed by the gothic settings of Cornwall, home to several of my favourite gothic books and the historic splendour and idyllic gardens of the Leeds Castle in Kent. During my spare time, I like networking and regularly attend the ‘[Language] professionals in the UK’ event. I regularly take part in charitable runs and in the past, I helped to raise over four thousand pounds for the McMillan Cancer Support. I enjoy taking part in community initiatives and during one summer, I helped to refurbish my local church.