The best bits from yesterday’s #TCapps Q&A, featuring Norton Rose Fulbright, Mayer Brown, Hogan Lovells, Herbert Smith Freehills, BPP University Law School and Kaplan Law School
1. There were mixed views on the value of a masters
@legalcheek Always seemed to me that a master's is better suited for the Bar/academia than a TC?
— Thomas Fairclough (@tomfairclough) July 8, 2015
@legalcheek …We will want to understand what the student gained from completing a Masters and will look to see consistency in academics.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@aliedwards92 #TCapps – we would definitely consider the grades from a relevant masters when reviewing an application.
— HL Graduates UK (@HLGraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@aliedwards92 no, many graduate partners have reported to us that applicants regularly try this and it doesn't wash. #TCapps
— BPP Law School (@BPPLawSchool) July 8, 2015
2. Oxbridge doesn’t carry the cachet that it used to
@legalcheek 1/2 For us background is irrelevant so long as you meet the minimum requirements . We operate a blind CV policy to minimise
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 8, 2015
@legalcheek 2/2 any bias regarding background. We look at all elements of an application, we want to recruit a diverse group of trainees
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 8, 2015
@legalcheek #TCapps which uni you're from is not a criteria for selection. It all depends on your app as a whole.
— HSF Graduates UK (@HSFgraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@legalcheek Neither. We look at apps as a whole. Applicants must be well-rounded and answer all the qs to the best of their ability.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
3. These are the qualities law firms most value
@legalcheek Ability to adapt to situations, Ability to take a large amount of info and simplify in written format, open attitude
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 8, 2015
@legalcheek #TCapps successful lawyers tend to be enthusiastic, ambitious and excellent communicators.
— HSF Graduates UK (@HSFgraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@legalcheek Tough one, there are so many! I would say communication, people skills and a keen eye for detail #TCapps
— BPP Law School (@BPPLawSchool) July 8, 2015
@legalcheek On our essential advice page, our lawyers answer this question themselves. http://t.co/JDs9IVlqJr
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
4. This is what has stood out in the best application forms these experts have read
@lawstudentsdont This is difficult to answer in a tweet. A few things would be 1) Good apps are clear, structured & methodical.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@lawstudentsdont @legalcheek 2) The writer has thought about the skills necessary to be a good trainee and uses pertinent examples.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@lawstudentsdont @legalcheek and 3) A true understanding and interest in the firm is demonstrated.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@lawstudentsdont I would also say lateral thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and team skills backed up with examples
— Kaplan Law School (@KaplanLawSchool) July 8, 2015
@lawstudentsdont #TCapps A thoughtful and creative approach in the way you match your skills and experience to the role of a trainee lawyer.
— HL Graduates UK (@HLGraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@lawstudentsdont @legalcheek 1/2 Variety of work and extra-curricular experience (whatever that may be) and thought given to what skills
— HSF Graduates UK (@HSFgraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@lawstudentsdont those who have evidently done their research and applied this to why they want to apply. Not copy and paste of firm info
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 8, 2015
5. Firms don’t have strong views on when you do the LPC
@_tugayakar #TCApps A job can provide valuable commercial awareness and transferable skills before applying for a training contract. 1/2
— HL Graduates UK (@HLGraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@_tugayakar #TCapps Completing the LPC shows commitment to a career as a lawyer, but it can be expensive to self fund. #UpToYou 2/2
— HL Graduates UK (@HLGraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@_tugayakar @legalcheek There are pros & cons to both. I’m afraid this is a personal decision & we respect either choice.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@_tugayakar @legalcheek There are pros & cons to both. I’m afraid this is a personal decision & we respect either choice.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@_TugayAkar @legalcheek that's a v personal decision given financial commitment.We reimburse fees for trainees hired after LPC #TCapps
— HSF Graduates UK (@HSFgraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@Dannysodyssey @legalcheek – not at all. Lots of people join us as finalists or graduates-sometimes after the LPC.we refund fees. #TCapps
— HSF Graduates UK (@HSFgraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
6.This is what the experts had to say about mitigating circumstances
@flossryan We look at applications as a whole and take into account mitigating circumstances so please include these on your form.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
Hi @flossryan, some firms will look behind results if there is a clear reason for 'poor' performance. It's worth applying and explaining
— BPP Law School (@BPPLawSchool) July 8, 2015
@flossryan 1/2 We have a section for mitigating circumstances therefore this would be taken into consideration. We look at all aspects
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 8, 2015
@flossryan 2/2 of an application. I would encourage anyone applying to MB that is in such a position to contact the GR team via email also
— MayerBrownGraduates (@MayerBrownGrads) July 8, 2015
@flossryan @legalcheek please explain this on your app form and we will take into account all mitigating circumstances for grades #TCapps
— HSF Graduates UK (@HSFgraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
7. Other things wannabe lawyers can do to boost their chances include…
@lizjjwong @legalcheek Read the legal press and attend firm events where the speakers often discuss the firm’s vision for the future.
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@lawstudentsdont Attending firm events & speaking to the people is a great way to understand a firm and its culture. I recommend this!
— NortonRoseFulbright (@NLegal_Grad) July 8, 2015
@CSBlackett all firms are a business so demonstrating understanding/awareness the issues facing their business and clients is vital
— BPP Law School (@BPPLawSchool) July 8, 2015
@LegalCheek_Tom Yes, although you need to show evidence that you have improved. For example new work experience or grades.
— Kaplan Law School (@KaplanLawSchool) July 8, 2015
@elalcorno #TCApps Most VS's guarantee a TC interview. Spending time with a firm and getting to know them will make sure it's right for you!
— HL Graduates UK (@HLGraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
@judgejohnhack Non-legal work experience provides commercial awareness and an understanding of business. Both cruicial for lawyers! #TCApps
— HL Graduates UK (@HLGraduatesUK) July 8, 2015
