Why do you wish to become a solicitor?
Why do you wish to become a solicitor? (200 words)*
I want to become a solicitor because every day is varied, challenging and engaging. As commercial matters span many areas of law, industries and borders, they demand the application of lateral thinking and extensive problem-solving. In turn, this would see me work in integrated teams with a commercial focus on the problem in a quick-paced environment with approaching deadlines. At [Law Firm Name], I especially enjoyed liaising with Dutch, English and [language] solicitors on a shareholder dispute within a joint venture. This produced more interesting work, greater variety and a wider group of experts to learn from which made my work environment stimulating and rewarding.
What skills do you believe contribute to the success of a solicitor? (200 words)*
A successful solicitor will possess outstanding interpersonal skills. On a daily basis, a solicitor will have to demonstrate excellent communication skills and interact with a broad range of colleagues and clients.
As solicitors will execute complex multi-national transactions, they will have to have strong commercial acumen. This requires a solicitor to apply commercial sense and understanding to the client’s problem to deliver a practical solution.
Analytical ability is essential to the success of a solicitor because they will be required to deal with a broad range of issues. This will require a solicitor to think clearly, identify the key aspects of a problem and apply sound commercial judgment and lateral thought. The solicitor will need to be able to explain complex concepts in understandable language, analyse the position, anticipate risk, interpret the reaction of the parties in complicated situations and offer commercial solutions.
Why are your skills/attributes suited to a career at Paul Hastings? Why should we offer you a Summer Vacation Placement or Training Contract? (200 words)*
My analytical ability, flexibility, determination and commercial acumen make me suited to a career at Paul Hastings because I will deal with cases that transgress multiple jurisdictions and industries. Such cases will require me to interpret, analyse and explain complex issues and offer commercial solutions. The complexity of the cases will require me to liaise with individuals at all levels and communicate my arguments clearly and precisely. By dealing with complex cases that do not always have clearly defined solutions, I will have to be innovative and deal with new ideas and adapt to new challenges.
I should be offered a training contract because I possess outstanding interpersonal and organisational skills and commercial acumen. At [Law Firm Name], 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 maintained a thick skin and resourcefully tailored my communication for diverse audiences. 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.
What has attracted you to Paul Hastings? (200 words)*
I am attracted to Paul Hastings because it will provide me with work that is interesting and challenging. I will operate in small teams of partners and associates in a highly integrated way. This will ensure that I receive highly focussed personal training by gaining a hands-on experience on important matters. I will receive early responsibility and experience a steep learning curve, which will make my work environment challenging and exciting and would make me feel like a valued member of the team, giving me the confidence to excel right from the start of my career as a lawyer. The fact that there are relatively few trainees at the firm will present me with an opportunity to work with a wide range of departments on various matters. This exposure will allow me to follow my interests and abilities and get a very good insight on how different practice areas interact. The opportunity of a client secondment would allow me to broaden my horizons and develop greater variety and depth of experience. More importantly, I would be able to view the legal services industry from the client’s perspective. This would be an invaluable insight going forward in my legal career.
Please give details of any extracurricular activities and responsibilities. Describe any personal achievements and your level of involvement. (150 words)*
At university, I was a law representative for the student-staff liaison committee, a very proactive executive of the [university] [language] Speaking Society ([SOCIETY INITIALS]) and a member of the ‘[society]’ society. I often took part in internal mooting competitions and have found them to be intellectually stimulating. For the first time in fifty years, I have established the ‘[University] Amateur [Sport] Club’ in [year] and was the president of the society. I have been involved in amateur [Sport] for a decade and have won over sixty trophies and a gold medal for England. I was regularly required to travel nationally and internationally to compete, which has developed my interest in travelling. Last year I traveled to Mallorca, Marbella and Ibiza where I was caught up in the heat of the world cup final between Germany and Spain. My other interests include [sport], football, photography, reading, fitness and networking.
