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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Mayer Brown International LLP

Interview Advice: Know why you want to be a lawyer, and why you want to be a lawyer at this firm.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Insurance Litigation at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Really get to know the firm. Spend some time understanding how the industry is adapting to changing global pressures, but also make sure you know how Mayer Brown is adapting specifically.

Interview Advice: Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Be genuine. The interviewers want to see how you think and behave more so than what you actually say. Take your time when coming up with your answers and don't feel the need to respond right away. Write down some notes to help you reply. This shows preparation, patience and organizational thinking.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Consider all work experience and apply it to the firm's ethos.

Interview Advice: Make sure you focus on not only technical knowledge, but skills-based knowledge. I.e. know your CV!

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate M&A at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Try to make it personal to the firm and the applicant. If you can replace the firm name with another and it still makes sense, it is not personal enough. If you are speaking generically about interests (in practice areas, sectors, firm etc.) with no relation as to why these are specific to YOU (i.e. linking it to volunteering/experience you had, project you did, hobbies etc.), then it is not personal enough.

Interview Advice: Be authentically you. At this stage, everyone on paper is equally as qualified as eachother with good grades, good written manner, good level of understanding/interest with the firm and profession. To stand out, you need to let your personality shine through and remember that you are speaking to a person on the other side of the table/screen, who will be looking for people who they can see themselves enjoying to work with. Be smiley, chatty, relaxed (but also make sure your understanding of why law/firm/you is equally as strong as was in application stage).

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Try to attend an open day or a virtual law fair so you can speak to people who actually work at the firm. Try to tailor the application to the law firm itself.

Interview Advice: Be prepared to justify your answers and to be challenged on your responses. Try to be relaxed.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Secondment – Pro Bono Human Rights at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Commercial awareness. Look at the sectors the firm operates in, find ones that interest you and research key events/updates/tends happening in their clients sector at the moment. Try and bring these up in your interview to demonstrate you're awareness of the market BCLP's clients operate in and the challenges, threats and opportunities they face. Have an awareness of how a law firm operates as a business. Look at the impact of technology on the legal profession e.g Chat GPT Be aware of what a trainee does in different departments, the difference between transactional and contentious seats ect

Interview Advice: If you are given the name of your interviewers, research the sector they are in and the projects they worked on, try to bring this up in your interview.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: To understand what the firm does, and how that relates to what you are interested in.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. There is no set type of candidate; the adage that it doesn't matter where you come from is certainly true and they want to see your authentic self in the interviews. If you come across as something you are not, you will be found out.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: research the firm's practice areas

Interview Advice: research interviewer, research practice areas. tailor your work experience to the role.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Banking & Finance at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Focus on the firm's main practice areas and client sectors.

Interview Advice: Be ready to talk about the challenges facing the firm's clients. Be ready to justify why you are choosing this firm over its competitors.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Banking & Finance at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Ensure your interests are aligned with what the firm is best at

Interview Advice: Be able to distinguish the firm from its competitors

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Associate, CDR/Financial Services Regulation and Enforcement at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Be creative, the firm never hires boring people!

Interview Advice: Personality will get your further than grades.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Banking & Finance at Mayer Brown International LLP

Interview Advice: The assessment center is designed to see how you think. Do not focus on 'getting the answer right' as to many question there is no right or wrong answer - the interviewers want to see your thought process.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Finance at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Ensure you apply early. Each firm has hundreds, if not thousands of applicants. As such, they recruit on an ongoing basis during the window to apply. Therefore you risk less places being available the later you apply.

Interview Advice: Be confident and do your research on the firm. Understand the key competencies of the firm. Make sure there is depth to your answers. Ultimately, the firm is looking for people who will fit in, being those who work well with others and are proactive in their approach to work.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Find what connects you to the Firm personally - this will make the 'why this Firm' question a lot easier to answer and your motivation will show naturally.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, show confidence and a personality. Let them walk away thinking they know you and that you know something about them (professionally and personally). Situational judgement questions were a focus of my training contract interview, so it's important to really explain and demonstrate how you would succeed as a trainee, and even as an associate in the future.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the firm and use its buzzwords in your application.

Interview Advice: Be personable. Don't discredit an area of law because its likely the firm has a department that does that work. Research your interviewer.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Give genuine answers, demonstrating your authentic personality and things that you are passionate about.

Interview Advice: The final interview stage involved a mix of competency based questions and questions specific to my CV and experience. I looked up the interviewers before the interview and this helped me to prepare some more tailored questions to ask.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Tax, Advice and Controversy (1st Seat) at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Be yourself, think about WHY you are attracted to the firm. Make sure each point ties back to yourself and your interests.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, ask questions and make sure you understand how the firm operates and makes money.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Wills, Trusts and Estates Disputes at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: - Research the firm in detail, including practice areas, charity work, BD, values etc. - Talk about more than just your legal experience. Draw upon non-legal jobs, hobbies, volunteering opportunities. - Take your time and proof read; and do it again.

Interview Advice: - Be yourself. Be open and honest. - Prepare for the typical/ popular competency and training contract questions - Prepare to be asked about practice areas that interest you.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Most work experience (including non-legal work experience) can be relevant to the role. Try to relate all of the experience you have to working as a lawyer and in particular working at a law firm.

Interview Advice: If you have got to the interview stage, it means that you are good enough to obtain the position. Have this belief and it will serve you well. Also, research potential interview questions before hand and make sure to have an idea about what you are going to say if the particular question is asked at interview.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Serious Injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Interview Advice: Be yourself and let your passion for your hobbies/interests shine through. Obviously your legal qualifications and ability to do the job are important, but IM really do take a keen interest in what you are like as a person and how you will fit into their culture of working.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

trainee solicitor, Restructuring and insolvency at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: spend time gaining practical work experience as a paralegal, and make sure you thoroughly research the firm

Interview Advice: Make sure you thoroughly research the firm, including their departments, news articles, values etc.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Litigation at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Consider the firm's practice areas. Find out about the firm's pro bono initiatives and consider these too.

Interview Advice: Consider current events which may impact on our clients.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Restructuring, Bankruptcy & Insolvency at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Make sure you use the language the firm wants you to sue (e.g. focusing on international opportunities and training.)

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Litigation & Dispute Resolution at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: 1. Research the firm properly. 2. Use relevant, recent examples of work. 3. Look at industry insight pieces contributed to by the firm. 4. Focus on your transferable skills if you are changing career / have no prior legal experience.

Interview Advice: 1. Research the firm properly. 2. Be yourself. 3. Address the interviewers equally. 4. Ask questions!

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown International LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate & Securities at Mayer Brown International LLP

Application Advice: Use your own unique life experiences to demonstrate why you have the requisite IQ and EQ to be a good solicitor.

Interview Advice: Be prepared for standard questions (e.g. why commercial law, why Mayer Brown etc). Ensure you are aware of current affairs and how this relates to the firm / its clients.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Tailor your application, really ask yourself why Reed Smith?

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Disputes at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Look at the company's values and priorities

Interview Advice: Think about how different stakeholders are affected when describing scenarios or explaining answers to legal issues

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Office of General Counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Interview Advice: Ensure that you demonstrate commercial awareness in your answers and how you are target driven/can meet targets using practical examples.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Core Real Estate – Asset Management at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Research current news stories that relate to the firm's areas of expertise to support your answers on what areas of law interest you. It will ensure you demonstrate your interest in learning outside of your studies. BCLP is well known for its real estate work and the property sector is constantly changing, so this would be a good place to start.

Interview Advice: At my interview, I was asked what personal challenges have I faced outside of school and work that have shaped me as a person. I think this is a great question to ask because lawyers need to be resilient. Determination in the face of adversity is a skill acquired through experience, and I would advise anyone interviewing to think about how they can show that they have the ability to bounce back in difficult situations.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee, Secondment to Reprieve (UK Litigation) at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Focus on relating your experience to the skills the firm is looking for.

Interview Advice: Build a rapport with the interviewers - ask good questions about them and find something you have in common with them.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Spend time researching the firm to ensure you understand the firm's values and culture. When carrying out your research think what am I interested in and make sure this is reflected in your application, that way you can show why you would be a good fit for the firm. If you can attend open days and vacation schemes it is a great way to get to know the firm and probe its employees about what they enjoy about the firm .

Interview Advice: Most importantly be yourself, the interview is about getting to know you therefore don't be afraid to show your personality, at the end of the day they are hiring someone who they would want to work with. If you are unsure of an answer to a question in an interview don't panic, take a deep breathe, ask for a minute to think about it and then show your reasoning for reaching the answer. Even if your answer is wrong, your reasoning will show the partners you think things through in a logical way. Also the partners will help point you in the right direction, just smile and carry on.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, FIG at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Make it specific to the firm

Interview Advice: Be yourself Give examples when asked questions

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee, Corporate at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Be specific to the firm and why you want to work there / the type of work they do.

Interview Advice: Strengths-based interview. Have an example for all your strengths.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Transportation Asset Finance at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Show how your past experiences/ skills relate to being an effective lawyer, rather than just stating you are just good at [x] or [y].

Interview Advice: Take a moment to think, the interviewers do not expect an immediate response. It is more advisable to reflect than giving the first answer that comes to mind

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Media at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Show an appreciation for the firm's culture and sector expertise

Interview Advice: Well structured answers and confidence

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Use examples from your work, volunteering or education to demonstrate the skills you have, which are relevant for the job you are applying for.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Don't just focus on your academics, show how every little piece of experience has helped you grow and demonstrated the skills you'll need as a lawyer - it doesn't even matter if this experience isn't law-related; we want to see that you have a good understanding of the transferrable skills necessary to succeed.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and try and let your personality shine through - if you've been asked to interview then presumably you have the grades. This stage is about making sure the firm is the right fit for you and vice versa.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee solicitor, M&A and Corporate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Understand the bigger picture. Know what the firm's key growth areas are.

Interview Advice: Be able to express why you are interested in the firm specifically rather than any other firm.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Seat options in Manchester are primarily real estate focussed

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Family at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Be thorough, and have faith in your experience.

Interview Advice: Be open, confident but take your time, don't rush.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Planning and Zoning at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Research the firm and their ongoing work and tailor your application around that. Provide evidence of any skills you say you have (e.g. I've shown leadership because I director a play which 200 people bought tickets for)

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Give lots of good examples that adopt the firms values.

Interview Advice: Make sure to show your personality and dont just say what you think they want you to say - being original makes you stand out and irwin mitchell don't just hire one certain 'type' of person

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown

Trainee Solicitor, Insurance Litigation (LDR) at Mayer Brown

Application Advice: Know the firm. Mayer Brown has a great 'family' culture where everyone helps each others. Trainees are encourage to support each other and because there are only 15 of us each year there is no 'sharp elbow' competition betweeen us. Our hours/utilisation rates are not compared agaisnt each other, we are judge purely on the contents of our work, our work ethic and attitude, and are ability to adapt and face challenges. Showing you can work smart not just hard will get you far so you need to demonstrate these attitudes; team work, hard work, 'smart work'.

Interview Advice: Don't be stiff. The vast majority of partners who interview are not 'old school'. They care about your qualifications but they also care are you someone they would want to share an office with for 6 months. Are you personable? Would a client feel comfortable around? If you have got to the interview stage they already know you are academically bright, now is the time to show your personality more. You still need to be professional in the interview, but it is okay to make a joke. Also, at the end they might not ask 'Any questions?' but instead 'Anything you wish we had asked you but haven't?' There is nothing wrong pointing out any things about yourself you feel haven't been highlighted - its your one chance to let them know about you.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Transportation (Shipping Litigation) at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Apply early.

Interview Advice: Show a keen interest in why you want to specifically work for Reed Smith.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Personal Legal Services at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make sure you research the firm, the values and what the firm is looking for in a candidate then apply your own experiences to show how you have demonstrated those values and skills.

Interview Advice: Read over your CV and application before hand. Be yourself, they will want to get to know you as a person not just as a potential employee.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Energy & Natural Resources at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Tailor your application specifically to the company and its values.

Interview Advice: Focus on skills and always give examples. Show, don't tell.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Family at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: - Identify firms values and how you incorporate these into day to day life/ work - Show your experience through clear examples of previous work/ roles - Demonstrate your interest in the firm and the areas of law

Interview Advice: - Competency questions - Firms values - Identify some interesting or big cases from Irwin Mitchell

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Construction and Engineering at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: focus carefully on the components of the questions. IM operates a blind application process so your grades and university are not relevant. How well you answer all elements of the competency questions is what will get you to the interview stage. Use recent examples if possible. If a question asks 'tell me about a time when' and 'what your role was within...' then both are equally important elements of the answer.

Interview Advice: Relax. Prepare by reading the twitter feed/linkedIn feed of the firm. Use Legal 500 to understand what work is actually done in the office you are applying to and can speak knowledgeably about it. At the interview itself the questions the interviewer will be asking is whether they would like to work with this person and whether they would put them in front of a client. Therefore, relax, smile, be polite to everyone and don't be afraid to laugh. Calm, relaxed authority - expert hand - human touch!

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Public Law and Human Rights at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Proof read and ensure there are no errors in the application Include all experience even if it might seem irrelevant Think imaginatively when answering the competency questions Demonstrate an interest in the firms particular areas including writing about cases etc. that have been in the news Don't worry if you do not have much legal experience

Interview Advice: Read up on firm's values and how Irwin Mitchell has been featured in the news Research and be familiar with particular issues that might affect the industry Focus on commercial awareness - in particular relating personal injury and private client Keep answers clear and concise

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Ensure that you have researched the firm thoroughly. Blanket applications will stand out and will not get you very far.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and be honest! The firm are looking for someone who will fit in with the culture and who is willing to work hard.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: make it specific to the firm , focus on their values and make sure your personality comes across

Interview Advice: be yourself - that way you'll get a feel for whether it is the right fit for you.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Relate your previous experience to the job requirements. Obtain as much legal experience as you can.

Interview Advice: Research possible interview questions and prepare responses for them. Have confidence in your ability; if you made it to the interview stage, you are good enough to get the job!

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Will Trust and Estate Disputes at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Get involved in plenty of extra-curricular activities and talk about them. Irwin Mitchell want to see well-rounded people and academics are not important at the application stage. Be succinct with your answers and don't waffle. The word limits are there to be used, but focus on quality over quantity. Ideally, quality and quantity. If you aren't successful the first time, listen to the feedback and apply again. Tenacity is one of Irwin Mitchell's core values.

Interview Advice: Be confident, smile, be your best self. The interviewers aren't trying to trick you, and if they challenge you on an answer you have given, engage with them and defend your position appropriately. Speak up during the group exercises, but try not to dominate the conversation. Offer your thoughts and try to include those who haven't spoken as much as you.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Advertise your transferrable skills from all of your roles - it doesn't matter if you do not have legal experience.

Interview Advice: Your interviewer wants you to do well. Try to relax and let your personality shine; they want to employ people that will fit with the personalities in the team already.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: make it specific stress you understand the firm values

Interview Advice: know the firms values

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Workplace Illness at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Tailor your application to Irwin Mitchell - research their values, ethos etc. and demonstrate why you think your values align with those of the Firm. Don't send a generic application. Turn any negatives into a positive, for example a bad exam result/failed exam - not a failure, but an opportunity to revise your exam skills and improve in the future. Show your personality - hobbies, interests etc. - not just academic ability. Be honest and truthful. Show commercial awareness. The Firm is a business and the market is competitive. Show that you are aware of this, are interested in it, and are dedicated to furthering the wider goals of the Firm as a business Highlight your skills - team work, tenacity, commitment, time management & flexibility, the ability to build relationships with others & handle those relationships appropriately, etc.

Interview Advice: Show your personality. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Engage with other applicants and your interviewer/s. If you are not sure of an answer, do not panic. Do your best. Don't try and lie/make something up just to provide an answer. Be friendly. Smile. Engage with the people around you, not just other applicants and interviewer/s - everyone you meet at the firm could be a future colleague. Show how you can interact confidently & respectfully with people - you will need this skill for clients too so best to show it off now. You will work as part of a team at IM, show you are a team player and can communicate effectively & build relationships. Speak up as to why you want to work at Irwin Mitchell. What has your research into the firm told you? Why have you selected IM over other firms? What do you think working at IM will be like? Show your enthusiasm and commitment to your career & the firm. Remember to be commercially aware and show this to your interviewer/s. The Firm is a business and the market is competitive. Show that you are aware of this, are interested in it, and are dedicated to furthering the wider goals of the Firm as a business

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, BLS at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: research the company and values

Interview Advice: try and draw on examples that will stand out from the crowd - demonstrate you have something different.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Asbestos at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Read up on the company and the work that they do.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. They are a personable firm and are looking for people that will get along with colleagues and clients.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Emphasise the professional experience you have - firms want people have some work experience, not just 'fresh' graduates with strong academic records.

Interview Advice: Be enthusiastic and confident. I was asked a range of questions on key competencies (e.g. a time you've managed a difficult situation) and more 'thought-provoking' questions about particular areas of law (e.g. 'Is it wrong to sue the NHS?').

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Be interesting and don't lie

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Don't be shy in group exercises. I was asked about work I had recently been doing and talked about this naturally which made me feel relaxed and I think the interviewers liked it.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown

Trainee Solicitor, Litigation Dispute Resolution at Mayer Brown

Application Advice: Do your research! Find out as much as you can, not just about the areas of law but also about the range of initiatives run by the firm i.e. CSR initiatives, pro bono work and internal committees i.e. Fusion, Work & Me.

Interview Advice: What recent news story have you been following and how would it impact on our clients? Be ready to discuss it.

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown

Trainee Solicitor, Tax at Mayer Brown

Application Advice: Really think about the practice areas you are interested in. Firms offer different seat options. If the firm doesn’t offer the area of law you are most interested in, the passion and interest for the seats we do offer won’t come through in your application. Plus you might not be happy! Make sure you have researched the firm in-depth and use those findings in your application. If you can, try and connect with someone in the firm before you write your application. They can provide insights about the culture and work that you might not be able to find online. Maybe you spoke to someone at a law fair, or reached out over LinkedIn. In my experience, everyone is always happy to have a quick chat!

Interview Advice: Be succinct with the ‘Why Mayer Brown’ question. There are probably many reasons why you want to work at the firm, but if you try and list them all you might end up waffling, and the interviewer will probably fail to remember why you wanted to work at the firm. Maybe pick your top 3 reasons.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Restructuring and Insolvency at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the firm in detail and provide specific examples of case, clients, lawyers and values that interest you

Interview Advice: Base everything you say on clear examples

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Restructuring & Insolvency at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Use lots of examples to demonstrate your points / why you would be suited to the role.

Interview Advice: Research the firm and have examples of how you can demonstrate key competencies.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Public Law at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Show why you are interested in this area of work - if you're not genuine in what interests you, it will be obvious in the interview stage!

Interview Advice: Be yourself and be confident in what you have to offer! I undertook 4 different exercises - a group exercise, a written exercise and 2 interviews. The first interview was about me and the second interview was a task where I had to pitch for one office out of the options given.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Restructuring & Insolvency at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the firm's USP more specifically than stating information available to all applicants - dig deep into the financials, CSR policy, reports to get a feel of what the current position is and where the firm wants to be.

Interview Advice: Know your application and be adaptable to different situations.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Litigation at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Be yourself - firms know you can do the law, but they want to see how you fit into their culture.

Interview Advice: Relax and don't over-think things.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Pensions at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make a personal connection if you can. Research. Provide lots of details on relevant work and life experience including extra curricular activities.

Interview Advice: Make a personal connection Research the areas of the firm Research you interviewees if you can Be yourself Enjoy it

Industry: Law

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Mayer Brown

Trainee Solicitor, Banking and Finance at Mayer Brown

Application Advice: Due to the strong focus on diversity and inclusion, I would suggest to demonstrate awareness of the firm's efforts in this area and the importance to the candidate of promoting diversity and inclusion.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Placement Student, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Research the firm and tailor your interests/experience to what company's ethos and business strategy are.

Interview Advice: Sounds cliché but be yourself. The more you show your personality and create a rapport with the interviewer, the less daunting the interview will be. I would also say know what your USPs are and motivations for wanting to work at BCLP specifically.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Make sure you do your research and ensure your answers are specific to BCLP. Focus on the key reasons you want to apply, whether it be the firm's culture, innovation and/or the deals the firm works on. Make it clear why BCLP stands our from the other law firms to you.

Interview Advice: What is something you are passionate about, that you could have a discussion / debate about? (Question I was asked).

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Personal Injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Tailor your application to the firm; an impersonal and 'scattergun' approach to applications will not help. A good idea is to apply for fewer firms and make these applications specific to each firm.

Interview Advice: Prepare by ensuring you have a well rounded CV that speaks for itself. Be yourself in the interview; the firm wants to meet candidates that are genuine and will fit with the culture here. Consider the values of the firm and what experience you have that reflects these.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Family at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the values and make sure that you consider times when you may have demonstrated the values in your previous experience.

Interview Advice: Show your passion, in whatever that may be. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate excellent communication and a willingness to learn. "How do you market yourself" "What advice would you give to your younger self?"

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Serious Injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Look carefully at the core values of the firm and make sure that you demonstrate as best you can why you would be a good fit. I considered the values and then set about gaining experience and undertaking roles at university to demonstrate in my application that I was already carrying out the firm's core values. For example I joined the charities committee at university and I joined one of the Irwin Mitchell Schemes to get involved. The firm is interested in you as a person, so be sure to show your personality and you hobbies and interests. Sports and hobbies can be a great way to demonstrate key qualities that make a desirable candidate.

Interview Advice: During the interview, my best advice would be to be yourself. I attended many interviews during my second year of university. I prepared much in the same way, for each firm, researching the firm and being as well read as possible. It was not until my interview at Irwin Mitchell that I understood that it really is about finding the firm that is the right fit for you. Do not be afraid to show your personality. The focus is more on recruiting people who will be part of the team and work within the ethos of the firm, rather than the grades achieved in exams. The questions I was asked were largely competency based. Be prepared with examples where you have shown good customer care or dealt with an issue etc.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Personal Legal Services at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Get help from those you know in industry, friends, proof-read lots

Interview Advice: Link back to actual experiences and examples in as many questions as possible

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee, Real Estate at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Do your research into the firm and make sure you have specific reasons for applying to this firm.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and try to enjoy the experience. They are looking for personality and aptitude.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Energy and Natural Resources at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Do your research! Do not give a generic application because it will be obvious. Spend time researching the firm and seeing what people have to say about it to make sure this is what you want too.

Interview Advice: Don't be afraid to talk about yourself. The way our interviews work means the interviewer wants to learn about your skills - give lots of details, and all experience is relevant. This means as long as you can demonstrate transferable skills in whatever past jobs you had - you'll be good to go! It's a trainee role, they are not expecting you to be legal experts yet, they just want to know that you're making an informed decision.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Transportation at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Do plenty of research.

Interview Advice: Just be yourself. Reed Smith appreciate people for who they really are.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Financial Industry Group at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Try to think back to your experiences: you may not think you have a scenario to suit a question but you likely do. Ask family and friends if they remember anything you have done which might help.

Interview Advice: It's alright to get a few things wrong, don't let it panic you and cause you to make more mistakes! Always good to brush up on the M&A process. Also very important to have an idea of which different departments can be involved in a given type of work. Show enthusiasm!

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee, Tax at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Apply early and be detailed in applications.

Interview Advice: Research on firm values and improve on strength based interview.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Transportation at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Know the firm really well. Understand what they are looking for and what you can offer.

Interview Advice: Prepare yourself fully by understanding and being able to show your different skillsets and link it to the firm using examples.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Thoroughly research the firm and tailor your application. Attend an open day so that you can get a feel for the firm.

Interview Advice: Outside of being prepared for the interview, be enthusiastic. The interviewers are trying to get to know you and assess whether you will fit in with the firm, so be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee, Labour & Employment at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Ensure that you know your application inside out as you will be quizzed on it to a degree if you get through to the interview and so it pays to know what you wrote as well as having reasons to back it up.

Interview Advice: Genuinely be yourself! I believe that Reed Smith are looking for people who will not only perform to a high standard, but also people who are going to make the working environment a nice one to be in. The interviewers are chosen as they are willing to be open-minded and look to pass candidates who have the skills (soft and technical) and are personable enough to do well.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee Solicitors, PCCF at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: Read widely about the firm and see what its clients say about it and why it is a market-leader.

Interview Advice: Ensure you know in which sectors the firm's clients operate. Read widely about them and be prepared to talk about what you have read and what interests you. Remember you are unique so don't read into what you think the firm wants you to read, read about matters that genuinely interest you and on which you have formed your own opinion. Be prepared to communicate that opinion efficiently.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Finance at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Be personal - no generic answers. Answer the questions the form asks and make sure the answers cover what the firm's careers website says it is looking for.

Interview Advice: It's ok to be nervous, but not a nervous wreck. Be yourself and be prepared. Be clear on why you want to work for the firm and why the firm should want you working for it - that way you'll appear more confident.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Banking and Finance at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Take time to research the firm and tailor the application appropriately. Showcase your research and analytical skills through the application.

Interview Advice: Strengths-based interview. I was mostly asked about the things that energise me etc. The top tip is being prepared but not over-prepared to maintain a natural flow. No legal/technical questions in the interview except for a case study which was part of the assessment centre.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Transportation at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Have a genuine interested in law and the firm. Be able to portray this interest in the application.

Interview Advice: You don't just have to talk about your previous job experiences. Talk about experiences you've had in your life generally.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Legal at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: Consider what makes the firm stand out from its competitors. Don’t be afraid to emphasise your personal interests - personality is appreciated!

Interview Advice: Show your personality and consider how the role of trainee solicitors may change in the future.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Financial Industries Group – Banking & Finance at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Double check your answers for spelling and grammar before submitting your answers and don't just give generic answers, make sure to do firm-specific research before submitting!

Interview Advice: Do a timeline for the case study, make sure to listen and contribute to group discussions.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Global Commercial Disputes at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Steer away from generic application answers - try to give answers that let your character and personality shine through. Don't write what you think they want to hear. Reed Smith is full of down-to-earth people, who want to find people that they would want to work with daily. They won't be able to find out who you are if you give them some generic spiel about having a passion for law.

Interview Advice: Reed Smith has a unique interview process that will encourage you to answer in a way that shows your strengths and interests. I would encourage you to think outside of the box and make sure your answers show a broad sense of who you are i.e. rather than solely focusing on law experience, talk about sports interests, hobbies, waitress/bar work. In my opinion, they want to see transferable skills rather than an in-depth knowledge of case law!

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Do not write an application which appears to be copied and pasted to any firm. Tailor the writing to be firm-specific.

Interview Advice: The interviewers are friendly, and genuinely want you to succeed. There were no surprise or trick questions.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Entertainment and Media Industry Group at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Research, research, research. Make it personal, know our key sectors.

Interview Advice: Practice explaining your skills and experiences to a friend/mentor so that you give the best impression in your interview. There is a challenging case study as part of the interview - make organised notes during the reading time to help you answer questions confidently and clearly.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Energy & Natural Resources at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Really research the firm and the work we do, it will reflect in your application that you have taken a keen interest in our firm and the work that we do. You want to avoid your application appearing like a generic application bulk sent to a number of firms.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. The interviewers are keen to get to know you and what motivates you, on top of why you have applied and why you would like to work here.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Ensure that statements about skills are backed up with evidence.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Take your time and review your application properly.

Interview Advice: Research the firm, take an interest in the work conducted, be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Tax at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Highlight your interest in the firm and support it with examples (why do you personally like the firm).

Interview Advice: Prepare for questions such as: How do you think BCLP is different from other firms? Why did you choose BCLP? Be honest and genuine in your answers. All the partners at BCLP are very approachable and personable, so they would appreciate a genuine approach.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Answer the question asked in a well-structured format, showcase yourself.

Interview Advice: Be candid. Questions asked: walk me through your resume, tell me about a time when...

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration & Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Be honest and put time into the questions on the application form

Interview Advice: Know your application form inside out and be genuine

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Interview Advice: Be prepared for scenario and legal questions

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Tailor application to the firm and understand the firm's key area of real estate

Interview Advice: Make sure you have a well thought-out answer to 'Why law?'

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Proof read your application numerous times. Identify unique characteristics of the firm.

Interview Advice: Know why you want to be a lawyer and what attracts you to the firm in particular.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration and Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: When answering the law firm's questions, make sure that you apply current affairs into the answers. For example, you need to ask yourself: Is there something that the law firm will be worried about (for itself and its client); and, is it possible to apply that to any of the questions that have been asked. This will help to illustrate your commercial awareness, as well as your knowledge of the firm and its clients.

Interview Advice: Communication is key. I spoke to current trainees of the firm, its future trainees and recently qualified trainees - LinkedIn is very useful. This helped me to prepare for the interview. It goes without saying that you should know your application like the back of your hand.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Litigation and Corporate Risk at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Ensure that your application form is tailored to the firm, its work and its culture.

Interview Advice: Know your CV and application form inside out, think and speak calmly and think commercially.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Energy, Environment and Infrastructure Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Interview Advice: Questions I was asked: - advice to an entrepreneur setting up a new business - topic you would speak on at Speaker's Corner

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Demonstrate how you can reflect and show the firm's values.

Interview Advice: Be open and friendly, they're trying to get to know you as an individual.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, General Counsel at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Take your time. Conduct wider research into what the firm does outside of what is available on the website. Look into their charitable foundation IMCF as well as their social media presence for an insight into the firm. Get legal experience before applying as this will help you during the application and interview processes.

Interview Advice: Be yourself! The firm wants to hire people with a range of personalities. This will get you much further than anything else.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Restructuring and Insolvency at Womble Bond Dickinson

Interview Advice: Be yourself, and don't give answers that you think the interviewers want to hear, as you will not come across as genuine.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Various Departments at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Start any application with a mindmap of who you are, why you want a career in this particular area and why with this particular firm. Helping you to get the key points out visually on paper before you start to actually write an application or cover letter helps you to really drill down into what you want to say and make the most convincing argument as to why they should pick you over somebody else.

Interview Advice: Know the company and the job you are applying for, but most of all, be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Property Disputes at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: -Prepare questions to ask interviewers about the firm -Research recent deals which the firm has acted on and market trends which may be relevant -Make sure to proof-read any written communication

Interview Advice: - The usual: Dress smart and turn up on time, and ask questions - The unusual: the firm are friendly so be prepared to have more informal conversations as well as the standard interview questions.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Banking at Womble Bond Dickinson

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Intellectual Property at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: During the Vacation Scheme, talk to as many people as possible and show an interest in what they're doing. The more people that you've made a good impression on, the better!

Interview Advice: Don't stress, the interviewers are not there to catch you out and will try to make you feel at ease. I tried to make my interview as much like a 'chat' as possible and allow my personality to be evident, instead of viewing it as a daunting formal interview, and that seemed to work well for me.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Agriculture, Farms and Estates at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be clear about why you want to work at the firm, and in particular try to convey how you fit in with the firm whether that be its values or culture. I think it is also important to try and convey your personality in your application, and to try to make it memorable for those reading it although equally getting the basics right such as spelling and grammar are key too.

Interview Advice: I would recommend trying to convey your personality and your interests in your interviews whilst still remaining professional. The interview process is relatively relaxed and is structured to try to encourage a conversation with you rather than just you talking at the panel.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Residential Property at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be honest and be yourself. Honest answers may help set you apart or tell the firm something about you. Prescribed answers will only cause you to blend into the crowd.

Interview Advice: Stay relaxed - the interviewers are there to try and help you shine, not to trip you up. The focus will be on the person you are now and the person you want to become, not who you were when you sat your GCSEs!

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Disputes at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be honest and show your personality throughout the application process. The firm looks to hire individuals, not just a candidate who comes across well on paper.

Interview Advice: Be prepared to show team working skills, problem-solving abilities and be ready for an individual assessment on the assessment day.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Trainee (currently Private Capital) at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be yourself and make sure you adapt every single experience to show your transferable skills to the firm.

Interview Advice: Be confident (not too much) clear and likeable. It is about people wanting to work with you.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Planning and Construction at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Give specific reasons why you want to apply to the firm.

Interview Advice: Know your strengths and be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee, Construction at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Take an evidence-led approach to the application. Pay attention to what is on the application advice literature, and make it easy for the recruiters. Anything (working at a supermarket, running a committee) is good experience IF you can articulate what you did. A job title is not evidence of what you did in a role so explain what projects you worked on or experiences you gained and quantify your impact.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Don't go in jumping up and down about your double first-class degree from Oxford and think that will be enough. WBD value people who will fit the ethos of the firm.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Construction at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Think commercially. Explain how the skills you learnt in your non-legal experience are transferable to the role.

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Trainee at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Be specific. Don't copy and paste at all. You need to show how you could be a commercial lawyer at BCLP.

Interview Advice: See the commercial side of clients' legal problems.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be yourself. Showcase your skills but don't be afraid to reveal your interests and what makes you different. We really value diversity here.

Interview Advice: Be positive, enthusiastic and ambitious! Know the firm, its clients and the sectors it operates within. Know the opportunities and the challenges the firm (and its clients) are facing and try to demonstrate commercial awareness in your answers.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Be absolutely certain you want to do real estate law before applying to the Manchester office because that's currently all you can do but it's not well signposted.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, and be open. The partners who interviewed me were laid back and interested in a more informal chat. Don't neglect your market research though, every little helps.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Property Litigation at Blake Morgan

Interview Advice: Be prepared to answer questions about specific roles or tasks which you have mentioned in your application, for example, if you mentioned that you were involved in 'X project' at a previous job - be prepared to speak about it in detail and how you were involved. The second round interview involves the candidate making a 10 minute presentation about a non-legal topic to a panel of a few senior staff members and the recruitment team.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Tailor your application to the firm

Interview Advice: It is as much as interview for them as it is you - try and get a feel of any firm you interview at

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Know the firm before applying. Lots of research is key. A clear focus on the firm's core values and its business approach are essential.

Interview Advice: The application process may involve an online interview before a physical interview. Candidates should remember to dress the part and practice in front of a camera first. Physical interviews are usually conducted with two members of staff interviewing in pairs. Partners take an active role in the recruitment process so it is important to be prepared to demonstrate enthusiasm, commercial awareness and professionalism when addressing partners in an interview room.

Industry: Law

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Capital Law

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Capital Law

Application Advice: Know the firm- the clients, the work, the culture and the genuine reasons you want to work for Capital.

Interview Advice: Show your personality- the firm want real people and not robots!

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Planning at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Attend networking + presentation events, research specific things about the firm, appear enthusiastic.

Interview Advice: Be enthusiastic, don't be afraid to take a moment to consider answers, study general commercial knowledge. Questions included 'why law?', 'why this firm?', 'what would you speak about if given the chance to speak at Speaker's Corner?', 'why a solicitor and not a barrister', 'what issues would you consider when setting up a new company'.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate M&A at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: A trainee in any city silver circle law firm needs to be diligent, resilient and willing to learn. In BCLP particularly, I think that being personable goes a long way. Whilst there is no 'BCLP type', something that we all have in common is the fact that we are confident, friendly and driven in our career aspirations.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. The company is not looking for a corporate robot, they are looking for willing and able individuals.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration & Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Tailor it specifically to BCLP as much as possible. Try to get as much relevant work experience (and transferable skills) as you can before applying.

Interview Advice: Research the firm, and the person interviewing you, as much as possible in advance. Try to think of it as more of a two-way conversation than an interview i.e. an opportunity for you to find out about the firm as much as them finding out about you.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee, Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Know more about the work the firm does than the 'big-ticket' deals like the Walkie-Talkie.

Interview Advice: I haven't heard of anyone getting totally grilled, so don't worry about that. Have a good idea of why you want to work here and link it to something unique about this particular firm.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Apply early. Don't wait until the end of the application period. Obtain experience first - especially in the area you are interested in. If you can, always apply to the Vacation scheme over straight Training contract. Make each application bespoke to the firm - don't copy and paste applications. Decide what you want to go into then apply to those firms, that way your choice of applications won't seem random to an interviewer. Proof-read your applications then proofread again. Then proofread some more. Before printing them out and proofreading again.

Interview Advice: Be on time, smart, and polite. Work out your angle - what is your USP. For example, you are applying to a banking firm and you absolutely love banking and have obtained experience working in finance law - make sure you emphasize this. Rather than trying to read the FT every single day and trying to be prepared to know everything in response to a 'commercial awareness' question - focus on a couple of key areas in the market and know everything to do with it. In an interview, you can return to your key areas such as cyber security, or Brexit. When you have finished what you are saying stop talking. Don't wait for the interviewer to stop you. Be concise.

Industry: Law

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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Trainee Solicitor, Investment Management at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Know the firm's USPs

Interview Advice: Be clued up on current commercial or topical issues and trends

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Trainee at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Proofread and make it specific both to the firm and your interests.

Interview Advice: Be your self and show enthusiasm.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate/ Real Estate Disputes at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: The application process is complex, but really taking the time to think through the questions on the application form will go a long way. Answers must be tailored to the firm, and having a detailed knowledge of what the firm stands for and what it has achieved will help you stand out. In assessment centres, it is important to not become so focused on getting your voice heard that you overpower others and display poor team working skills. Mills & Reeve prides itself on a culture of collaboration, which needs to be shown.

Interview Advice: Show an interest in the job and knowledge of the firm, but don't become a robot. At the end of the day, you could end up working with these people and they want to get to know you and your personality as well. Keep your wits about you for questions from left field- I had a question on current affairs that I had to remain calm and keep my composure when considering an answer.

Industry: Law

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Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial at Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Application Advice: Research the firm and tailor your application to us. Have a look at what the firm looks for in its trainees and what values it expects its employees to have. Map out how you can show those skills/qualities. Try to understand the firm's strategy, so that you can explain why the firm is doing what it is doing.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, I was asked questions about my application rather than a set of pre-prepared questions. Make sure you understand the role of a trainee, show that you have done your research and think about what challenges you may face.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Family Law at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Do your research before filling out your application. Know the firm and its values and refer to these in your application i.e. how do your values fit around the firm's values and how this makes you suitable for the role. Try and think of a range of interesting examples to refer to (not just academic). Make your application specific to Irwin Mitchell and ensure it is not a generic application which could be sent to any national full-service law firm.

Interview Advice: Have a full range of examples ready to refer to (not just academic). Do your research on the firm, any recent news and any interesting cases. Know the firm well and be able to refer to attractive features during the interview. Prepare for competency questions as well as questions on why the firm, why BLS/PLS, why the particular location etc.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Banking and Finance (6 month training seat) at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Write concisely and to the point. Have someone check your written responses before submitting the application.

Interview Advice: Be confident, show maturity, know your application inside out (and be ready to expand on it) and prepare questions/a discussion for the end of the interview that shows your curiosity and understanding as to the workings of the business/its clients/the wider industry.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Various – Trainee Seats at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Apply for the vacation scheme rather than going through the straight Training Contract route, if possible. Check your answers and make sure they are directed at Mills & Reeve, not copy and pasted from other firms.

Interview Advice: Don't worry too much about your knowledge of the law, focus on why you want the role and why you want a training contract at Mills & Reeve. There will likely be a mixture of competency questions and exploratory questions about your views on current affair topics.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Private Client at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Think outside of the box - working in a law firm is not the only relevant experience! Have you organised an event? I'm sure you can draw on some problem solving skills, negotiating and organising that this task required!

Interview Advice: I know it's hard when you feel under pressure but try to be yourself and let your personality shine. Everyone who has made it this far probably has the technical skills required - now it's about whether you as a person are a good fit for the firm. The people interviewing you want to know that you are someone that they can enjoy working with every day!

Industry: Law

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Capital Law

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Disputes at Capital Law

Application Advice: Research the role, research the firm.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and make sure you prep for the interview.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Be sure to embrace what makes you different in your application. This may be non-law related. Mills & Reeve really value and respect you what you get up to beyond the office.

Interview Advice: Be yourself in the interview. Prepare to talk about things beyond the law to show that you have a personality.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Pick 5 firms and make your applications strong - rather than scatter-gunning.

Interview Advice: Think before answering and know when to stop speaking as well as start.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Make sure you truly understand what the firm is about and are aware of why you like the firm and its culture before applying.

Interview Advice: The interview was very personable and seemed like a world awareness chat rather than a strict exchange of questions and answers. Don't be afraid to have an opinion and don't take challenges to your opinion as malicious.

Industry: Law

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Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Business Support and Restructuring at Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Application Advice: Think carefully about the context in which the business exists

Interview Advice: Be confident and be yourself

Industry: Law

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Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial disputes at Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Application Advice: I applied for a training contract via the vacation scheme route and got offered it from that. Know the firm inside and out; have a good knowledge of commercial awareness/what is going on in the news; link the application to how you can fit into the firm; sell yourself.

Interview Advice: Learn everything about the firm possible; have answers/situations for competency based questions e.g. 'tell us a time you used teamwork'.

Industry: Law

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Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Construction at Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Application Advice: Be honest and open

Interview Advice: Be down-to-earth

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Property at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Individualise your application and make it relevant to the firm - do your research.

Interview Advice: Be open and participate, but don't dominate conversations/group tasks.

Industry: Law

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Capital Law

Trainee, at Capital Law

Application Advice: Just be yourself

Industry: Law

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Capital Law

Paralegal, Employment and Immigration at Capital Law

Interview Advice: Try to avoid falling into the trap of using textbook answers or clichés - avoid phrases such as "I like to be challenged" or "my greatest weakness is that I'm a perfectionist." Give your interviewers something to remember by formulating answers that are both unique and honest. Your interview is an opportunity for you to stand out and not to blend in with the rest of the candidates.

Industry: Law

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Peninsula

Graduate Employment Law Consultant, Advisory at Peninsula

Application Advice: Make sure you are ready for hard work

Interview Advice: Be yourself

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, N/A (rotate every four months) at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Know the firm and the work that they do - just even reading the firms news feed can be helpful. Apart from that be aware of the Yorkshire legal market, and think about why you want to come work here long term. Don't just go for obvious answers - your application is far more likely to get noticed if you say something a bit unusual.

Interview Advice: My interview was fairly informal - know why you want to come here and just remember that the firm is buying into your personality so you might as well be yourself. Be friendly, approachable and honest. Ultimately if you are not given the offer it is much because the firm doesn't think they suit you as that you are not right for the job.

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: It's competitive Try and stand out Research the firm and departments that you have an interest in Social Media, LinkedIn and Instagram/twitter are updated daily and gives an insight into current deals and what is actually happening in the firm.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, try and allow your personality to come out Make sure you fully interact with the interviewer Know your stuff, be prepared Think outside of the box Relate what you say to a personal experience

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Tax at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Try to make your application stand out and tailor it as much as possible to the firm that you are applying to.

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Regulatory at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Show a personal side to yourself that makes you stand out from the crowd. What have you done that is different?

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Make it clear what makes you unique and why you would be a good fit - WM prides itself on being "a distinctive law firm". Check thoroughly before you submit - no typos, grammatical errors etc.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Clinical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Do your research; be commercially aware.

Interview Advice: Be honest and sincere in your answers and your enthusiasm and warmth will come through.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make sure you show your individuality and show specifically why Irwin Mitchell and not just why any law firm. Tailor it. Show off your extracurricular activities.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, be confident and have lots of different examples to show off your competencies.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Personal Injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: - Make sure you proof read. Check for spelling and grammar. - Make sure you have someone read over your application. - Ensure that you use an example for each competency to evidence the skill/quality you are writing about. - Gain as much experience as possible.

Interview Advice: - Try and use an example for each skill/quality you are talking about. - Make sure you maintain eye contact with your interviewers and engage in a discussion with them, as opposed to just answering the question. - Try to enjoy the interview - it is about showing off the qualities you have!

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate Finance at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Research the firm well, make sure you understand its USP and have a clear reason in mind for why you would prefer it to another firm.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and get your personality across, you have clearly got the credentials if you have made it to interview - it is now about them checking your personality is the right fit for the firm.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Try and allow your personality to shine through - the firm does not want "corporate robots" but would rather you just be yourself

Interview Advice: The questions I was asked were not traditional interview questions but things like "who would you invite to a dinner party?"

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Banking and Financial Services at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be yourself - Womble Bond Dickinson really places an emphasis on its people and encourages everyone to bring their true self to work.

Interview Advice: The interview process is several stages, and the ongoing theme was to find out about me as an individual. Academic excellence and an interest in the Law was taken as a given.

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Research the firm and tailor the application appropriately. Also make sure there is something on your application which stands out (i.e. virtually every applicant will have good grades and work experience).

Interview Advice: Didn't have a formal interview - job offered outright following vacation scheme process.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Solicitor, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Be open and honest regarding your experience and why you feel you are suited for the role. At Irwin Mitchell, there is a distinct split between 'personal' and 'business' law - only apply if you know which side of the divide you want to work on!

Interview Advice: You need to show your interviewer that you would be a good addition to their team - no one wants to hire someone that they think would be a pain to work with, e.g. due to the size of their ego.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Wills and Probate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: The application process consists of an online application and video interview.

Interview Advice: The assessment day tests a number of skills through a variety of formats, for example a partner interview, a group exercise and a written exercise.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Serious Injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Attention to detail. Know the company. Be yourself. Invest your time in hobbies and activities outside of law that help display your personality. It's not all about amazing grades!

Interview Advice: Take time to think about the question and don't rush/waffle/panic. Have a list of things in your head that you have done that may be relevant to classic interview questions and that way you can draw on those no matter what you have been asked (within reason).

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, In-house counsel at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the firm and make sure your application is tailored appropriately. Give examples of extra-curricular achievements that demonstrate you are a rounded individual.

Interview Advice: My interview was mainly competency based. In my preparations for the interview, I had thought of a few examples that I could apply to different competency questions and this definitely helped on the day as I wasn't trying to think of things on the spot and it meant that I gave the best examples and wasn't left thinking "oh I wish I'd said that instead".

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Dispute Resolution at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Get to know the firm beyond the superficial level; understand its direction, what it looks for in future trainees and make an effort to understand the type of work/clients. Try and find a way to make yourself memorable, IM receives thousands of applications every year and there is a huge emphasis on people. Show some personality, and demonstrate what attributes you have that reflect the firm's values.

Interview Advice: As nervous as you may feel, try and remember that this is your chance to shine and you need to be the best version of yourself (not the nervous version!). Thoroughly research the firm and prepare competency questions to enable you to discuss a variety of different examples, rather than focusing on a singular example. Think about key questions: why IM? why law? why commercial/personal law? what motivates you? what others would say about you? a time you worked in a team? a time when things didn't go to plan? your strengths and weaknesses?

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Get to know the business and what is currently happening at the time of the application process. Understanding the importance / available opportunities for clients in full-service firm.

Interview Advice: Use non-work examples as well as academic / work.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Tailor your application to reflect the firm's values.

Interview Advice: Prepare well and have a sound understanding of how we operate as a business including as an ABS.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Banking and Finance/Corporate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Be thorough, check your application a lot and give it to a family member or friend to give it a sense check.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and know why it is you want to be a lawyer and why at Irwin Mitchell.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Will Trust and Estate Disputes at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Focus on the firm's ethos and key objectives. The firm wants someone enthusiastic who will take on the firm's ethics and be more than a lawyer. We pride ourselves in being approachable and caring, as well as fantastic listeners, so people skills are a must. Having a hobby that you are passionate about can add an extra dimension which attracts recruiters.

Interview Advice: Be very prepared and fully up to date on the goals of the firm. We are currently working on 'OneIM' and client sharing, promoting ourselves as a full-service firm.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Professional Risks Litigation at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Take an evidence-led approach to the application. Pay extremely careful notice of what is on the application advice literature, and make it easy for the recruiters. Anything (working at a supermarket, running a committee) is good experience IF you can articulate what you did. A job title is not evidence of what you did in a role so explain what projects you worked on or experiences you gained and quantify your impact.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Don't go in jumping up and down about your double first class degree from Oxford and think that will be enough. WBD value people who will fit the ethos of the firm.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Projects and Procurement at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Read the questions carefully and make your application stands out.

Interview Advice: Demonstrate the ability to build rapport with your interviewers.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be yourself and don't try and tell them what they want to hear, they want to hear your thoughts!

Interview Advice: Be calm and consider your audience.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Disputes and Regulatory at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Make sure you provide examples of what you have done and show your commercial awareness.

Interview Advice: It's cliché, but be yourself! At this stage, interviewers want to see that you're going to fit in well with the firm and its ethos.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Various at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Go to law fairs and meet other trainees and they can give you advice on what the firm is looking for with regard to culture.

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate Finance at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: The firm has a strong online presence and an ambitious growth program, try to make sure you have done your homework on what we value and what we do best.

Interview Advice: The firm values its people and wants to get to know you at your best. Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Do your research of the firm, and demonstrate your knowledge of the firm in your application.

Interview Advice: The interview was very friendly and relaxed, so don't stress about it! Just be yourself and show why you would be a good addition to the firm.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Banking and Restructruring at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Show your ability to manage your time, demonstrate that you have read specific information about the firm you are applying for and speak about other non-academic skills you have developed.

Interview Advice: Illustrate your responses with recent and relevant examples, smile and be yourself!

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Demonstrate a genuine interest in the firm, the job and the profession.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and demonstrate you are the sort of person that the interviewer would feel comfortable working with or giving work to.

Industry: Law

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Hays

Recruitment Consultant, Legal at Hays

Application Advice: Write about your extracurricular activities. Personality and fit are really important to any new position.

Interview Advice: Just be yourself - advice everyone gives, but Hays look for someone we can grow and develop.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Summer Vacation Scheme Placement, Commercial at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Research the firm, attend the Insight Evening and go to any events that Shoosmiths are running or attending. Make sure they know who you are before the application is submitted.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, make sure you allow your personality to shine. Make sure you know why Shoosmiths!

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Really think about the experiences you have had both in and out of the work place. Lots of applicants write about the DofE award - try to think outside of the box and use ALL of your experiences. You can so much more than you think from part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities.

Interview Advice: Be honest. If you don't know the answer to a question take a second to think about why you might be being asked it - can you think of a way that you could work out the answer? Keep an eye out in the media for interesting/controversial news articles. Research both sides of the argument and try to present your own well reasoned opinion.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: I would say to do first drafts of your answers in a Word document, then the next day read over them and remove any superfluous wording or anything that makes it a bit long-winded. Those that are reading through applications will appreciate a concise answer!

Interview Advice: Make it as conversational as you can. Your interviewers are people too and probably enjoy a good chinwag! My training contract interview actually ran over as we were chatting. I think this enabled me to build up a good rapport (as well as being confident in my answers to their questions!)

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Make sure you tailor your application to the firm. Recruitment want to know why you want them in particular, not just why you want law. Also try to pull out examples that fit with the core values of the firm.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, the interviewers want to know that they can work with you on a day to day basis. Questions asked were a mix of competency questions, why Mills & Reeve and general commercial awareness.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Planning at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Don't make small errors. Read the firm's core values, make it specific to M&R.

Interview Advice: Relax

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Litigation at Gowling WLG

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Make sure that you always write in the active voice - this really changes the tone of your application and makes it much more enjoyable to read.

Interview Advice: Be yourself but yourself. It's difficult but try not to be robotic, the interviewers will want to see you for who you are in an interview. Also, take your time when answering questions, pausing is not a bad thing!

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: The firm has grown significantly over the past 5 years and understanding the reasons and motivations behind the recent spate of mergers is key.

Interview Advice: The standard questions you probably get asked at every firm (e.g. why law, why Gowling, why commercial law, etc,) as well as more specific commercial and industry questions (e.g. biggest growth areas, impact of tech on the legal industry, challenges to the firm, etc).

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee, Commercial Litigation at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Make yourself stand out - no generic answers! Take time to research and understand the firm you are applying to!

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Show enthusiasm and interest.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Research the company and show what you can bring to the role.

Interview Advice: Be confident and don't be put off by tricky questions. Show that you are interested in the firm and have done your research.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: The firm now hires trainees through vacation schemes, which I didn't do. As a general rule, also double and triple check the application form for typos and other errors.

Interview Advice: The interviewers are not trying to catch you out. You can steer the conversation towards subjects that you are confident speaking about.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Quality not quantity! Tailor your application to the firm.

Interview Advice: Show interest and enthusiasm and personality. Do your research and gain some experience.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Various at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Get someone else to read it before submitting!

Interview Advice: Try to relax, the interviewers aren't there to trick you and genuinely want you to do well.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Take time to prepare each answer and try to relate each answer back to the firms principles

Interview Advice: Prepare thoroughly

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Food and Agriculture (Real Estate) at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Do enough research into the firm to give well-thought out answers.

Interview Advice: Be yourself! They don't always want to know about your legal skills, but rather what other things you have done before coming to the firm, and what you enjoy in your spare time.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial, IT and Outsourcing at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: When writing your application, ensure it is truly tailored to the firm you are applying to. Look at the firm's website and see what our key values are, and try and link your experience to those values. Use examples where possible.

Interview Advice: Be prepared. Be enthusiastic - the interviewers are looking for an interest/passion in something and will often look to see how you react when challenged.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Consider what makes the firm stand out. What is it about the culture of the firm that makes it different from others and what is your evidence for thinking this.

Interview Advice: Know why you want to work and don't be afraid to appear human. Every person can bring something different.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: In a world where nearly all applications are submitted online, I strongly recommend always taking the time to print off your application form and read thoroughly before submitting it. Typos and grammatical errors tend to be a lot more obvious when something is on paper in front of you.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. I found the whole application process at Mills & Reeve genuinely enjoyable as I felt everyone was really interested in getting to know me rather than it merely feeling like a constant 'test'.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, CDG at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Be yourself.

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Entertainment and Media at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Be different - show graduate recruitment what new skills or experience you can bring to the table.

Interview Advice: Try to demonstrate why you are passionate about becoming a lawyer.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Dispute Resolution at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Do thorough research on the firm and see what differentiates it from other global City firms.

Interview Advice: Don't fixate on one area of law that you like. Chances are your interviewer won't be a specialist in that area, and so you may accidentally disparage their specialism. Try to keep an open mind when going into the training contract.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Know why you are applying the firm you have chosen and know why you want to be a solicitor - every firm expects a solid answer on this point.

Interview Advice: If you respond to questions using the STAR formula (Situation, Task, Action, Result), you may find it easier to cover all of the necessary points that graduate recruitment are looking for.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee, Commercial Property at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be honest and make the most of your experiences.

Interview Advice: Be yourself - they look for the personality that will fit the firm.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Various – Currently Pensions at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Have a thorough understanding of why you wish to apply to the firm and have a strong commercial awareness.

Interview Advice: Remember that the interview is a two way process, it is an opportunity for you to get a feel for the firm as well as the firm to get a feel for you. Most importantly, be yourself and don't try to be somebody that you are not.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Research the company and know about its key clients and any work they are currently doing.

Interview Advice: Let your personality come across in the interview.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate Rail at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Make sure you put your own personality down when answering the online questions; law firms are not looking for someone who is really good technically but lacks other qualities (such as communicating with people in an open and friendly manner) that can be gained through life experiences outside of work and study. Ultimately, you have to prove that you should be representing the firm in front of its clients.

Interview Advice: Always have some questions prepared to ask your interviewer(s) but make them something you are genuinely interested in finding out about and not just a hot topic issue that you think it might sound good to mention.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Projects and Procurement at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Actually research and tailor your tc application to the firm you're applying for and always proof read and get others to proof read if possible. Mistakes are the most common reason for being rejected at the outset!

Interview Advice: Be honest with yourself about why you want to go into law and be able to fully explain why. Be yourself at interview and make sure that you find out if it is the right firm for you - interviews are a two way street!

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be yourself and show your personality. Research the company and show you understand how it is different to other law firms.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, prepare well with firm and clear reasons for why you want the job and why you want to work at WBD.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Financial Industry Group at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Try to understand the firm's key practice areas and types of client before answering the application questions.

Interview Advice: Research the firm's culture and its practice areas - show some passion about both when answering questions.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Make sure you research the firm so that this comes across in your application.

Interview Advice: Be prepared, and be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, Projects at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Be different and do your research. Meet the recruiters.

Interview Advice: Be truthful and candid.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Financial Services Regulatory at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: Come to as many firm events as possible (i.e. open days / networking events / vacation schemes) before applying for a training contract to gain a better insight into the firm and to set your application apart from others.

Interview Advice: Relax and try to enjoy it. You've already impressed a firm if you are through to the interview stage so try and have a conversation with the interviewers.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Focus on your interest / experience in the industry.

Interview Advice: Don't refer to Reed Smith as a US law firm.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Research and find out as much about the firm you are applying to as possible. Look at recent blog posts and the firm's reported news. You can find out a lot about the firm and its culture through the various media outlets.

Interview Advice: Look at your application and think about the questions the interviewer may ask you as a result. Also, there is no harm in looking up and finding out about your interviewer before your interview.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Do your research, always proof read carefully and try to think of a different way of answering the questions to how everyone else is going to answer. When the person trawling through the applications sees something different, it will really stand out.

Interview Advice: Relax, be yourself and don’t overthink it. Let your personality come through.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Reed Smith

Application Advice: Tailor it to the firm specifically as opposed to including generic statements that could be applied to any firm.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Reed Smith has a very unique set of questions that do not follow the general structure of "why law?", but rather "What kind of company would you like to work for?", "Who inspires you?" and "Do you make mistakes?"

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Be aware there are several steps to the application process, it helps to note down key deadlines so you can ensure you have time to complete them.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, and be ready to have a conversation with your interviewer - they want to get to know you.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Understand the firm and reasons for applying. Try to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Interview Advice: Know what is going on in the business world. Especially the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be yourself and show your enthusiasm for the firm, draw on experiences outside of the law

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Make sure you're answering the question being asked, and not what you want the question to be. Also, demonstrate that you have tailored the application to where you are applying - show off what you know.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and show your personality. It's a cliché, however firms are looking for someone who will be a great fit for the business.

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Ensure you tailor your application to the firm. Draw from a range of experiences when asked to demostrate skills and experience (i.e. some from academic activities, some from extra-curricular activities, some from work experience or part time jobs, some from sports teams or hobbies e.t.c) to show that you are well rounded.

Interview Advice: Ensure personality shines through rather than focusing solely on your "on paper" attributes. Have a positive attitude and be confident, if you are asked how you think certain parts of the application process went (e.g. a group assessment or mock negotiation) make sure you look for positive aspects.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, at Reed Smith

Application Advice: To attend open days and other networking events where the firm is in attendance so that applicants can speak to people working at the firm. This allows applicants to have a better understanding of what the culture of the firm is like and the type of work undertaken to be able to tailor their application better also.

Interview Advice: I would try and think about your strengths and weaknesses and have some examples of where these strengths have been displayed in previous experiences. This is because the interview is strengths based so the questions will be open ended thus requiring a more detailed response from candidates about their skills.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee Solicitor, Banking & Finance at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Attention to detail.

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee, Corporate at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Give significant consideration into which law firms align with your interests and ambitions. 'One size fits all' applications are unlikely to be successful - and thinking this through will prepare you for the inevitable 'Why us?' question at interview. Try to demonstrate an understanding of how law firms work as a business and the challenges to the market.

Interview Advice: Think carefully about what you learnt from the previous job/life experiences listed in your CV - be prepared to talk about these. Have 1-2 thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer - perhaps on a firm's strategy and the legal market more broadly.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Ensure that your application is tailored to the firm. Think about what sets Reed Smith apart from other law firms in the industry.

Interview Advice: Make sure you have answers to the obvious questions in advance, and keep up to date with recent changes / stories in the legal market.

Industry: Law

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Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Banking at Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Application Advice: This is echoed by every firm, however research of Addleshaw Goddard is key. Understanding the culture of the firm is vital as well as understanding the firm's sectorial approach. The firm is looking for ambitious individuals, therefore highlighting why you have a particular interest in the firm would be one of the first things sought by those reading your application.

Interview Advice: If you make it to the interview process, the firm clearly likes you so that is important to remember, so no need to feel nervous. The interview will test your competencies, however view the interview process as a two way street. The interviewers will want to get to know you better and you should seek to do the same, wanting to show enthusiasm and keenness towards the firm.

Industry: Law

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Womble Bond Dickinson

Trainee Solicitor, Oil & Gas at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Try to gain as much experience outside the legal profession as you can.

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Don't undersell yourself - you only make one application per year! Ask lots of (honest) people to proof read your application. The more people that read it, the more people that will spot mistakes or ask questions that could prepare you for interview.

Interview Advice: Don't script any answers but make sure you know your CV / application very well and, where you have given opinions or made statements about your experience, be well prepared to discuss them in more detail!!

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Clinical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the company and show that you are interested in what makes Irwin Mitchell stand out from other law firms.

Interview Advice: Show your personality, the firm like to know about your skills and interests outside law as well as your technical knowledge.

Industry: Law

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Irwin Mitchell LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Personal Injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Highlight any unique skills/interests/hobbies that you have that are not legal/law related and that make you stand out.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and relax, don't try to put on a front - being 'human' is the best thing you can be in an interview, otherwise you may come across as frosty/too serious.

Industry: Law

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Capital Law

Capital Law

Interview Advice: Research the company.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee, Media (secondment) at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Be thorough and don't be afraid to stand out

Interview Advice: Focus on your passions rather than just past experience

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee, Finance at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Research law firm.

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Walker Morris LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: It is best to make sure the application is tailored to the firm and not a repeat of applications elsewhere. It is a very competitive market so it is good to have something that can help you stand out.

Interview Advice: Know your CV and application well and be prepared to answer questions on it. Also practice skills based competency tests.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Try and tailor the application to Reed Smith as much as possible. Do your research. But make sure it reflects you in the best light possible also, linking that back into why you and the firm would be a great match.

Interview Advice: It is a strengths-based interview, so make sure that you prepare on that basis as it was quite different in structure to a normal competency-based interview. It is also imperative to demonstrate your interest in the firm.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Know the sectors the firm works in and how that interests you. Draw on previous work experience if possible.

Interview Advice: Come prepared with really good questions for the 'do you have anything you'd like to ask us?' question at the end of the interview.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Shipping at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Research the firm as much as possible and try and include the results of that research in the answers that you give.

Interview Advice: Do not appear over prepared or rehearsed. Answer the questions naturally as if it were a conversation and do not give the answer that you think they want to hear as opposed to the unique answer that you actually have thought of in the moment.

Industry: Law

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Severn Trent

Account Creation Team Manager, Developer Services at Severn Trent

Application Advice: Get across your personality and commitment to the water industry.

Interview Advice: Get across your ideas, draw in others views and forward a structured plan. 1-2-1 interview, be prepared to discuss you and where you see yourself in the business.

Industry: Law

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Pareto Law

Business Development Executive, Sales at Pareto Law

Application Advice: Be yourself - they don't want people telling them what they want to hear. Personality is key.

Interview Advice: They ask a lot about your CV. Why Pareto?

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Really try to demonstrate your commercial knowledge and give evidence that you have had positions of responsibility before - getting involved in societies at university is a good place to start. Proofreading is a must!

Interview Advice: I was asked for practical examples of the qualities I had described in my application, such as leadership or decision making skills. You should also be prepared to talk about current commercial issues and how they might impact the firm.

Industry: Law

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Mills & Reeve LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Mills & Reeve LLP

Application Advice: Be very selective about which firms you want to work at. It is better to do a few good applications where you genuinely mean what you say than churn out loads of mediocre applications.

Interview Advice: Be yourself! Even though that sounds really cheesy, if you've found the right firm for you and done your research then the best thing you can do is relax and let your personality and natural enthusiasm for the job and firm shine through.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Energy and Natural Resources at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Target your application - if you are particularly interested in a particular area, which you know Reed Smith specialize in, use that in your application, link it to your own experiences, whether legal or not.

Interview Advice: Breathe, smile and be honest, by that I mean don't try to be someone you are not; this is a firm that respects individuality.

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Tailor your application to the role - be specific.

Interview Advice: Make sure you can answer 'why the firm?'

Industry: Law

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Reed Smith

Trainee Solicitor, Shipping at Reed Smith

Application Advice: Honesty

Interview Advice: Approach case study in a logical and structured manner

Industry: Law

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Peninsula

Peninsula

Application Advice: Important to have HR experience or experience within a business and be good at problem solving.

Interview Advice: Know a lot about the company and how it works.

Industry: Law

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Peninsula

Employment Law Consultancy, Advisory at Peninsula

Application Advice: Make sure your CV is up to date and includes the skills that you could bring to the company. Research Peninsula and personalise your CV and application to suit the business.

Interview Advice: I would advise making yourself aware of any recent updates within HR and Employment Law as you will need to be able to demonstrate knowledge in both the initial interview stages and the assessment centre. If you are lucky enough to make it onto the assessment day I would advise researching Peninsula and demonstrating how your skill set would suit working here. In the group tasks on the assessment day, as well as looking at things from a best practice HR perspective, I would advise thinking commercially, and looking at what decision would benefit the business in question as Peninsula ultimately work for employers! Finally, don't worry if you don't feel you have enough HR or legal experience, the graduate scheme is there to provide you with the training - so as cliche as it sounds just be yourself throughout the process!

Industry: Law

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Peninsula

Graduate Employment Law Consultant, Advisory at Peninsula

Application Advice: Applied via a graduate job site. Submitted my CV, took part in a telephone interview and invited to assessment centre. The process was very professional and I was asked to attend the next available assessment centre after the telephone interview.

Interview Advice: Ensure you've read up on recent developments in employment as this knowledge will come in very useful during the assessment centre and interview. Clearly demonstrate the skills you possess and how you will use these skills to offer a fantastic service to Peninsula's clients. Don't be afraid to show your personality. You will spend a lot of time interacting with clients and during these interactions knowledge alone will not be enough; it's essential you can demonstrate what else you bring to the table. Make up of Assessment centre: - Introduction - each candidate was given a few minutes to talk about themselves and their background. - Two group activities - candidates were split into numerous groups and given a real scenario Peninsula's advisors have dealt with, each group was asked to explain what they would do. This gives each candidate the chance to show off their knowledge and also demonstrate how they work in groups. Make sure you're heard without being overbearing. - Elevator task - all candidates are given a short brief and 30 seconds to answer. The purpose of this task is to give candidates the chance to demonstrate what they can bring to Peninsula outside their academic achievements. Interview Questions: - Academic and Professional career. - Why you want to work for Peninsula. - What inspires you. - Very personable interview.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Trainee, at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Be different - Don't write answers that everyone else is going to write, you need to stand out.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, let your personality come through.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Solicitor, Planning at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Sell yourself - your work, experience, qualifications. Make sure it comes across well on paper and don't feel like you are bragging or being big headed - if you have achievements make sure to show them.

Interview Advice: Research the firm's values and culture, they want someone who has similar values and ideas. Research the type of work and clients the firm has and how you personally can make a difference. Make sure you can discuss and follow up on answers on your application form.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: Think about each question commercially and relate your skills to the role of a trainee.

Interview Advice: Ensure you have been following any recent developments closely as commercial awareness is key.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee, Corporate at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: Ensure you understand the sector focus and the clients that we have at the firm. Demonstrate that you are a well-rounded applicant with commercial acumen and an interest in Taylor Wessing.

Interview Advice: Make sure you do your preparation and know the firm's culture and sector focus. Relax on the day - everyone is very friendly!

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee Solicitor, Employment, Mobility and Pensions at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: - Don't just regurgitate the information which is available on Taylor Wessing's website - There is a particular reason why the question is being asked - bear that in mind - Always check your spelling and grammar before sending the application off

Interview Advice: - Pre-empt the types of questions which you might get asked, but don't go in sounding like a pre-rehearsed robot - Don't put on a front, just be yourself - Make sure you've poured yourself a glass of water before starting

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Solicitor, Planning at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Be honest and confident in your abilities. You will be selected for interview from your application so don't hold back in showcasing your achievements, skills, and anything else that an employer would be looking for but will also set you apart from other candidates.

Interview Advice: Prepare well. The firm will likely ask you about its values, how you would be able to work within them, how your experience can already demonstrate you meet these values. Be honest and up front, interviewers will very quickly see through any "fakeness" and they want to see the real you to make sure you are right for the role/firm.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Risk & Compliance at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Do not look solely at the traditional route into a trainee solicitor role, especially if you were not educated at a prestigious university or are entering the industry late. Look at taking junior roles within a firm that you can make a difference in, look for people who will see your qualities and then impress.

Interview Advice: Take other people's advice - especially those who have been successful in the past, and those who have attended a number of interviews. Prepare, then prepare again. Often firms are looking for candidates that are able to express ideas rather than someone who already has the knowledge - worry less about what you have studied but focus on your presentational/written skills.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: 1. Use STAR when answering competency questions. 2. Research the firm well and make sure your answers are well-supported with relevant examples from your university/work experience. 3. Check your application for typos before you submit it.

Interview Advice: 1. What challenges is the legal industry facing at the moment? 2. What is a 'repudiatory breach of contract'? 3. Why did you choose to apply to Blake Morgan?

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: I would place as much emphasis on the skills that you have gained from previous work experience and extra-curricular activities to show that you are not just interested in pursuing a legal career but also have the required skills for a role in law, such as attention to detail, solving problems etc.

Interview Advice: I would make sure that you research the firm and current issues that may be affecting the firm. There is a lot of news on the firms website and so it shouldn't take too long to get a picture as to what is going on at Blake Morgan and then being able to discuss this in an interview will help demonstrate that you are actually interested in the firm.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Thoroughly research the firm before you begin the application form. By attending insight evenings and talking to the Graduate Recruitment team at law fairs, you are getting to know information about the firm that isn't available online. It's also a great way of getting your name known around the office/firm!

Interview Advice: Preparation is key. Research the firm - the people, the practice groups, the office locations - the more you know about the firm the more relaxed you will feel on the day and the easier you will find it to ask questions. Equally, keep an eye on news stories that appear in the press and formulate an opinion on these - they don't need to be specifically related to the law or legal developments. I was asked "who should be responsible for deciding when to turn off a child's life support machine - the parent or the doctor?" in relation to a high profile case that was in the press at the time.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Be yourself.

Interview Advice: Look at the firms graduate recruitment bogs/articles to see what the firm is looking for in a candidate.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Take your time, attention to detail is key.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Shoosmiths

Application Advice: This is a firm that values candidates who are able to be themselves and who can present themselves well.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial – Secondment at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Use uncommon examples. You need to make yourself stand out against a minimum of 2000 applications.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and let your personality shine through. All interviews are blind i.e. the interviewer knows nothing but the candidates name prior to the interview beginning.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Tailor your application to the firm rather than sending a generic application that has been sent to numerous firms.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Look at the firm's website for the key skills that it looks for.

Interview Advice: Be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Make sure to tailor your application to the firm and its values. Ensure your personality and personal experiences come across.

Interview Advice: Give clear, structured answers and ensure to say what skills each experience taught you.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Plan your answers in advance of the deadline so you can actually think about what the question is asking you. Often the answers miss a key element of the question. Use examples and apply them to the question and the role of a job.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, it's hard to keep up an act. Take advantage of mock interviews at careers services.

Industry: Law

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Shoosmiths

Trainee Solicitor, at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Use the space you are given on the application form. I definitely under-sold myself by not using the space given to show the recruitment team who I am.

Interview Advice: Be yourself! It sounds like recruitment speak but at Shoosmiths the team really want to see who you are, not a corporate front.

Industry: Law

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Government Statistical Service

Trainee Solicitor, Planning at Government Statistical Service

Application Advice: Tailor application to the company.

Interview Advice: Important to demonstrate commercial awareness and be aware of relevant sector news.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: - Be honest. - Be specific - why does this firm above all others appeal to you? What are you after - tailor this to what the firm offers you.

Interview Advice: - Be yourself. - Have various examples at the ready. - Know the firm.

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Corporate – Commercial Services at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Check and double check for typos and bad grammar. Do not lie. Do not forget to talk about all the unusual things you've done, places you've visited and life experiences you've had - it makes you a more rounded person and that is what this form looks for.

Interview Advice: Be yourself because you need to know whether you will fit in with the firm. Be completely honest if they ask you what area of law you liked least at university (I said I didn't like land law to a real estate partner and he said he appreciated my honesty).

Industry: Law

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Blake Morgan

Trainee Solicitor, Succession & Tax at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: All experiences, jobs and roles can be relevant to the application, so don't shy away from writing about something simply because it does not relate to Law or Legal Practice. The firm wants to get to know you and the application is their first chance to do so.

Interview Advice: I was asked a lot about my work experience (I was currently on a sandwich year when interviewed so I was in full time work) and what it was about Blake Morgan that drew me to apply. Some more specific competency questions were asked (e.g Do you prefer contentious or non contentious work and why? / you've put an interest in X on your application, can you give me a suggestion of how this might come up in your Training or at the firm). A good understanding of the BM work environment (e.g open plan desks, no private offices, approachable senior members of staff) would show that you understand the firm and this has guided your application.

Industry: Law

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Peninsula

Employment Law Consultant, Advice at Peninsula

Interview Advice: Be commercial - don't just say you like working with people!

Industry: Law

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Peninsula

Graduate Employment Law Consultant, Employment Services at Peninsula

Application Advice: Be yourself and try to stand out.

Interview Advice: Elevator pitch, group tasks.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee Solicitor, at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: There are two key things: tailoring the application to the firm and commercial awareness. Ensure that you work on getting to know the firm, its strategies, its values, its location(s) so that your application looks like you really know about the firm itself. The people who read the applications spend their lives immersed in the firm culture and will be able to spot someone who has no understanding or only a shallow understanding of the firm. Commercial awareness should arise naturally from an interest in working in the law/the City. It's as simple as checking BBC/Guardian business news a few times a day and actively considering the likely impact of whatever has happened. After a few months of actively following the business news you will achieve commercial awareness enlightenment. To improve commercial awareness, I would also recommend buying some shares in a FTSE 350 company or simply conducting paper trades. You'll become a lot more interested once you've got some skin in the game.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Follow previous advice about commercial awareness. The firm assumes that you are intelligent and qualified, at the interview stage they want to see what you're like as an individual and potential employee. Be polite, conscientious and human.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee Solicitor at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: Do not only focus on your knowledge of the Law, show that you have interests in extra-curricular activities.

Industry: Law

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Taylor Wessing LLP

Trainee Solicitor at Taylor Wessing LLP

Application Advice: Do your research, understand the firm's business and clients and demonstrate that you have interests outside of the law.

Interview Advice: Brush up on your commercial awareness and read about the key focus industries for the firm.

Industry: Law

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Trainee Solicitor Apprentice, Manchester LPDC at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Make sure to include any experience you have had in a workplace no matter how big or small. This could even include something like a temporary Saturday job to volunteering in a school for a coupe of weeks.

Interview Advice: Be honest in every answer that you give. Even if you're not sure you have an answer to a question be honest, don't fabricate your stories.

Industry: Law

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Business Administration, Early Careers at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Be clear on when the deadlines are for specific roles like training contracts.

Interview Advice: Understand the area of law and the benefits of working for Irwin Mitchell.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Commercial at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the firm, it's values and principles and mirror those values in your application

Interview Advice: Keep calm, be 100% natural and true to yourself, prepare as much as you can

Industry: Law

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Business Administrator, Private Client Services at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Have a strong clear CV

Interview Advice: Be honest and be yourself when answering the questions

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Complex PI at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Reframe your CV, I genuinely used videos on TikTok that showed how you can make all work experience sound more valuable on your CV. It is little space to showcase what you can offer, so use it well.

Interview Advice: I had to prepare a presentation, so ensure you choose something you truly are passionate about and can discuss as well as answer questions on.

Industry: Law

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Talent Acquisition Assistant, Talent Acquisition at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make sure you've researched the company well. This is not to look good to the employer (although it helps!) but make sure that you're working for a company that suits you. This will make it easier to talk about in your application because your values align with the company values.

Interview Advice: Be curious and ask a lot of questions, I always think that you're interviewing the employer just as much as they are interviewing you. Make sure it's the right place for you to work. Also, be yourself!

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Paralegal, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Interview Advice: Just be yourself. Why did you choose IM? Why would you be a benefit for IM? What qualities would you bring to IM and how would they be used?

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Paralegal, Workplace injury/llness at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: try to be the best you

Interview Advice: be confident and firm in your answers

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Costs at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Ensure that your CV is up to date and includes all relevant experience and skills.

Interview Advice: Take advantage of the interview structure to talk about something you are truly interested in or passionate about, especially during the presentation stage.

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Tax Technician, Tax, Trusts and Estates at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Absolutely go for it, read around the Firm and the job role to ensure that you understand what you're going for. Be completely honest with your CV.

Interview Advice: There will be an assessment task and questions, some typical interview ones and others that are more specific to the job role. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your own, no question is a silly one.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Manchester LPDC at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Try and big yourself up as much as possible. Nothing you have previously done is too small. Make sure to mention even the slightest bit of charity work or volunteering you have done.

Interview Advice: Be honest. This will work in your favour in an interview rather than trying to exaggerate the truth.

Industry: Law

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Complaints Resolution Apprentice, Legal and Governance at Southampton City Council

Application Advice: High standard of written communication.

Interview Advice: GDPR.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Be honest especially when asked competency questions. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself, you're there to show them what you have to offer the company.

Interview Advice: A lot of the questions were surrounding competency, so it helps to bring in examples from previous weekend jobs or even babysitting.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Structured Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Highlight your strengths and what you think you can bring to the firm. Also mention any previous experiences you think are relevant as to why you want to become a solicitor.

Interview Advice: The most important piece of advise would be to keep genuine and be yourself. Also do some research around the firm e.g. what areas of practice we specialise in, recent news etc. Also show a desire to learn, progress and be an ambassador for the firm.

Industry: Law

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Legal apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Research the company in advance and look at what qualities are desirable

Interview Advice: Show enthusiasm and that you have looked into the company

Industry: Law

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Legal apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Research the firm and make sure to explain your skills

Interview Advice: Be yourself and use every experience you have been exposed to in the interview

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Enforcement at Financial Conduct Authority

Application Advice: Never be afraid to ask for help. Everyone in your team wants to help you to succeed and are more than willing to put in the work to allow you to do that.

Interview Advice: Stay calm and answer questions honestly NOT how you think they want you to answer them.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprenticeship, Family at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: To spend your time on the application and not to rush it.

Interview Advice: To research the company before attending your interview.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: To try and obtain legal experience or do some volunteering.

Interview Advice: To be yourself and have a passion for law.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Criminal Disclosure Unit at Financial Conduct Authority

Interview Advice: Look into the company and the role you are applying for and practice all interview questions.

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Paralegal, Tax, Trust and Estates at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Focus on the skills each of your A-Level subjects taught you and explain why this would help you within the legal sector. Also focus on your human qualities and why these make you passionate about the legal sector - for example often working within the legal sector you have to be compassionate.

Interview Advice: You will be asked to complete a presentation. Make sure this is on a topic that you are passionate about - it does not necessarily have to be about law, just a topic you are able to sell yourself and your skills and qualities with by presenting.

Industry: Law

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Cyber Security Technologist, IT at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: - Any experience you may have could be relevant in some way. List it. E.g. Retail work provides time management, team work, communicating with clients appropriately, etc. - If you lack experiences, check out Bright Network's Internship UK or TheForage.com - It might be worth providing insight into your hobbies as this gives an idea of who/what you are like.

Interview Advice: - Show your eagerness to learn. This can be through IT certification training; projects, such as those involving a Raspberry Pi; volunteering; etc. - Come with questions of your own. E.g. Management styles, expectations, training opportunities, etc. - Be genuine; if you don't have certain experiences, don't manufacture a story. Own it. Reiterate that you are willing to learn.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Family at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make sure your CV is interesting and avoids the normal 'boring' structure. Your CV should reflect your personality, attitude etc. Make sure your passion for the job isn't dulled by the buzzwords: 'organised, hard-working' etc.

Interview Advice: Be yourself! Make sure you are dressed and presented well. In my interview, I had to speak about something personal to me, or that I was interested in. Make sure you have a genuine interest in your presentation.

Industry: Law

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Appentice Paralegal, Medical negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make sure your CV is up to date and at a high standard

Interview Advice: Why I wanted the apprenticeship rather than going to university? What attracted me to the apprenticeship? What hobbies I have? Personal questions to get to know me e.g. do I drive

Industry: Law

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Court of Protection Apprentice Paralegal, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Show the passion for the job/area you apply in.

Interview Advice: Look at the values the firm promotes and see how you support/show these.

Industry: Law

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Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: I would review the Job Description and understand the role you are applying for as best as possible and think about how that meets your needs / fits in with your previous experiences. I would emphasize you want to progress and learn and that you are willing to undertake training. I would also share any relevant experience or qualifications which will make you stand out for the role.

Interview Advice: I would ensure that you have researched the company and understand the background and ethics. I would prepare as best as possible by reviewing practice questions. Dress smartly and also ask questions.

Industry: Law

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Chartered Legal Executive Apprentice, Personal injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: learn about the role/team/company, be enthusiastic and ask questions

Interview Advice: show your enthusiasm for the role, answer questions fully, ask any questions that you have

Industry: Law

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Court of Protection Apprentice Paralegal, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Show your strengths and who you are as a person.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Prepare in advance with what you are given for the day.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Structured Debt at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Focus on what transferable skills you can bring to the firm, recall some key experiences in your development and show a keen interest in the role.

Interview Advice: Be confident, be yourself and read around the firm.

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Legal at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: -Focus more on extra curricular and experience rather than education and grades, the required grades is enough- don't focus too much on high grades to make you stand out. They want to know about applicable skills to the job, not that you are able to pass exams necessarily.

Interview Advice: -Have knowledge of the firm and their awards, locations etc to show you have researched the firm -Show your personality -Always be prepared to be asked further questions leading off an answer you have just given, so make sure you know enough detail before giving an answer

Industry: Law

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Complaints Resolution Apprentice, Legal and Governance at Southampton City Council

Application Advice: Showing some background knowledge of the role and highlighting your understanding of the subject and where your strengths apply. Eagerness to learn and develop skills alongside an experienced team.

Interview Advice: Being open and honest, as well as taking your time to interpret the question and answer with thought. Showing where your strengths lie and giving examples of previous experiences. Asking questions about the role.

Industry: Law

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Facilities Services, Facilities at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: My advice when applying for jobs is always to be 100% honest.

Interview Advice: Personality was a big factor that the employer was looking for during my interview, to make sure I would fit in well with the team, as well as having the right qualifications and experience for the job. Always be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Medical Negligence at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: If you are considering applying for this role, my advice to you would be; make sure you are prepared to work hard. This is because although you are an apprentice, you are given a lot of responsibility and it is expected that you complete a certain amount of work, the same as other employees. Although this may seem daunting, you are given a lot of support and the work is really interesting with lots of different tasks to complete.

Interview Advice: Before my interview, I was emailed by the company to let me know what will happen during the interview. I had to complete a written assessment in timed conditions and I had to prepare a presentation about myself.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Commercial Disputes & Regulatory at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Make contact with HR team.

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Paralegal, Commercial Litigation at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Ensure that you show willing and that you make clear why you want to work at the firm. There are hundreds of other applicants so it is important to ensure you stand out. Explain when you first realised you wanted to get into law; no matter how irrelevant you may think it is, it will more than likely split you from the rest.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Talk about things that interest you and that you know about. Do not lie about things that you do not know anything about as the interview will become increasingly difficult, should they ask any further questions. Remember that you want the firm to hire YOU and not someone you're trying to be.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Real Estate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Use examples from previous experience, even if it is from school, to make your application stand out.

Interview Advice: Take time to think about your answers if needed rather than rushing with a poor answer.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Corporate & Commercial at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Research the solicitor apprentice route as much as you can so you really know what you're applying for and the route to qualification. Also try to get work experience in the legal sector as it shows you're committed to actually working day-to-day in a firm.

Interview Advice: I found the interview to be really friendly and straight forward, I felt they encouraged a relaxed atmosphere where you could really be yourself. I would suggest candidates to research the firm well and prepare questions to ask.

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Solicitor, Real Estate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Definitely check and re-check CV. Take advice from others.

Interview Advice: Be yourself and properly research the company and what they have done. Maybe two or three points that you find interesting about them and at least one point concerning their work that you could relate to your experience - i.e. business structures you looked at in business studies.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Private Wealth at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Don't be afraid to tell an employer who you are! I know that diversity is encouraged here and we love to hear about what makes colleagues individual.

Interview Advice: Try to relax! Quite often (but not always) apprentices can be very young when they are interviewed- it can be daunting. I was fresh out of school when I joined. It may be one of your first interviews, however if you enter the room relaxed, you will probably find that you enjoy interacting with your interviewer(s).

Industry: Law

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Chartered Legal Executive, Dispute Resolution at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Don't leave the application until last minute. Ensure you re-read your application for any errors.

Interview Advice: Research the work that the company is currently involved in and upcoming events.

Industry: Law

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Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship, Legal Solutions Centre at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Make sure you highlight all of the things you have done that make you different to everyone else.

Interview Advice: They asked me more about what I have done outside of school/exams than they asked about my exams and results etc. Make sure you have lots of non school related experience that you can call on when they ask you questions such as "Tell us about a time you had to solve a problem."

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Paralegal, Family at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make sure that your personal statement is tailored to yourself and your interests as well as showing how much you enjoy the subject area you want to enter. I had a telephone interview before my in-person interview so make sure you have a quiet space to conduct the call. This telephone interview was centred around my application so I would suggest having a copy of the application to hand, and read it beforehand so you are completely refreshed.

Interview Advice: My interview was in 3 parts. A written essay, (which was focused on the disadvantages and advantages of an apprenticeship over university), the presentation on a topic of your choice and then an interview. The process lasted about 1 hour 30 minutes. Essay: I had a choice of 3 questions, so you can choose the one that you feel most comfortable with. I was stressed about this as I thought the topics would be really specific. Presentation: choose a topic that you can really invest yourself in, it's more about showing your passion for something as well as your verbal communication skills. Be yourself, talk as you would normally. Interview: be honest. Prepare yourself for classic interview questions so that they will not come as a surprise. Any questions you are asked that you were not expecting might be easier to handle as you have already prepared others.

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Solicitor, Employment at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Everything you do is an experience - what skills has it given you, and how it that transferable to the job you're applying to?

Interview Advice: Be genuine - it's not personal, it's how you suit the business and you will suit one out there.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Property Litigation at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Make sure your personality shines through and don't underestimate the importance of part time work whilst being at school as it shows your ability to work and learn at the same time.

Interview Advice: Try not to be overly nervous and just relax. The interviewers are more focused on getting to know your personality traits, so being nervous sometimes hides your personality.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: When answering questions on the application make sure to include as much detail and explanation as possible.

Interview Advice: During my interview I was asked to give a presentation on something I was interested in. Make sure that you do something you are genuinely interested in regardless of what it is so you are able to talk about it in detail.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor, General Counsel at Severn Trent

Application Advice: Show your personality as much as you can in your application to stand out. Research the company beforehand, what do Severn Trent do? What are our pledges? Tailor your responses to this company specifically - why do you want to work for Severn Trent. Take your time with the statistical reasoning test - it's not timed! Participate in extra curriculum activities, volunteer, take part in Duke of Edinborough award or NCS.

Interview Advice: Smile! Explain why they should choose you. Demonstrate how you have an interest in the role you're applying for. Personalize your presentation to show your personality. Ask questions. Show collaboration - ask others for their opinions in the group tasks. Be polite. Be well prepared.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprenticeship, Banking and Finance at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Use good grammar and punctuation in covering letters, don't make your CV more than 2 pages long.

Interview Advice: Be confident and don't be afraid to ask questions. Background research in to the job and company will also help.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Court of Protection at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Be as thorough as possible when answering questions/writing a statement as to why you believe you are the best candidate for the job.

Interview Advice: Be open, approachable and try not to be too serious. Show your personality and let your individuality shine through!

Industry: Law

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HR Administrator, HR at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Make sure that you stand out, write something unique.

Interview Advice: Research the company. Don't answer questions with one word answers. Don't say that you relate with the company's values if you don't know them.

Industry: Law

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Legal Administration, Legal Services at Southampton City Council

Interview Advice: Highlight your transferable skills in the interview. Make sure you research what the role involves beforehand.

Industry: Law

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Legal, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Ensure your CV reflects the skills/qualities that the company is looking for.

Interview Advice: Research the company before the interview and have a good understanding of the kind of work we do and the type of company we are.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprenticeship, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Take time completing the application. Research the company/firm prior to completing the application.

Interview Advice: Give examples to back up your statement. Don't be hesitant to stop and think of your answer before answering. Prepare in advance of the interview. Dress smart. Ask questions.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Be honest about the exposure to different work experience and be confident in your approach.

Interview Advice: Don't be afraid to be yourself but remain professional. Research the company beforehand.

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Manchester LPDC at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Use your CV to show-off your skills and experiences.

Interview Advice: Be honest about your current experiences and use them to show how you're a good fit for the role and how the skills you currently have will help you on this career path.

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Application Advice: Show a willingness to learn. Show an interest in the role. Show what experiences make you stand out.

Interview Advice: Be confident. Ask lots of questions about the apprenticeship. Research about the firm beforehand, shows your knowledge. Think about what you want from a career here. Think of some experiences that were valuable to you.

Industry: Law

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Trainee Administator, New Homes Sales at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Research the area of work that your team specializes in so you have a small background idea of what they do.

Interview Advice: Come across as professional, organised and punctual. First impressions are everything.

Industry: Law

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Trainee Legal Executive, Construction at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Make it clear what pre-existing skills and experience you have and how it is relevant to the role you are applying for. Mention any events that you have attended that have been organised by the firm. Mention whether you know anyone at the firm, and how much about the firm/department's work that you have read or heard about.

Interview Advice: Ask lots of questions about the team/department that you want to work for, and ask questions about the type of work that the team/department does.

Industry: Law

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Trainee Service Desk Analyst, Service Desk Analyst at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Blake Morgan will not be recruiting in my position in the near future due to a company strategic decision

Interview Advice: - Be honest - Be yourself - Be enthusiastic

Industry: Law

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Level 3 Paralegal, Commercial Litigation at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Make yourself stand out- say the reason why you wanted to go into law, say something unique about yourself that no one else would.

Interview Advice: Be friendly and confident. The questions are not hard as they are based around you- just speak about what you know; don't lie.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Legal Solutions Centre at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Ensure to research around the firm as a whole and understand the firm's ethos before beginning an application.

Interview Advice: Be honest!

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Residential real estate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: It is important to research the company and understand the key values and skills you will need for the role. Use examples to demonstrate how you have used these skills in the past. At WBD it is also really important to be yourself! Involve hobbies, interests in your application, especially evidencing a key skill will really help your application stand out.

Interview Advice: It is important to draw from your past experiences to demonstrate the development of skills. As an apprentice you are not expected to have a great knowledge of the law, so don't worry about any technical legal questions. Just be yourself and let your passion and enthusiasm for the apprenticeship show. Giving examples of teamwork, time management and the ability to study whilst working are all invaluable and will show you have the skills necessary to succeed.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Dispute Resolution at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Do not leave the application until last minute. Complete the application with plenty of time before submission so that you can re-visit your answers and amend if needed.

Interview Advice: Before the interview, you should do some background research on the business that you are applying for. It is useful to be able to discuss any good media coverage they have recently been involved with, any upcoming events they have organised and their business strategy for the future.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Real Estate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Candidates should get experience in any type of job - in a way not having law knowledge may help as that is what you will be learning. Answer the questions honestly but include any skills you have and how/where you have demonstrated them - and how they will be useful in the role.

Interview Advice: Relax and take time over the questions. None of the questions are overly challenging or tailored to the role, they are looking only for strong and thought out answers. Again, include examples where possible.

Industry: Law

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HR Apprentice / Assistant, HR at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be honest and yourself! There is nothing worse than trying to be someone you're not. Employers want to know the person that will work for them, not the person you think they want.

Interview Advice: Come prepared - do some research on the company (history and future plans are great starting points!). Make sure to have a relevant question or two ready to ask the interviewer at the end - it sparks conversation and also shows that you want to be there, rather than 'have to' be there. Again, similar to applications advice, just be yourself!

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Private Capital at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Don't be afraid of applying. I think that for most applicants, this will be the first formal job application/interview process. It is difficult to know what to expect or to feel as though you will succeed however if you complete the application form to the best of your ability, that is the first step to progressing and reaching the next stage in the process. You never know what might have been if you don't apply.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. The interviewers are looking for someone that they can see fitting into the firm. The academics required will be firmly on your mind but the interviewers are looking beyond that. Grades speak for themselves but you need to do the same. Speak for yourself to demonstrate how you could fit in with the brand of the specific firm.

Industry: Law

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Early Careers, HR at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Don't try and put what you think they want to see in the application, put in what you think and don't try to be something you are not. If you really want the job it will shine through in the application.

Interview Advice: Don't let nerves get the better of you. Remember the people interviewing you are wanting to fill the role they are interviewing you for, so they are really rooting for you! Believe in yourself and be yourself.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Property Litigation at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: To be yourself.

Interview Advice: Be confident and look into the core values of the firm.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Commercial Disputes & Regulatory at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Research company first, watch materials provided on website.

Interview Advice: Be confident, be friendly with colleagues (they are all asked for feedback on you which directly impacts your chances of getting the job).

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Real Estate at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Get loads of interview experience, look around and see what company's ethics and morals suit you because the environment which you work in is very important.

Interview Advice: Mainly skill based questions, consider how you have displayed good problem solving, time management and leadership skills for example. List the skills which you believe a successful career in law require and pre-plan some key examples of how you have showcased these skills through various aspects of your life.

Industry: Law

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Trainee ATC analyst, ATC at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: List key points (skills) Explaining why you are interested in the role and what attracted you to it

Interview Advice: Be formal and punctual Really sell yourself Give them every possible reason as to why they should hire you

Industry: Law

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Legal Administration Apprentice, OnShore Administration at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Research a variety of opportunities (different firms/positions/industries).

Interview Advice: Take lots of notes when experiencing different teams. Be friendly and open.

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Associate Supervisior, Supervision – Retail and Authorisations at Financial Conduct Authority

Interview Advice: Have plenty of examples ready to prove what skills you have.

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprenticeship, Property Litigation at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Fill it full with unique points about yourself. Alongside your competencies and academic achievements.

Interview Advice: Just be yourself, and engage in the conversation with your interviewer. Always ask questions.

Industry: Law

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Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Insurance at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Sell yourself and remember it is not all about your qualifications! What else have you done in your life that is interesting?

Interview Advice: Be yourself, as there is a trial period where you come into the firm for a few days - you can't pretend to be someone you're not for that long! Also, relax. It isn't going to be as bad as you think!

Industry: Law

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City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma In Legal Administration, at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Be as detailed as possible and only include things in your application that you feel employers would value.

Interview Advice: Act confident and prepare before your interview, research the company/job you are applying for.

Industry: Law

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Business Administration, at Shoosmiths

Interview Advice: Read up on the company before so you can ask more questions but also sound like you really want to work there. Don't worry about it. Smile. Come up with questions before you go in and research what they might ask you so you're more prepared.

Industry: Law

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Facilities Services Apprentice, Facilities at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Learn about the role before applying so you're not disappointed.

Interview Advice: Ensure you know specifics for the company and have a few questions to hand to show interest.

Industry: Law

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Administrator, Conveyancing at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Make sure it's the right job for you and think about the environment, working hours and your role and what you will be doing.

Interview Advice: Dress smart Research the company Express why your interested in the role/company Be friendly and confident

Industry: Law

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Business Administration, Recoveries at Walker Morris LLP

Application Advice: Have a look on the Company's website and look into their ''views/morals''. It shows you are interested in the job.

Interview Advice: Use what you have read from the website to show you have looked into this. look at the job role you have applied for.

Industry: Law

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Apprentice Quantum Analyst, Personal Injury – Special Damages at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Show an interest in the area of work and explain your skills to look appealable in order to secure an interview

Interview Advice: Be confident, approachable and smile. Be yourself and keep calm.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal apprentice, Serious injury at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: When applying for this job I think it's very important to show the kind of person you are. Although you need certain qualifications to get the job, who you are as a person is just as important especially as you will be working within a team and be communicating with clients regularly at some point in your career so you need to get on with others well. Everyone in the firm has some form of qualification allowing them to do the job but how they interact with our clients is vital; therefore, you need to prove that you will be good at this.

Interview Advice: When I was interviewed I was asked to prepare a short presentation for it which was then followed by some questions. I think it is a good idea to always go into the interview with some questions of your own to show you are interested in the job, willing to learn more about it and wanting to know how you can progress. I think this shows you are a conscientious person who will fit in well. The questions I was asked were not just about the job, they want to get to know you as a person and see whether you are suitable for the job and the company. For example questions about where you have been proud, successful; where you have worked well as part of a team, things like that.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: - Be yourself. - Stand out from the crowd. - Ensure that you are fully committed to the role. - Research the brand/company. - Ensure your CV is professional and demonstrates all of the skills you could bring to the role.

Interview Advice: My interview process comprised of three stages: application, a video interview and a face to face interview. For the video interview be prepared for a 'curve ball' question (for example: 'name a successful UK brand'). Practice speaking confidently and clearly at home in front of family or friends and perhaps write down a list of questions you might expect to be asked. For the face to face interview I was asked to produce a presentation on a topic of my choice. I chose a topic I felt comfortable and confident talking about. In addition, I was given a written test and was interviewed by three Partners within the firm. Dress smartly, be confident and show your personality.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, Real Estate at Irwin Mitchell LLP

Application Advice: Research the company, update CV

Interview Advice: Prepare interview answers, research the company

Industry: Law

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Internal Secondment in Real Estate, Real Estate at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: For an internal placement, the application forms were user friendly and therefore my tip would be to simply utilise that and try and show your personality on paper.

Interview Advice: For an internal placement, my advice to you would be to really know and understand the firm. This will show in your answering questions and highlight to the interviewer that you are serious.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, OnShore – Recovery + at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be as detailed as you can, list everything you have done and have been involved with. Sell yourself as a well rounded person who has a good work ethic and is prepared to go above and beyond in order to succeed in the role.

Interview Advice: Know your CV and application really well. If you have put something in your CV make sure you can talk about it confidently, as the interviewers are likely to ask you questions about your CV. Be confident but try not to come across as ignorant. Always remember that people are trying to help you so if someone gives you some constructive criticism take it on board and learn from it.

Industry: Law

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Business Administration Level 3, HR at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Take your time and concentrate on every aspect of the application process.

Interview Advice: Be yourself. Think about some of the questions you might be asked beforehand so that you have a few scenarios to talk about if you are asked about things such as 'tell me about a time when you had to have a difficult conversation with a colleague' or 'how do you cope under pressure'. Personally, in my interview I felt that even though I answered the questions adequately, it was my personality and how I spoke about what the role would mean to me and how I would fit in with the team and company that really made me shine. So another tip would definitely be research the company and have some questions planned for the interviewers.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Commercil Disputes and Regulatory at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Ensure your application shows you off as a person and shows your traits of why these would be good for the role. It is important to put all of your experience down and show what you're like.

Interview Advice: Similar to the application, think about you're positives and negatives and how these could help you develop and work. Also, stay calm and think about it as your chance to sell yourself.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Recovery + at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Before applying make sure you research the firm that you are applying for. Employers appreciate when a candidate is able to talk confidently about the business and its successes and developments. Similarly, it will give you an understanding of the work that you will be completing and the area of law that the firm works in.

Interview Advice: Before starting an interview make sure you have a clear head, the last thing you want is to be thinking of other things whilst speaking with your interviewers. Most importantly, be yourself and be honest with your answers as this will allow the interviewers to have an accurate portrait of you.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Administrator, Competition and Enforcement at Financial Conduct Authority

Application Advice: Know as much as you can about the company and make sure it's something you want to do.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprenticeship, Real Estate at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Prepare for anything they ask for, interviews (in person or on webcam) and research the firm itself.

Interview Advice: Prepare, take your time and enjoy the experience, this firm is incredibly welcoming so they won't make you feel uncomfortable.

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Tax at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Do lots of research on the firm and find out what there identity is and what is important to the firm.

Interview Advice: Take your time answering questions and don't' rush, it's also Important to pay attention to your body language.

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Real Estate Finance at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Make a note of deadlines and make sure you adhere to them. If possible, get someone to read through your application before you press send.

Interview Advice: Prepare some answers before you go in. Be yourself - but don't do this to the extent you come across as unprofessional. It is important to demonstrate that you have a personality but will be able to work professionally.

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: My advice would be to apply as early as possible. Apprenticeships are becoming very competitive and I missed out on quite a few good opportunities simply due to not applying in advance. I would also say try and boost your profile as much as possible when applying. Try to gain as much experience as you can related to the field you are interested in, and volunteering always looks good! When applying, make sure you convey your excitement and passion for the field as much as possible through everything you say, as you are going to stand out if you prove how much you want the job.

Interview Advice: Always arrive early and make sure you are confident with your knowledge of the company. Although interviews seem like a nerve-wracking test, try to show off your personality as much as possible. Even if you make mistakes through answers, or struggle on a question, if you have proven to the employer that you have a great personality, good work ethic and show pure excitement for the job, this will overshadow any little mistake that may be made. Remain confident!

Industry: Law

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Solicitor Apprentice, Private Capital at Womble Bond Dickinson

Application Advice: Be yourself. There are grade requirements for entry to the scheme, so in many ways the recruitment process was far more about getting to know you as a person and how you would fit in with the business as opposed to assessing your academic prowess.

Interview Advice: The interview was focused on how you would fit into the firm, your interests and your passion for the role. I think that it is useful to understand the way in which the firm operates but at the same time, it is more of a test of personality and how you could work within the firm.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprenticeship, Banking and Finance at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Research the company Take your time filling it out

Interview Advice: Ask questions Be positive and enthusiastic

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Construction at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Look early. Most apprenticeships tend to go online in Dec-Jan, best to be prepared and start the applications early.

Interview Advice: Research the company beforehand. The interview I had didn't have any company related questions, but knowing some background to the company makes you sound interested in the company. Have some examples of when you've used some skills you said you have e.g. an example for showing team working skills could be playing for an outside football team.

Industry: Law

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Legal Apprentice, Non-Contentious Construction at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Take your time when applying, make sure you're fully prepared before beginning an application or online assessment. Research for people who have previously done these type of assessments and what advice they have. Read up on what the firm are keen on i.e. charity work, ethical conduct, team work etc and incorporate it into your CV or application.

Interview Advice: Be confident in everything you say. Shake their hands firmly and maintain eye contact always. Try to avoid using notes where possible and speak freely without hesitation. Allow what you talk about to be passionate and allow the interviewer to see that you know what you want in life and that you're out to get it.

Industry: Law

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Trainee Administrator, Commerical Litigation at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: To emphasise on organisation, one of my key skills I have learned at Blake Morgan is how to be organised.

Interview Advice: Stay calm and be confident, sell your personality as well as your skills

Industry: Law

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Trainee Facilities Assistant, Facilities at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Professional Up to date Spelling and grammar Be honest

Interview Advice: Professional Questions I was asked were: What would you find challenging in this role? How would you prioritise your tasks? How would you manage your work load? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

Industry: Law

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Trainee Administator, LDR – Divisional Directors Team at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Make sure you have a strong CV.

Interview Advice: Know examples of what successful achievements you have done and what challenges you have faced and how you have overcome them.

Industry: Law

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Traniee Paralegal, New Homes Sales at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Be prepared, know your stuff and just be yourself.

Interview Advice: Be yourself, try not to overthink the questions.

Industry: Law

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Legal Administration Apprentice, Debt Recovery at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: List your biggest achievements e.g. qualifications, but also things that you have achieved outside of your educational career.

Interview Advice: Make sure you know plenty of information about the company and that you are also able to talk about your interests and what makes you unique. Be polite, friendly and show some personality.

Industry: Law

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Business Administration Apprentice, Unsecured Recoveries at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: straightforward and personality counts

Interview Advice: Be open. Being nervous will put the interviewer off at Shoosmiths.

Industry: Law

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Administration Assistant, Recovery Group Services at Shoosmiths

Application Advice: Get as much work experience as possible, but it doesn't necessarily have to be in the industry you want to work in. Experience that shows team work, independent work and leadership.

Interview Advice: Be relaxed, friendly and show some of your personality. Even though you might be nervous, this allows the interviewer to picture how you will fit in their team.

Industry: Law

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Trainee Corporate Administrator, Corporate at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Put as much detail in your CV as possible, and don't leave anything out. If you are really interested in the role, ensure you explain why and what you can do for the company in the application (stand out).

Interview Advice: Be confident, and remember you are working in an office of 300 people + so if you want the job then you need to stand out.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal, at Blake Morgan

Application Advice: Be confident in what you want and portray that when applying.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprenticeship, Real Estate at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: The application process consisted of four stages: 1) A written application 2) Online awareness tests 3) A video interview 4) A face-to-face group interview My tips would be to research the firm as much as you can so you can really explain why you want the job. The firm is also very focused on you as an individual - talk about the hobbies and interests that you do outside of work.

Interview Advice: The best advice for all interviews would be: even if you don't feel confident - fake it! The interview started off with 6 applicants. We were given a problem and asked to work out between us what the best solution was. My tips would be: don't shy away. Make sure your voice is heard whilst also being respectful of the other applicants' input. We then had one-to-one interviews. These were quite casual and not really serious like other interviews I have had. My tip would be to be as friendly as possible and show the interviewer you have a personality!

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Apprentice, Commercial Litigation at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Be yourself.

Interview Advice: Smile, be relaxed. Focus on competency questions, questions specific to the firm and your other interests.

Industry: Law

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Business Services Apprentice, Business Development at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Make you sure you have as many extra curricular activities as you can included as it shows you're a proactive individual.

Interview Advice: Be honest and have set answers prepared before hand. Always have examples to back yourself up.

Industry: Law

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Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Make sure that your application gives a good representation of you: in essence, you're selling yourself on paper. Give a summary of your life achievements and try to relate these to the role you're applying for and why they're relevant.

Interview Advice: This is where first impressions are made so be friendly, approachable and polite - with both the interviewers and other interviewees. The Company is looking for people that will fit in with their team and have the right work ethic, so try your best to interact with the people you meet.

Industry: Law

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Paralegal Trailblazer – CILEx Law School, Construction and Engineering – Dispute Resolution Group at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: To try and communicate your personality as much as possible, giving emphasis to any charitable work and hobbies outside of academics.

Interview Advice: To be confident but not arrogant. Show you can work well within a team, but also stand out as an individual. Dress smart as first impressions are everything.

Industry: Law

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Business Service Apprentice, Travel at Gowling WLG

Application Advice: Always make sure you keep your Application short and to the point, it's important you get across information in the best possible manner and don't waffle on. It is really important to ensure you keep things on the Application that are truthful and will set you in good steed for the role. I think it is really important you supply the application with lots of evidence. Yes you want to keep it short and sweet but you also need to be able to show how deep your knowledge is, what attributes you have and the skills you will bring to the table. I would be sure to make the application stand out, show off your achievements and leave yourself room for improvement as no one is perfect.

Interview Advice: Remain cool, calm and collected. Everyone is nervous but you have to have faith in yourself because no one is there to hold your hand. Try to remember what is on your CV and think of the questions you may be asked. Have a list of things in your head you can use as examples. EG if interviewer says tell me one of the reasons why you're good for the role, you need to be able to say about your past experience and why you would fit in with this company. Everything you say needs to have substance to it, and you need to support statements with evidence to make sure you come across the best way you can. Most of all I think it is important to prepare for the interview, don't go in blind. You need to ensure you know a lot about the firm, show an interest in the work the firm does and also just enjoy yourself, because personality carries very well in interviews.

Industry: Law

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