What makes a good commercial lawyer and how do you believe you can demonstrate the skills required?
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Which of these skills appeals to you most? 150
Personally, I feel that communication is a very important skill when trying to understand client’s needs. I order to deliver an effective solution to the client, a commercial lawyer must have a full understanding of the client’s problem. Otherwise, if the problem is not communicated clearly enough then the solution will only be good enough as the completeness of the information. Communication therefore serves the purpose of understanding the client’s industry and type of activity, their problem and a solution they require even if it is a very pragmatic one. Given that commercial law is both transactional and ongoing, it requires a commercial lawyer to continually communicate with the client to ensure all information is kept up to date and the client is informed about the progress of the case.
Tell us about your greatest achievements in your work and/or study. 150
I have received a ‘[award name]’ award for attaining the highest grades at GCSE and A-Level in my institutions of study. 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].
What activities do you pursue outside of work and/or study? Outline any outstanding achievements. 150
Firstly, I am a third year law representative for the student-staff liaison committee where I am responsible for communicating student concerns about the operation of the [university] Law School to staff in regular meetings. Secondly, I am a very pro-active member of the [university] [language] Speaking Society ([SOCIETY INITIALS]) whereby I am actively involved in organising and managing [SOCIETY INITIALS] socials. Thirdly, I am a very zealous member of the ‘[society]’ society as I feel that it is the task of humans to help the environment. 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. Fourthly, 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.
