One sector focused TC vs Multi-sector TC

[gallof]

Hi,

I'm interested in the energy sector, and can potentially shape my entire TC around energy by completing seats in energy-focused practice areas such as Energy Finance, Corporate Energy, Energy Disputes, and a secondment at an energy client. I assume that by the end of the TC, I should become a decent specialist in that particular sector.

What do you think the pros and cons of this approach are? Also, how beneficial will my TC experience be if I decide to move in-house at some point in the future or make a lateral move to an energy-oriented law firm (e.g. V&E or Baker Botts)?

An alternative may be to complete one energy seat and see if I like other practice areas which are less sector-specific, such as Banking, General Commercial Disputes, General Corporate M&A, Employment, Tax, etc.

On the one hand, I'm worried that if I decide to do an energy-focused TC and by the middle/end of it I lose my interest in that sector, I may end up qualifying in a practice area I don't like anymore. On the other hand, if I try different sectors and end up liking energy, I will have missed the opportunities to gain deeper understanding of the industry.

Will greatly appreciate your opinions on this!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi,

I'm interested in the energy sector, and can potentially shape my entire TC around energy by completing seats in energy-focused practice areas such as Energy Finance, Corporate Energy, Energy Disputes, and a secondment at an energy client. I assume that by the end of the TC, I should become a decent specialist in that particular sector.

What do you think the pros and cons of this approach are? Also, how beneficial will my TC experience be if I decide to move in-house at some point in the future or make a lateral move to an energy-oriented law firm (e.g. V&E or Baker Botts)?

An alternative may be to complete one energy seat and see if I like other practice areas which are less sector-specific, such as Banking, General Commercial Disputes, General Corporate M&A, Employment, Tax, etc.

On the one hand, I'm worried that if I decide to do an energy-focused TC and by the middle/end of it I lose my interest in that sector, I may end up qualifying in a practice area I don't like anymore. On the other hand, if I try different sectors and end up liking energy, I will have missed the opportunities to gain deeper understanding of the industry.

Will greatly appreciate your opinions on this!

I'd personally suggest doing at least one seat outside on energy, just so you have an understanding of how other sectors/clients may operate. You could still do the majority of your TC in energy and still come out as a specialist but just hedge your bets and develop a wider range of knowledge.

 

[George Maxwell]

Hi,

I'm interested in the energy sector, and can potentially shape my entire TC around energy by completing seats in energy-focused practice areas such as Energy Finance, Corporate Energy, Energy Disputes, and a secondment at an energy client. I assume that by the end of the TC, I should become a decent specialist in that particular sector.

What do you think the pros and cons of this approach are? Also, how beneficial will my TC experience be if I decide to move in-house at some point in the future or make a lateral move to an energy-oriented law firm (e.g. V&E or Baker Botts)?

An alternative may be to complete one energy seat and see if I like other practice areas which are less sector-specific, such as Banking, General Commercial Disputes, General Corporate M&A, Employment, Tax, etc.

On the one hand, I'm worried that if I decide to do an energy-focused TC and by the middle/end of it I lose my interest in that sector, I may end up qualifying in a practice area I don't like anymore. On the other hand, if I try different sectors and end up liking energy, I will have missed the opportunities to gain deeper understanding of the industry.

Will greatly appreciate your opinions on this!

Hi @gallof,

Thank you for the question! Just to add to what @Jessica Booker has said already, when I have reached out to people already in the industry, the resounding answer to this question has been, as far as possible, to try a variety of practice areas when training. I think not only can it reaffirm your intuition (about liking a particular sector), but having a broad experience can be surprising. I have spoken to a number of people who went to a firm expecting to do litigation/contentious work who subsequently realised that they prefer corporate/transactional work.

I have also been told that studying the law and practicing it are often very different things, so I am personally trying to go in with an open mind.

I am not a qualified lawyer and so I really am relaying what I have been advised when I have spoken to people. But this really has been a consistent theme during my conversations!

I hope that helps