Law firm application guide
The law firm application guide will help you stand out in a highly competitive environment. Read the complete guide on preparing your application.
Wondering how to get a job in law? Nailing your qualifying work experience (QWE) or training contract application is an important step towards becoming a fully qualified solicitor. With high competition for places at law firms, you’ll want to make sure your application is as strong as it can be.
Read our law firm application guide, where we break down everything you need to know about creating your application, including:
Step-by-step guide to preparing your application
Answering questions in a law firm application
How recruiters assess your answers
We’ll also point you in the direction of resources to help you supercharge your application.
Aspiring barrister? Read the pupillage guide.
How to get QWE or a training contract
To keep things simple, we’ve listed all the steps that go into creating an application.
Which law firm is right for you?
The first stage of planning your application is to decide which area of law and which law firms you’re interested in. Start by making a list, and writing what appeals to you most about each one.
To help you, reflect on your career path and connect with solicitors who can provide insights into what it’s like working in different practice areas. Be open-minded to practice areas that you haven’t previously considered, as these may present opportunities for you.
To help your research, read our blog on the practice areas of law.
Actions to take:
Consider which area of law you would like to practice in
Make a list of all the law firms you’re interested in
Decide which of these align with your value
Research the firms
This step is your opportunity to learn about the law firms you’re interested in.
You can start by browsing legal sites such as:
Legal 500
Lawcareers.net
All About Law
Chambers and Partners
Chambers Student
You’ll find detailed profiles, as well as news relating to each firm.
Make sure you also look through the firm’s website and pay special attention to recent cases they have worked on, who works there, and their clients.
Following them on social media is also a great way to keep in the loop of recent events at that practice.
Actions to take:
Research firms on law careers websites
Find information online such as blogs and news articles about those firms
Follow them on social media platforms, including LinkedIn
“A big mistake people make is they use generic information. Legal Cheek and Chambers Student Guide are great websites, they give you a great background on things, but you can’t rely on them to be convincing as to why you want a career in law at this certain firm.”
Christian, LLM SQE1&2 student and future Walker Morris trainee
Legal networking
Networking is an important part of any application. You’ll have the opportunity to speak directly to people at the firm you’re applying to and make a personal connection.
There are many ways you can build your network, such as reaching out on LinkedIn, or attending a law fair. When networking, use your research of that law firm to ask in-depth questions and get a feel for the culture.
Looking for a chance to network? Attend a law fair.
Our law fairs attract a wide range of legal employers.
If you’re wondering what questions to ask while networking, aim to get a sense of the culture of the firm or chambers, and the previous experience of the solicitors that work there.
Actions to take:
Attend law fairs and career events
Reach out to practising solicitors on LinkedIn
“Networking with the firm is a great way to enhance your application as you will be able to ask questions and get to know members of the firm on a greater level.”
Madison, LLM LPC student and future trainee at Bates Well
Prepare your application
At this stage you will have a firm idea of the area of law you’re looking to practice in, and the law firms you’re applying to. You’re now ready to prepare your application.
You can start by reaching out to careers support. They can advise you on your application and CV, and help you develop effective interview techniques. Our Careers team are available to you as soon as you accept your offer and pay your deposit.
“Because of all the help I got from the Careers team I approached the process feeling a lot more confident and I ended up securing a training contract at my dream firm.”
Madison, LLM LPC student and future trainee at Bates Well
Watch the video to learn how our careers experts can help you secure QWE or a training contract.
“A big mistake people make is they use generic information. Legal Cheek and Chambers Student Guide are great websites, they give you a great background on things, but you can’t rely on them to be convincing as to why you want a career in law at this certain firm.”
Christian, LLM SQE1&2 student and future Walker Morris trainee
Legal networking
Networking is an important part of any application. You’ll have the opportunity to speak directly to people at the firm you’re applying to and make a personal connection.
There are many ways you can build your network, such as reaching out on LinkedIn, or attending a law fair. When networking, use your research of that law firm to ask in-depth questions and get a feel for the culture.
Looking for a chance to network? Attend a law fair.
Our law fairs attract a wide range of legal employers.
If you’re wondering what questions to ask while networking, aim to get a sense of the culture of the firm or chambers, and the previous experience of the solicitors that work there.
Actions to take:
Attend law fairs and career events
Reach out to practising solicitors on LinkedIn
Gain practical experience
You will also want to gain as much experience as possible in the area of law you’re looking to practice in.
Law firms will be looking for evidence that you are confident in applying your knowledge and skills in a practice environment. Showing how you’ve developed during your experiences on a vacation scheme, or pro bono project will help you stand out.
If you’re interested in pro bono, our award-winning Social Impact team run pro bono projects throughout the year.
Watch the video to find out the key skills pro bono develops.
“Networking with the firm is a great way to enhance your application as you will be able to ask questions and get to know members of the firm on a greater level.”
Madison, LLM LPC student and future trainee at Bates Well
Prepare your application
At this stage you will have a firm idea of the area of law you’re looking to practice in, and the law firms you’re applying to. You’re now ready to prepare your application.
You can start by reaching out to careers support. They can advise you on your application and CV, and help you develop effective interview techniques. Our Careers team are available to you as soon as you accept your offer and pay your deposit.
“Because of all the help I got from the Careers team I approached the process feeling a lot more confident and I ended up securing a training contract at my dream firm.”
Madison, LLM LPC student and future trainee at Bates Well
Watch the video to learn how our careers experts can help you secure QWE or a training contract.
Gain practical experience
You will also want to gain as much experience as possible in the area of law you’re looking to practice in.
Law firms will be looking for evidence that you are confident in applying your knowledge and skills in a practice environment. Showing how you’ve developed during your experiences on a vacation scheme, or pro bono project will help you stand out.
If you’re interested in pro bono, our award-winning Social Impact team run pro bono projects throughout the year.
“Volunteering for the clinic has been one of the best things that I’ve done for my professional development, and that’s really because I’ve been able to work with and learn from solicitors directly.”
Moona, Law Conversion Course (PGDL) graduate
Watch the video to find out the key skills pro bono develops.
Actions to take:
Access law careers support
Practice and get feedback on applications, interview techniques, and assessment centres
Gain experience through vacation schemes and pro bono
How to answer questions in a law firm application
Below, we’ve provided some tips on how to answer law firm interview questions.
Why are you interested in a career as a commercial solicitor?
We’ve used the example of a commercial law application, but this question could equally apply to any of the practice areas.
The recruiter is looking for you to explain exactly what made you decide to pursue a career in this field. This is an opportunity to talk about why you’re passionate about law. What about the work of a commercial solicitor is compelling to you, and what makes you an ideal candidate for a career in this area of law?
You can talk about any experience you have in this practice area, and how that has influenced you. You may also have someone who has inspired your decision to pursue this area of law. These will help make your answer compelling and personal.
Make sure to be specific. Use examples and make it clear why they’re important!
Why this law firm?
This is your chance to talk about what draws you to the law firm.
Talk about people you have met from the firm at networking events, and any experience you have with that employer, such as vacation schemes.
You’ll also want to talk about the work of the firm, the practice areas they specialise in, and the clients they work with. Align what makes that employer unique to what makes you the ideal candidate to begin your career there.
Some other points to consider are:
The size of the firm, the location, and whether they operate internationally
Work culture, values, and mission statement
Training they offer
Awards and accolades
Awareness question
You will need to demonstrate your awareness of the field of law you’re looking to practice in.
Look at the sectors that the firm works closely with. Think of some of the biggest issues facing industries in that sector and look through media outlets to gain an understanding of those issues.
With each story, think about:
What is the issue?
Provide a brief summary to show your awareness. A common mistake for candidates is to summarise an article they have read on the issue, without analysing it.
Why is it happening?
This is where you start to show your analysis. What are the key factors that have led to the issue?
Who does it affect?
Identify the key stakeholders, including industries, businesses, and clients.
What are the implications?
This is the important part of the analysis. You can use the acronym PESTLE (political, economical, social, technological, legal, environmental) to guide you. Picking two or three of these factors to mention will provide structure to your response.
How will this affect the law firm?
The issue should always be linked back to the firm.
What solutions do you have?
To think like a solicitor, you should aim to provide potential solutions to the issue. This will help demonstrate your creativity, and a problem-solving mindset you can bring to the firm.
Interested in a career in commercial law? Read our guide on developing commercial awareness.
What qualities do you have that will make you a successful solicitor?
This is your chance to talk about what you can bring to the firm.
Aim to identify three to four key qualities you have that align with what the employer is looking for. Evidence each point with an example of when you have applied that quality and explain why it will help you become a successful solicitor.
Some common examples of qualities that law firms look for are:
Collaboration
Communication
Detail-orientation
Problem-solving
Emotional intelligence
Resilience
Innovation
Creativity
How do law firms assess your answers?
Law firms are looking to see that you can provide constructive responses to the questions.
They want to see that you are a ‘do-er’.
When answering law firm questions, keep in mind the STAR (situation, task, action, results) technique.
Your response should focus on each part of the acronym with the following weighting:
Situation (10%)
Task (10%)
Action (70%)
Result (10%)
Top-performing candidates will put the most emphasis on their actions when answering the question.
Final thoughts
Law firm applications can be tricky. When it comes to your application, make use of all the resources available to you. Building your network, going to events, and working closely with careers support to hone your application will help make you successful.
Learn more about creating a successful law firm application by attending an event.
