This event was organised by a charity run to increase diversity and the opportunities available in the legal sector, both for aspiring barristers and Solicitors.
This year’s conference was hosted by BCLP in their Adelaide House Office and witnessed a variety of inspiring and motivational speeches.
The day was split into workshops and law fair breakout sessions. I was #teamgreen so I attended the law fair in the afternoon and was able to speak to different professionals.
The workshops were extremely useful. As I am an aspiring solicitor, I attended the workshops run by firms and their useful tips when making those applications.
Below are some of my takeaways:
Addleshaw Goddard Workshop on how to get a TC led by Erena:
When selecting a firm, take a look at their clients, practice areas, culture of the firm, the training aspects and support provided, salary, level of responsibility, retention rates, the location and CSR
When choosing your firm, be aware of its selection process and requirements – if the firm is stringent on grades then don’t waste your time!
In your application form, evidence the skills you state that you have – use simple wording
During group exercises and partner interviews, your suitability is being tested, commitment to law and the firm
Be prepared for questions such as why law, why this firm, commercial awareness
Commercial awareness = understanding of business environment + knowledge of current deals and transactions
Kingsley Napley Workshop on successful applications led by Shannett
At times, HR sift through the applications before they reach the partners so ensure that your application makes sense to a lay person
Tips when attending assessment day/interview = keep the conversation going, show your interesting side, ask questions about the interviewers, be natural, make eye contact
Build your personal brand – hard work alone is not enough
If you use previous experience as an example, state how this adds to your personal brand
Mayer Brown – Interviews + Group exercises led by Roxanna and Ese
When being interviewed, present yourself properly, be engaged, actively listen
When preparing for the interview, compile complete research on the firm
Use resources available such as Legal500, Lex100, Chambers
Know yourself = why is the profession for you, why do you want to be a lawyer, which transferrable skills you can bring to the firm, why not a barrister, think outside the box
Commercial awareness = understand how a business operates and the factors that affect that industry
Use of PESTEL = political, economic, social, technological, environmental, legal
Have the right mindset = be confident and deliver answers well
During group exercises, you will be assigned in groups and supervised by someone in the room – your team work is being assessed.
Travers Smith – What makes applications successful by Sana Shafi
Try to focus on 6-9 firms to ensure the quality is increased
Go to open days and meet the firm to get a feel of the culture
Plan your applications – time is required and some deadlines are on a rolling basis
Print your application and proofread it before submitting
In your applications, show and do not tell them about your skills = prove that you have the skills
Why Law; Why the firm; Why you ?
For cover letters, address the correct person and treat this as a formal letter. Make use of the word count and be specific to the firm to demonstrate that you are a good fit
Commercial awareness sources = finimize, bbc, Channel 4 podcast
There was a Personal Brand Panel Session led by extremely engaging and inspirational lawyers – Coleen, Wale, Ria, Alexandra.
Thank you to Dr Tunde, the Urban Lawyers Committee, BCLP, the motivating speakers and all the volunteers for this great event!!
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