Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

[marabka]

you don’t need the GDL - the GDL would only be suitable if you were to undertake a training contract, and even then it only exists for another 12 months before being replaced by the SQE.

Given your level of experience, the SQE would be far more suitable and then looking for a foreign qualified lawyer role would be far more appropriate than a training contract.

You are too experienced for a training contract - I don’t think it’s an appropriate route for someone with 3+ years experience with the type of firms you have worked with.

Thank you so much for your advice!

The very last question is: is SQE preferable compared to the current QLTS?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you so much for your advice!

The very last question is: is SQE preferable compared to the current QLTS?

The QLTS is being replaced by the SQE. As far as I am aware you can only take the SQE now unless you have started the QLTS.

The SQE will be preferable as you will need to gain two years qualifying work experience, while the QLTS is just a set of exams.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I have heard on the forum that ppl who have applied to Macfarlanes VS have heard back I think on 24th. Their deadline is 31/01/2021, so will they still give out responses like in Jan. What does it mean to those who haven't heard back already, just curious if they are one of the firms that dont send out a rejection and just ghost.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker

I have heard on the forum that ppl who have applied to Macfarlanes VS have heard back I think on 24th. Their deadline is 31/01/2021, so will they still give out responses like in Jan. What does it mean to those who haven't heard back already, just curious if they are one of the firms that dont send out a rejection and just ghost.

I wouldn’t know. Only Macfarlanes grad rec team will be able to give you insight on what’s likely/not and what it means.

 

[ZaraB]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

I hope you had a great Christmas.

I was wondering for the following question: "Describe why a career in commercial law appeals to you. What factors and influences have affected your decision to become a lawyer?" - would you recommend half of the answer focuses on why commercial law and the other half on why law?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

I hope you had a great Christmas.

I was wondering for the following question: "Describe why a career in commercial law appeals to you. What factors and influences have affected your decision to become a lawyer?" - would you recommend half of the answer focuses on why commercial law and the other half on why law?

It doesn’t need to be that rigid. Some people will be able to spend far fewer words explaining why law compared to the next person - you have to really work out what works for you and how it fits into your application as a whole.

 

[Shelly AA]

Hi Jess,

In answer to this question

As a client, why would you engage the firm to act on your behalf?

This is a small independent City firm that has very strong presence in 'niche' sectors. Would it be appropriate to write something on the lines of "if I was a client in the XXX sector I would engage the firm..." Or do you think I should be more general? Obviously I am trying to show that I have dome my research into what sectors they specialise in, but on the other hand it might come across as if I think other clients who are not in those specific sectors shouldn't hire them.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jess,

In answer to this question

As a client, why would you engage the firm to act on your behalf?

This is a small independent City firm that has very strong presence in 'niche' sectors. Would it be appropriate to write something on the lines of "if I was a client in the XXX sector I would engage the firm..." Or do you think I should be more general? Obviously I am trying to show that I have dome my research into what sectors they specialise in, but on the other hand it might come across as if I think other clients who are not in those specific sectors shouldn't hire them.

I would be more general. There will be factors beyond its expertise that you will probably need to pull upon as other firms will have that expertise too.

 

[Helpme12345]

Hi @Jessica Booker, hope you're well!

I am currently writing my V&E application and one of the questions is "In which areas of law do you want to practise and why?" 300 words.

Is it ok to show interest in both transactional and litigation work? So far, I have written on my interest in both energy transactions and projects and international arbitration and construction. My other option is just to concentrate on energy transactions and projects but I'm not sure whether that would make me seem too close-minded.

Thanks!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, hope you're well!

I am currently writing my V&E application and one of the questions is "In which areas of law do you want to practise and why?" 300 words.

Is it ok to show interest in both transactional and litigation work? So far, I have written on my interest in both energy transactions and projects and international arbitration and construction. My other option is just to concentrate on energy transactions and projects but I'm not sure whether that would make me seem too close-minded.

Thanks!

i don’t know enough about the firm to say whether this is appropriate or not, but if the firm has strengths in these areas and this is your genuine interest that you can back up with rationale or evidence, it sounds fine.

 

[Ellis Finch]

Hi Jessica, I was wondering how early one should aim to apply for firms that screen applications on a rolling basis to ensure the best chances of success? Thanks!

 

[Legal_rawn]

When a firm asks about your hobbies/interests are they genuinely trying to see what you are interested in? Or should it still be geared to professional skills and vaguely law related topics?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, I was wondering how early one should aim to apply for firms that screen applications on a rolling basis to ensure the best chances of success? Thanks!

Ideally in the first two thirds of the application window. But it is not an issue if you don’t hit this really - it’s just a target to aim for. For most firms even applying a week before the deadline will put you ahead of the majority of applicants.

 

[Jessica Booker]

When a firm asks about your hobbies/interests are they genuinely trying to see what you are interested in? Or should it still be geared to professional skills and vaguely law related topics?

It doesn’t need to be professional skills based or law related at all.

Basically they are trying to work out if you are a normal person who can balance multiple commitments and keep themselves happy. Finding the person who has purely focused on their degree/studies and doesn’t have many interests outside of that will probably mean you won’t be cut out for life in a law firm because you won’t have developed the ability to manage your time effectively or chill out.

 

[sabma]

Hi Jessica,
Is it absolutely imperative that cover letters have a "dear x" and a sign off? Especially when there's a strict word count? I've just realised that in 3 of my applications, I did not include any formalities but just started writing. Will I be rejected for this?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica,
Is it absolutely imperative that cover letters have a "dear x" and a sign off? Especially when there's a strict word count? I've just realised that in 3 of my applications, I did not include any formalities but just started writing. Will I be rejected for this?

if it is an uploaded document or a text box that you can format like this forum, then generally yes.

If it’s just a text box with no formatting, then generally no. Always worthwhile checking with the firm or with people who have applied before though as there will be exceptions.

Also make sure they are explicitly saying a cover letter.

 

[sabma]

if it is an uploaded document or a text box that you can format like this forum, then generally yes.

If it’s just a text box with no formatting, then generally no. Always worthwhile checking with the firm or with people who have applied before though as there will be exceptions.

Also make sure they are explicitly saying a cover letter.

thank you!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Hi @Jessica Booker

Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer?

Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm?

What transferable skills can you bring to the role of Trainee Solicitor?

Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application.

These are all the question for the Latham VS application. I usually link my experience/POR/EC/Awards with the first two questions but seems like latham do not want that? It just seems to me that If I write why commercial law and why latham without linking it to me, will be dry.

Also, do you have any guidance for the latham app considering the specific way they have structured the questions to avoid a cover letter yet going for the same things a cover letter would ask for.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker

Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer?

Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm?

What transferable skills can you bring to the role of Trainee Solicitor?

Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application.

These are all the question for the Latham VS application. I usually link my experience/POR/EC/Awards with the first two questions but seems like latham do not want that? It just seems to me that If I write why commercial law and why latham without linking it to me, will be dry.

Also, do you have any guidance for the latham app considering the specific way they have structured the questions to avoid a cover letter yet going for the same things a cover letter would ask for.

The first two questions has nothing to do with your skill set/attitudes. It’s purely about why you are applying. I wouldn’t expect anyone to try and reference their skills in either question.

The final question doesn’t need to reference skills either - it’s just a collection of your achievements. So I wouldn’t really expect any cross over on any of these questions in terms of referencing skill set. It only seems relevant for the third question.

 

[Lawgirl123]

@Jessica Booker I'm having a panic about the work experience section of the application form. It is the only part of my form that is not tailored to a firm ( i am guilty of using the same wording in all my apps). i write factually about about what I did and the skills i have gained. I do not always use the full word limit (if its 200-250 words) as I do not want to waffle nor do I use anecdotes to describe what I did. Do you think this is detrimental to my apps?

Many thanks