Firm app questions

Amanda

Star Member
Jan 2, 2019
38
18
Hi everyone,

I am applying to a law firm for a Training contract which asks the following two separate questions:

1.
Please provide your personal statement in the space below. Please outline why have you chosen to become a commercial solicitor and what relevant skills and experience you possess that you feel make you a suitable candidate. (550 words maximum)

2.
Please give details of your extra-curricular activities and interests including any positions of responsibility.

(250 words)


I was slightly concerned that the content for both may overlap? Does anyone have any tips on what to say in each box- especially the first question?


Many thanks!
 

Jaysen

Founder, TCLA
Staff member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Premium Member
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  • Feb 17, 2018
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    The focus of the first question is on the skills/experiences you have. There is some overlap here, as you will be drawing upon your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility, but the focus will be on those skills and how they make you a suitable candidate.

    The second question is where you focus on those extra-curricular activities/positions of responsibility. You'll be explaining your role, what you did and anything you achieved.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Amanda

    Popeye

    New Member
    Jan 11, 2019
    3
    0
    Hi! I am applying for a firm which asks this:
    Which area of law or public policy would you most like to see reformed, and why?

    (This is a commercial law firm, and I was wondering what kind of areas I can draw on to talk about what effects this may have on business etc.)?
     

    Maddie R

    Esteemed Member
    Jan 10, 2019
    85
    146
    Hi! I am applying for a firm which asks this:
    Which area of law or public policy would you most like to see reformed, and why?

    (This is a commercial law firm, and I was wondering what kind of areas I can draw on to talk about what effects this may have on business etc.)?

    What firm is this for? I would actually really enjoy answering that question
     

    Amanda

    Star Member
    Jan 2, 2019
    38
    18
    Hi everyone.
    After conducting some research on a law firm that I am applying to, I found that they require the following qualities in applicants:
    Independent
    Exercise my own judgement.
    Ambitious but also promotes the success of the team as a whole.
    For each of these skills I would love to give an example but I am struggling! Does anyone have any suggestions of general examples that would be good to use for each skill?
    Many thanks :D
     

    Mimi

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 21, 2018
    39
    94
    Hi everyone.
    After conducting some research on a law firm that I am applying to, I found that they require the following qualities in applicants:
    Independent
    Exercise my own judgement.
    Ambitious but also promotes the success of the team as a whole.
    For each of these skills I would love to give an example but I am struggling! Does anyone have any suggestions of general examples that would be good to use for each skill?
    Many thanks :D

    In terms of 'independent' and 'exercise judgment' look at instances you've done things with initiative where no one has told you to do it but you've done it your way and had a good result e.g. something you've done at work or if you're at uni then something you've done as part of a society or team. I find sports always a good example of demonstrating 'ambitious but promotes success of the team'.

    As a general exercise I would suggest writing down maybe 5 examples of achievements/proud moments in your life and identify the competencies they illustrate as you will undoubtedly have an example that could fit several values. From there you can just tailor the example to the competency the firm is looking for each time.

    Hope that helps!
     

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