Hogan Lovells WVS PFO
That's 2/2 PFOs so far, and this is my first proper cycle. Any early words of advice, everyone?
I am determined to prove transferable skills as a wannabe career changer and think I can do that convincingly, but I find myself struggling with confidence when it comes to areas I am convinced other applicants will have me beat in, e.g. understanding of the industry, tangible evidence to answer the "why commercial law" question with, etc.
Open to any kind of advice from what I consider the pool of experts here! 😁
It's not a matter of if you will get a TC, but when. Take a breath and critically look at where you could be falling down. You've got this. It's only your first proper cycle so don't feel disheartened. You also have the rest of the year to make applications - it's only November at the moment! I've collated a bunch of things you can think about below. Other people, please feel free to jump in with further suggestions.
Attitude and Personal Belief
As a career changer you are amazing. You have so many skills that you can bring from your previous career forward. Also, it means that you are not making this decision lightly! You have really thought about why you want to do law. Do your best to try and cover the areas you are unsure about, but remember that most people are unsure. Nobody who is an aspiring lawyer has ever been a lawyer before, so how can they be 100% certain about whether law is right for them? You're in the same boat as a lot of people and leaning on people when you are finding things tough (as you have just done in the forum) is absolutely the right thing to be doing!
Application Strategy
Have I got an application strategy for the firms that I am targeting?
Why am I targeting these firms?
Am I giving myself enough time to complete the applications?
Written Stage
If you are struggling at the written stage, is there anyone who could look over your written application and suggest improvements?
Are you targeting this to the firm and to yourself?
Top tip: If you say something the firm already knows (e.g. they are sector specific), how can you tell that, and why does that specifically interest you (e.g. you have experience in sector they are experts in)?
Have you met anyone who has given you a unique insight into the firm, or who has confirmed that the firm really is what it says it is (e.g. have they experienced a culture of collaboration?). Maybe you have met them at a law fair/event or talked to them on LinkedIn.
Networking
Try to talk to people at the firms you want to train at. What insights can they give you about the application process?
Could you find out about any work that current employees are doing/have done?
Do people at the firm have a view about the culture/work life etc.?
Could somebody help you with your personal development?
Commercial Awareness
Is this something you are comfortable with?
Do you understand the jargon and what it means for businesses?
Can you relate commercial awareness concepts to news stories?
If you are applying to firms with strengths in certain practices (e.g. M&A) do you have a fundamental understanding of those practices and the terminolgy used within them? Do you know the considerations that law firms make?
If you are able to, I really recommend doing the TCLA Commercial Awareness courses. They are amazing.
Interviews
Do you know what your competencies are?
Do you have several examples of different competencies?
Are you presenting a confident appearance?
Is your commercial awareness up to date?
Are you able to hold your nerve when asked difficult questions?
Can you justify your reasons for an answer?
Have you throroughly read through your application and anticipated difficult questions resulting from this?
Have you practiced with a mentor/friend/recording yourself?
Group Exercises
Are you speaking too much or blending into the background?
Are you supporting the aims of the group?
Are you being inclusive?
Written Work
Is this structured?
Have you covered the main points?
Have you concluded?
Is the work gramatically error-free?
Have you chosen the right style of writing for the right audience?
This is off the top of my head and I hope it helps as a starting point. You have got this. Again, if anyone else has further ideas, please do chime in.
Good luck!
