Shoosmiths Archives - Legal Cheek

Shoosmiths distances itself as Angela Rayner tax row escalates

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:59:50 +0000

National law firm confirms it did not advise deputy PM on £800k flat stamp duty error

Angela Rayner MP – Credit: Simon Dawson

Shoosmiths has moved to distance itself from the political row surrounding deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, after its name was wrongly linked to her £800,000 flat purchase that resulted in underpaid stamp duty.

The national law firm had previously acted for Rayner, and the BBC News reports it was responsible for setting up a trust for her son in 2020. This past connection fuelled speculation online that Shoosmiths had also advised on her property deal.

But the firm has now confirmed it gave no advice on the flat purchase that saw Rayner pay up to £40,000 less by not applying the higher rate of stamp duty reserved for additional homes.

A spokesperson for Shoosmiths said:

“We did not act for the Rt Hon Angela Rayner in relation to the purchase of her Hove property and/or the SDLT aspects of that property. Ms Rayner is not a current client of the firm and has not been for some time.”

The 2026 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

Rayner is facing calls to resign over the matter. The Labour MP has rejected claims she deliberately avoided tax, saying she relied on legal advice that did not “properly take account” of her circumstances.

Those circumstances include the court-ordered trust, created to manage compensation following a medical incident that left her son with life-long disabilities.

When her divorce was finalised in 2023, Rayner and her ex-husband transferred part of their stakes in the family home in Greater Manchester into the trust, where they both act as trustees.

This arrangement allowed for a “nesting” set-up, meaning the children could remain in the property while the parents alternated living there. Rayner later sold her remaining 25% stake in the home to the trust in January this year, receiving £162,500.

Rayner said she has contacted HMRC to clarify how much tax she owes.

The identity of the lawyer or firm she consulted is still unknown.

The post Shoosmiths distances itself as Angela Rayner tax row escalates appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths addresses salary bunching while lifting London NQ salaries to £105k

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:45:05 +0000

‘Fair and transparent structure’

Shoosmiths has joined the summer salary surge, announcing a bump to £105k for its London newly-qualified solicitors (NQs). Meanwhile, the firm has also taken the opportunity to reflect on how NQ pay rises affect more senior lawyers’ pay.

The pay rise to £105,000 in London is up £8k from the previous £97k. This hike, around 8%, pushes Shoosmiths in line with Gowling WLG, which made the announcement last week. Also sitting at £105k are Pinsents and Stephenson Harwood, the Legal Cheek Firms Most List shows.

There’s also an increase for England-based NQs outside of London, who will see a more than 6% increase from £63,000 to £67,000. Shoosmiths says the uplifts will take effect from autumn 2025, and “ensures the firm remains highly competitive in attracting and retaining early-career talent in a fast-moving market”.

The 2025 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

In an interesting move alongside announcing the hike, Shoosmiths added: “We know the recent rise in NQ salaries has had a knock-on effect at other levels, creating understandable concerns around pay compression.”

“These dynamics are being felt across the market,” Shoosmiths continued, “and we remain committed to providing competitive salaries at all levels across the firm” — whilst drawing attention to their bonus scheme, which this year has included entering prompts into Microsoft’s AI, Copilot.

This comes just days after Legal Cheek‘s open thread on post-NQ salaries. Amid a flurry of over 160 comments, readers revealed that lawyers at many firms are experiencing salary bunching, where pay increases given to NQs aren’t being matched for more senior lawyers.

Summer NQ salary rises so far

Firm	Location	NQ Salary (Before)	NQ Salary (After)	Increase
Mayer Brown	London	£135,000	£150,000	£15,000
Baker McKenzie	London	£140,000	£145,000	£5,000
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer	London	£135,000	£145,000	£10,000
Hogan Lovells	London	£135,000	£140,000	£5,000
Ashurst	London	£125,000	£140,000	£15,000
DLA Piper	London	£110,000	£130,000	£20,000
Travers Smith	London	£120,000	£130,000	£10,000
CMS	London	£110,000	£120,000	£10,000
CMS	Bristol	£70,000	£76,500	£6,500
CMS	Manchester / Sheffield / Liverpool	£62,000	£68,000	£6,000
CMS	Edinburgh / Aberdeen / Glasgow	£60,000	£68,000	£8,000
Shoosmiths	London	£97,000	£105,000	£8,000
Shoosmiths	Manchester	£63,000	£67,000	£4,000
Shoosmiths	Birmingham	£63,000	£67,000	£4,000
Shoosmiths	Leeds	£63,000	£67,000	£4,000
Shoosmiths	Reading	£63,000	£67,000	£4,000
Shoosmiths	Nottingham	£63,000	£67,000	£4,000
Gowling WLG	London	£98,000	£105,000	£7,000
Gowling WLG	Birmingham	£64,000	£65,500	£1,500
Gowling WLG	Leeds	£64,000	£65,500	£1,500
HFW	London	£100,000	£103,500	£3,500
Mishcon de Reya	London	£95,000	£100,000	£5,000
RPC	London	£80,000 – £90,000	£85,000 – £95,000	£5,000
RPC	Bristol	£56,000	£60,000	£4,000

The post Shoosmiths addresses salary bunching while lifting London NQ salaries to £105k appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths partner profits soar 30% as firm awards £3.5 million in staff bonuses

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:52:16 +0000

Strong financial year

Partners at the national law firm Shoosmiths have seen their profits surge by almost a third in the 2024-25 financial year, surpassing the £1 million mark for the first time.

The bumper profits will see the firm award a 5% salary bonus to 1,300 eligible staff members next month, drawn from a £3.5 million bonus pool.

The firm confirmed that profit per equity partner (PEP) exceeded £1 million after a 30% increase on the previous year, while net profit rose by 16% to £76.6 million and revenue grew by 5% to £217.2 million.

“I’m so proud that the hard work and dedication of our people has translated into fantastic outcomes for our clients and an amazing financial performance for our firm,” CEO David Jackson said. “We’ve been super clear about where we think we can add most value to our clients, and as a result they’ve trusted us with more of their business-critical work in those areas.”

The 2025 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

Shoosmiths’ lawyers and staff were recently told they could receive further cash windfalls — if they embrace AI.

As reported by Legal Cheek in April, the firm has launched an initiative encouraging staff to collectively prompt Microsoft Copilot AI one million times. Once that target is reached, Shoosmiths will unlock an additional £1 million for its collegiate bonus pot. All staff (excluding partners and business services directors, who are still encouraged to use the technology) will benefit from the bonus.

The Legal Cheek Firms Most List shows Shoosmiths takes on around 22 trainees each year on a starting salary of £32,000 in the regions and £43,000 in London.

The post Shoosmiths partner profits soar 30% as firm awards £3.5 million in staff bonuses appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths offers £1 million bonus pot to encourage AI use among staff

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:57:37 +0000

Cash rewards for reaching one million prompts on Microsoft Copilot

Shoosmiths has become the first major UK law firm to announce it will tie bonuses to how much lawyers use artificial intelligence (AI), encouraging its staff reach one million prompts to unlock a £1 million payout.

The firm has launched a scheme in which staff are encouraged to prompt the Microsoft Copilot AI one million times. If — or when — the one million prompt target is hit, Shoosmiths will “unlock” an extra £1 million for the collegiate bonus pot. All staff, except partners and business services directors (who are nevertheless encouraged to use the technology), will benefit.

According to the firm, if each employee used Copilot just four times per working day, the target would be easily reached.

“We don’t fear AI”, said Shoosmiths CEO David Jackson, who linked the scheme to the firm’s innovative side as well as seeking client “benefits”. Shoosmiths hopes the initiative “frees” lawyers’ time to do “the human-to-human work that really matters: solving problems, building trust, and supporting clients through complexity.” The statement added that AI “won’t replace” any staff.

Shoosmiths’ initiative is backed by a partnership with Microsoft, which includes training and a firmwide “knowledge hub” where teams will share AI use cases and success stories. New internal roles – including “innovation leads” under a “head of legal innovation” plus a “data manager” – have also been launched. The firm also claims AI usage will help them achieve their net zero goals by 2040. This will mean managing “upstream emissions from AI” in approaching sustainability.

The 2025 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

The move to offer a financial reward for using AI signals Shoosmiths’ commitment to “embedding AI into the day-to-day work” for lawyers and support staff. This follows Shoosmiths’ recent advice, where in a blog post for training contract seekers, Shoosmiths described AI use as “tool to refine and develop your own original thoughts, not replace them”, Legal Cheek reported.

AI is being embraced by some major law firms. A&O Shearman launched guidance for using AI in TC applications issued last year. The firm had previously hired the “Harvey” AI tool, which was also adopted by Macfarlanes.

But Shoosmiths strategy with integrating AI — not least with monetary rewards for using it – also diverges from other firms’ more cautious approaches. Hill Dickinson, for example, recently restricted AI tools following a surge in staff use. Meanwhile, prospective barristers were barred from using ChatGPT or other generative AI tools in their pupillage applications this year. Nevertheless, over 70% lawyers thought AI was a “force for good” last year, when Legal Cheek also reported over 40% lawyers used the technology already.

The post Shoosmiths offers £1 million bonus pot to encourage AI use among staff appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths retains 100% of its spring qualifying trainees

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:33:51 +0000

All nine

Shoosmiths has recorded a 100% trainee retention rate this spring, with all nine of its March 2025 qualifiers staying on as newly qualified (NQ) solicitors at the firm.

The NQs will be based across Shoosmiths’ UK offices, with London, Manchester, Thames Valley, and Birmingham among the locations welcoming fresh talent. Real estate and dispute resolution & litigation are the most popular practice areas this round, with two qualifiers joining each. The remaining qualifiers are spread across corporate, commercial, banking, employment, construction, and pensions.

The 2025 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

A spokesperson for Shoosmiths said:

“This 100% retention rate reflects our commitment to developing and supporting our trainees throughout their journey at Shoosmiths. Through enhanced training programmes, proactive career development support, and a focus on inclusive management styles, we ensure that our trainees gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to transition seamlessly into newly qualified roles within the firm.”

Shoosmiths joins Addleshaw Goddard in achieving a 100% retention rate this spring, with the latter keeping all 11 of its newly qualified solicitors. Meanwhile, Hogan Lovells recorded a 78% retention rate, with 18 out of 23 trainees staying on.

The post Shoosmiths retains 100% of its spring qualifying trainees appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

How corporate law firms work: 5 things you need to know

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 07:51:27 +0000

Shoosmiths lawyers explore how law firms integrate into the business ecosystem, collaborate with in-house legal teams, and secure and retain clients

Getting a firm grasp on how corporate law firms operate can be more difficult than it seems. At Legal Cheek’s recent event, ‘Understanding corporate law firms — with Shoosmiths’, two partners and a trainee at Shoosmiths lifted the lid on how top firms really work, detailing the services they provide for clients, how they win new business and how they charge for their work.

The speakers

• Fiona Cameron, partner in the banking and finance team
• Ruth Clare, partner in the real estate team
• Katie Hindle, trainee solicitor

What services to law firms provide to their clients?

We kicked off our discussion by covering the basics: what services do law firms provide to their clients. Fiona Cameron, partner in the banking and finance team shared an insight into the range of work her team is involved in. “The banking team tends to be involved in all sorts of work where there is debt involved,” she told us. “Our core contribution is drafting the finance contracts; we draft the loan agreements and security documents.” The banking and finance team at Shoosmiths acts for an even split of lenders and borrowers. The services the team provide varies depending on who their client is. “If you’re acting for the lender you draft, if you’re acting for the borrower you negotiate,” Cameron explained. Legal services are only one element of the service that Shoosmiths provides for their clients: “Being good at law is a given. We try to be relatable, accessible, and make sure everything runs smoothly. That’s what clients remember about working with us,” she said.

Shoosmiths Graduates

Ruth Clare, partner in the real estate team, gave us an idea of her team’s work. “Sometimes people only think of law firms as being involved in big deals. We do a lot of the day-to-day advice too,” she told us. “I work with retailers who are making decisions about their stores every day so I speak to them regularly.” Echoing Cameron’s point that the service a law firm provides goes far beyond legal advice, Clare explained how “firms are well-positioned to aid clients with technological innovation because we see what’s coming down the track. Now, we are helping several clients navigate AI technology and the impact it could have on their business.”

Find out more about training at Shoosmiths

How do corporate law firms build and maintain relationships with clients?

Next up, we discussed how law firms can foster strong relationships with their clients. “So much of client relationships is the impression that the client gets from dealing with you in addition to your legal advice,” said Cameron. She stressed the importance of “spending time with clients to better understand their business: who they are and what they need.” This can look very different depending on the client – “Some clients love having lawyers in to deliver training, some clients prefer a day out to the rugby,” Cameron told the virtual audience.

Building relationships with clients can start from the very beginning of a lawyer’s career. “I am instructed by clients who I met as a trainee,” Cameron shared, adding “it’s an ongoing relationship.” Katie Hindle, trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths, shared her perspective on building client relationships at a junior stage. “Everyone has a role to play in building the relationship with clients. Trainees can get involved by keeping clients up to date on a matter, sending an email to keep them in the loop.” Hindle mentioned attending networking events with clients, “it’s important to be friendly and down to earth. Even trainees have their part to play in representing the firm.”

How do lawyers charge for their work?

Once these vital client relationships are established, how do lawyers make money? Our panel discussed the difference between the standard hourly rate, used by many solicitors to charge for their work, and a fixed fee arrangement which is not dictated by time spent and gives clients more certainty over legal fees.

Clare told our audience, “The real estate team do a lot of work on fixed fees. Our clients want to have a clear idea of how much our advice will cost for services like drafting a lease agreement.” However, there will be instances where things don’t go to plan and law firms will have to charge more than the original agreed fee. “If things go wrong and you end up doing a lot of extra work, it will be much easier to agree a higher cost if you have a good relationship with the client and you have communicated the issues. The cost shouldn’t come as a horrible surprise to the client.” Fixed fees can work for law firms as well, she explained: “We are also running a business, so it’s helpful to know how much money we’re making.”

Shoosmiths opportunities open on 1 December 2024

In addition to making money, Cameron explained how law firms consider the competitive market when charging for work. “A lot of lenders will go out and look for three quotes,” she said. This can present challenges, “sometimes competitors will drastically undercut to win a piece of work, there’s not an awful lot you can do about that,” Cameron said, adding, “Once you have experience, you will be able to know what the market price is for a piece of work.”

How do law firm lawyers collaborate with in-house counsel?

Many clients will have their own inhouse legal teams that law firms interact with. Clare shared her insights on how to work productively with in-house lawyers. “It’s great dealing with in-house lawyers because they speak our language,” she said, “but we can’t expect them to do our job for us.” She continued: “An inhouse lawyer will typically be dealing with lots of other things internally. They don’t want to pay for us to do a job and then have to do it themselves. They want a distillation of all the effort we’ve put in.”

What are the key skills required to succeed in a legal career?

Our panel wrapped up by discussing the skills which all successful lawyers need and how to develop them. Hindle reflected on her experience working as a paralegal before starting her training contract at Shoosmiths. “I would really recommend working as a paralegal, whether you have yet to secure your training contract or you have a training contract starting in the future,” she told the audience. “This experience taught me key skills in document management as well as giving me an insight into how the business is run.”

Find out more about training at Shoosmiths

For Cameron, initiative is a crucial attribute to have, especially for junior lawyers. “This is the difference between waiting to be told something or taking the initiative to go and look something up and have a think about a problem,” she elaborated. Additionally, “being able to see the bigger picture and keep the client’s larger goals in mind” is vital, especially in banking and finance work. “A finance contract is a living contract. Clients will constantly go back to check its terms. You need to have really thought about your clients future plans to make that document work for them,” she said.

Clare mentioned “an awareness of the world that we and our clients operate in” as a key skill lawyers need to develop. She urged trainees and junior lawyers to “be inquisitive about the commercial world” and “bring ideas to the table.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post How corporate law firms work: 5 things you need to know appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths in 5 Instagram posts

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 08:37:17 +0000

From the firm’s history and core values to unique office perks, here’s everything you need to know about Shoosmiths in five posts from its popular early careers Instagram page

Aspiring lawyers might not immediately think of Instagram as their go-to tool when preparing for the training contract application season. However, this social media platform is no longer the sole domain of celebrities and influencers. Many top law firms have been targeting young students and graduates on their home turf by sharing valuable information through the ‘gram. One such firm is national outfit, Shoosmiths who are connecting with aspiring lawyers through their busy Insta account, @shoosmithsgrads.

Shoosmiths Graduates

With nearly 8,000 followers, @shoosmithsgrads sits comfortably among the most followed early careers accounts in law. The firm’s emerging talent team have uploaded a whopping 1,400+ posts which give budding lawyers a taste of life at this exciting and rapidly expanding firm.

So, with the wealth of golden nuggets the firm is offering to lawyer hopefuls on their Insta, we’ve summarised Shoosmiths in five of their popular Insta posts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

In this introductory Reel, the firm sums up its long and famous history, giving students an insight into how the firm has grown since its foundation. Founded in Northampton in 1845, Shoosmiths still has busy core offices here and Milton Keynes, but in recent years has expanded into major commercial hubs like London, Manchester and Birmingham. Since 2022, the firm has also boasted an international base in Brussels, a city at the centre of commercial legal issues like competition law, compliance and regulation, and data privacy.

Find out more about training as a solicitor with Shoosmiths

This Reel sums up the firm’s core practice areas so aspiring trainees can get a clear idea of the teams they will sit in if they train at Shoosmiths.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

This post outlines Shoosmiths’ core values: focusing on what matters, making a difference, delivering together and being ourselves. When applying for vacation placements and training contracts, it’s just as vital to consider a firm’s culture as researching the work they do. Looking into a firm’s values and considering how they align with your own can help you pick the right firm for you.

Find out more about training as a solicitor with Shoosmiths

Shoosmiths refreshed their list of values at the start of 2022 following a series of discussion workshops with employees so applicants can be sure that this post gives an up-to-date and current picture of how Shoosmiths runs today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

Showing clips of the Shoosmiths Birmingham base to a vibey Billie Eilish beat, this Reel gives @shoosmithsgrads Insta followers a taste of the innovative and collaborative designs the firm implements in its offices. This Shoosmiths office has an open plan layout and features flexible, multipurpose spaces along with quiet ‘snug’ areas and soundproofed call pods. The reel shows off the office’s greenery along with striking views of Birmingham’s buzzy business district.

@shoosmithgrads also offers sneak peaks into the firm’s buildings in Leeds, London and Belfast as well as a tour of joyfully colourful comic-book-themed meeting rooms in its Edinburgh base. Be sure to visit the page and see what Shoosmiths looks like near you!

How sweet!

This Instagram story from the firm’s 2023 trainee induction shows some of the quirky perks on offer to Shoosmiths lawyers. The firm’s London office is kitted out with its own selection of traditional pick ‘n’ mix – perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during a busy workday or making conversation with new colleagues. And is there a better way to really get to know someone other than judging their sweetie choices?

Training contract hopefuls outside of the Capital need not fear, Shoosmiths provides these pick ‘n’ mix stations across the country so there is no shortage of sugar. Although, if you’re looking to train at a firm scoring As and A*s across its Legal Cheek Insider Scorecard, you might find Shoosmiths “sweet enough.”

One of the @shoosmithsgrads most liked posts spotlights Becca Horley, an associate in the serious injury department in their Birmingham office. Becca has her own well-followed Insta page where she shares her brightly coloured office-wear fashion looks and discusses the importance of expressing yourself through clothing. This ties in closely with Shoosmiths’ “being ourselves” value (see above for the firm’s post listing their values!).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

Shoosmiths adopts a flexible “dress for your day” policy which empowers lawyers to make their own informed decisions about dress-code depending on their schedule. The outfit which is perfect for an important client meeting might not be practical when working from home and Shoosmiths knows this.

Find out more about training as a solicitor with Shoosmiths

Follow Shoosmiths on Instagram and TikTok.

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post Shoosmiths in 5 Instagram posts appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths to boost NQ lawyer salaries to £97k in London, £63k in regions

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 07:28:10 +0000

Take effect in November

Shoosmiths has confirmed newly qualified (NQ) lawyer salaries will increase this year to £97,000 in London and £63,000 in the regions.

This equates to an 8% increase for those in the City, where rates currently sit at £90,000, and a 5% bump from £60,000 for those elsewhere in England.

NQs in Scotland and Belfast will also see their pay increase to £57,000 and £37,500 respectively. All uplifts take effect this November.

Meet Shoosmiths and 60+ other top law firms at Legal Cheek’s 3 September UK Virtual Law Fair

Chair Kirsten Hewson said:

“At Shoosmiths, we’re known for being a great place to work, with bright, engaged, high-performing teams that deliver excellence for our clients. Cultivating that positive environment starts with ensuring our junior colleagues thrive and excel. We are very pleased to offer a salary increase as a part of our holistic approach to developing our lawyers, affirming our dedication to training aspiring solicitors in a culture that’s supportive and ambitious.”

The Legal Cheek Firms Most List indicates that the firm offers around 36 training contracts each year and recently launched a solicitor apprenticeship programme, with its first intake this September. You can find more information about Shoosmiths’ solicitor apprenticeship programme over on our Solicitor Apprenticeship Most List.

The post Shoosmiths to boost NQ lawyer salaries to £97k in London, £63k in regions appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

2024 financials: More law firms post positive numbers

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:37:02 +0000

Shoosmiths, WFW and Brabners

Another round of financial results have been released, with Shoosmiths, Watson Farley & Williams (WFW), and Brabners all posting positive figures.

Shoosmiths has seen a strong 2023-24 financial year with revenue climbing 6% to cross the £200 million threshold for the first time, the new figure clocking in at £206.7 million.

Profits have increased by 5% to £66 million, while profit per equity partner (PEP) has risen significantly by 16%, from £676,000 to £781,000.

Over at WFW the numbers are equally positive, with global income rising 11% to £238.4 million. The firm’s profit increased by 7.2%, reaching £66.8 million, while PEP rose by only 1.5% to £593,000. This slower growth in PEP could be attributed to the firm’s 5.7% increase in partnerships over the past year.

The 2024 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

Commenting on her firm’s performance, WFW managing partner Lindsey Keeble said:

“We continue to build on the successes of previous years with double digit global income growth. With a majority equity partnership, we continue to invest in the firm to build a sustainable business with strength and depth at all levels.”

Elsewhere, Brabners’ revenues reached £55.6 million in the last financial year, subject to audit. This marks an 18% increase from £47.1 million. The firm didn’t publish a PEP figure.

The latest results continue the positive financial trend seen in both City and national law firms. Linklaters crossed the £2 billion revenue mark for the first time in its history, whilst the likes of Osborne Clarke, Weightmans, HFW, and Kennedys have all enjoyed double digit growth.

The post 2024 financials: More law firms post positive numbers appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

6 things we learned from our Insta Live with a law firm graduate recruitment expert

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:42:00 +0000

Shoosmiths’ early talent adviser Laura Hartigan offers up her advice ahead of the firm’s training contract deadline this month

Mastering training contract applications can be a tricky feat. That’s why Legal Cheek’s Erin Williams recently went live on Instagram with Shoosmiths’ early talent adviser, Laura Hartigan, to uncover the essential dos and don’ts.

Below, we’ve condensed the Live into six neat takeaways, with signposts on how to find out more on the @shoosmithsgrads Instagram account.

1. The Shoosmiths’ application process

“The application process differs depending on what you’re applying for,” Laura begins. With the firm’s brand-new DISCOVER Programme aimed at widening access to the legal industry, the application process looks a little different.

“There’s an initial application form to complete which includes competency-based questions, and upon submission, applicants will be directed to an online strengths-based assessment,” she says. Noting that the online assessment will take applicants around an hour, she reassures that applicants will not be timed, and will be given around five days to complete the assessment. “If you’re successful you’ll be invited to the DISCOVER Programme placement, and in opposition to the training contract application process, there will be no assessment centre for the DISCOVER Programme,” she explains.

Shoosmiths Graduates

“If you’re successful on the placement and you achieve recommendations from your supervisors,” she tells Legal Cheek, “you’ll then be invited to go to an in-person assessment centre and loop back into the direct training contract applicant cohort.”

Turning to the Shoosmiths training contract application process, Laura advises that it follows a similar structure. “The online application form is followed with the same strengths-based assessment as for the DISCOVER Programme. But, of course, the TC application is followed by an in-person assessment centre.”

The Shoosmiths training contract application deadline is 31st March — Apply Now

The Shoosmiths training contract application deadline to start in 2026 in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and London is 31st March.

Head to the @shoosmithsgrads Insta page for a goldmine of related content, including reels on a day-in-the-life of a trainee, a trainee solicitor Q&A and everything you need to know about applying for a training contract.

2. The ‘Key Skills’ that Shoosmiths looks for

Starting applications for TCs can be a daunting task for any hopeful, but understanding what the firm is looking for in a great candidate is a great way to focus any application questions. For Shoosmiths, a successful application is all about strengths.

“You will hear me say “strengths-based” a lot,” says Laura, chuckling. “This is our approach to the application form, the online test and the assessment centre,” she says. “There’s eight strengths that will be assessed at Shoosmiths, which are all strengths which can be developed in many work experiences, including those which are non-legal,” she advises.

Helpfully, she lists the eight key strengths that will be assessed:

“Being a critical thinker,
Being adaptable,
Having a growth mindset,
Taking responsibility,
Being detail-orientated,
Being an effective communicator,
Being a relationship builder and
Being trustworthy and credible.”

“When you’re submitting an application,” Laura advises, “it’s useful to have these strengths in the back of your mind.”

The Shoosmiths training contract application deadline is 31st March — Apply Now

Head to this handy Insta post on @shoosmithgrads about understanding and preparing for a strengths-based assessment centre: (please refresh page if posts do not load)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

For more application tips, the @shoosmithsgrads highlight ‘Applying info’ provides all the insider info on applying to Shoosmiths, including interviews with Emerging Talent and details on the application process.

3. How to tackle the all-important question: ‘Why Shoosmiths?’

The age-old “why this firm?” question is one that almost always catches out some TC hopefuls. But, on the Shoosmiths Instagram Live, Legal Cheek gets the lowdown.

“My initial advice is to be as specific as possible,” says Laura. “If you can easily replace “Shoosmiths” with another firm’s name, and the answer would still be applicable, you need to get more specific.”

But how can candidates best tailor their applications? “My biggest piece of advice for applicants is to go back to the basics; go back to the values of the firm, and think about how can you show these values in your application,” she explains. “Develop your answers on these values, research the work we’re doing, the practice areas we’re operating in, and look into our cases and insights on our website — build off this research. I would advise applicants to stay away from grabbing some statistics on the website and throwing this into the answer,” she says. “Rather, get more specific about how you approach the question and be very honest and authentic about your motivations.”

Take to Insta to get exclusive tours of the office at @shoosmithsgrads.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

4. The culture at Shoosmiths

Firm culture is a key aspect for TC hunters when it comes to deciding on target firms. Legal Cheek asks Laura for the inside scoop on the office culture at Shoosmiths.

“I think if I had to sum it up; it’s collaborative,” she states. “One of the biggest attractions of the firm is how collaborative the feel is here. All our teams across the firm’s offices work closely together, and even the physical spaces in the office are collaborative,” Laura reveals.

“Being relatively new at the firm myself, it strikes me how open everybody is to giving feedback and ideas; no idea is silly and every idea is listened to and appreciated.” She emphasises, “the people are fantastic at Shoosmiths, and that goes back to our key values as a firm.”

Get to know Shoosmiths from the inside using their Insta highlight ‘People’, featuring interviews with the head of recruitment and lawyers, as well as trainee Q&As.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Early Careers | Law Firm (@shoosmithsgrads)

5. How to demonstrate commercial awareness

‘Commercial awareness’ — that elusive commodity; everyone has heard of it, but nobody really knows what it is. When it comes to TC applications, how can candidates build commercial awareness, and how can they demonstrate it on their applications? Laura gives us her tips.

“It can be very daunting because commercial awareness is thrown at you and you’re expected to know what it means,” she levels. “Some students can get quite nervous about commercial awareness, but it’s not something you can learn in a day. Rather,” she advises, “it’s a practice you need to build into your daily routine. Firstly,” she says, “find what genuinely interests you and develop knowledge in that specific area. You can then begin applying this insight to the firm you’re applying to.”

She gives an example of a hypothetical applicant who is naturally interested in AI, advising the candidate to “have a look at the Shoosmiths website, see how we are adapting to AI, and research into how we are introducing this tech into the way we operates.” She says, “this way, it doesn’t feel as much of a chore to develop commercial awareness, because it can be seeded through your natural interests.”

The Shoosmiths training contract application deadline is 31st March — Apply Now

When it comes to the application, Laura advises that, “if there’s a particular practice area that you’re interested in and you’ve spent time researching it, then tell us about it! Tell us why you’re interested in what we’re doing in that area.”

Get some more hot tips on how to increase your commercial awareness on the @shoosmithsgrads TikTok.

@shoosmithsgrads Six ways to use the summer to increase your commercial awareness #commercialawareness #businessandlaw #summerrevision #shoosmiths #shoosmithsgrads #shoosmithsllp #lawfirm #trainingcontract #lawstudent #lawgraduate #traineesolicitor #solicitor #lawyer #howtobealawyer #howtobeasolicitor #ratemyplacement #lawfirmresearch #lawfirmapplications #uklawfirm #lawfirmsocial #lawfirmjobs #studentlawyer #lawstudentlife #studentsummer ♬ original sound – Shoosmiths

6. Advice for trainee hopefuls

In terms of general advice to those seeking training contracts, Laura closes the Insta Live with some classic advice: “Be yourself and be authentic.”

She says, “the toughest element of approaching an application is trying to second-guess what the firm wants from you. Instead,” she explains, “at Shoosmiths, we want to get to know you: your strengths, your interests, what motivates you, and your passion for the legal industry. We can only get that from your application if you’re being genuine.”

More practically, she advises applicants that no experience is unimportant just because it’s not in the legal industry, and that candidates should always make the most of the wordcount available. She says, “it’s there for a reason, so use it to your advantage.”

Watch the full Instagram Live below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Legal Cheek (@legalcheek)

Follow @shoosmithsgrads

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post 6 things we learned from our Insta Live with a law firm graduate recruitment expert appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths advises TC seekers on using AI in applications

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:14:07 +0000

Refine original thoughts, not replace them

Shoosmiths has become one of the first law firms to issue guidance to aspiring solicitors on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in vacation scheme and training contract applications.

In a recent blog post, the firm’s emerging talent advisor, Laura Hartigan, provides guidance on how prospective solicitors can utilise AI tools to enhance their applications. But she also cautions against merely copying responses generated by bots.

The advice comes amidst what Legal Cheek understands is a rise in the number of students misusing AI tools like ChatGPT when completing law firm applications.

Whilst students are welcome to use AI tools in their initial applications, Hartigan warns that she and her recruitment colleagues “don’t condone simply copying and pasting AI-generated responses”.

“Use AI as a tool to refine and develop your own original thoughts, not replace them”, she says. “Aspiring solicitors must remember that integrity and honesty are fundamental attributes that cannot be replaced by technology.”

The 2024 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

The areas where tools can be of most use, Hartigan suggests, are in aiding with time management and organisation, proofreading answers, and suggesting amendments to draft questions.

Echoing previous advice given by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Hartigan also warns students not to “blindly accept AI-generated content without understanding its sources or implications”.

What’s more, “trying to pass off AI-generated content as solely your work undermines your credibility and demonstrates a lack of respect for the application process”, she says.

The blog goes on to urge students to broaden their understanding of AI and its use in the legal field, recommending they attend events, including those run by Legal Cheek, as a prime resource to help with this.

The post Shoosmiths advises TC seekers on using AI in applications appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Shoosmiths to recruit solicitor apprentices for the first time

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 08:48:36 +0000

Roles open in Birmingham

Shoosmiths has added to the growing list of law firms embracing solicitor apprenticeships, opening up four positions to begin in September this year.

The national outfit is piloting the new programme within its Birmingham hub, with a view to including more locations in the future.

New apprentices will complete a fully funded LLB and SQE over the course of six years, whilst spending four days a week in the office. They will join the firm on a salary of £20,000.

You can find out more about the Shoosmiths apprenticeship, as well as the programmes at over 30 other firms, on the new Legal Cheek Solicitor Apprenticeships Most List 2024.

NEW: The 2024 Legal Cheek Solicitor Apprenticeships Most List

Eleanor Tanner, director of people at Shoosmiths, said:

“At Shoosmiths we are committed to nurturing talent and developing skills and expertise through providing relevant vocational and professional apprenticeships. We believe that talent can come from anywhere — it doesn’t have to be through the traditional university route. We are very excited for the launch this pilot and are looking forward to meeting the first cohort in September 2024.”

Apprenticeships aside, the Legal Cheek Firms Most List shows Shoosmiths takes on around 36 graduate trainees each year, offering Birmingham based recruits a salary of £31,000 in year one, £33,000 in year two, and £60,000 upon qualification.

The post Shoosmiths to recruit solicitor apprentices for the first time appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

4 commercial awareness hacks from a graduate recruitment expert

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:01:37 +0000

Shoosmiths’ Laura Hartigan on navigating law firm websites and the importance of podcasts

Shoosmiths’ Laura Hartigan

“I often meet students who think commercial awareness is all about reading bulky finance newspapers for hours every day. However, this approach is often unsustainable. There is much more to commercial awareness than reading, you need to be able to apply your knowledge in context.” says Laura Hartigan, emerging talent advisor at Shoosmiths. “You need to be realistic with where you can get, even if that means setting two hours aside each week. Commerciality is more about making small lifestyle additions that can fit into your daily schedule.”

As a law graduate herself, Hartigan understands the difficultly of juggling training contract applications with studies and work. Ahead of her appearance at next week’s Legal Cheek event, she shares four top tips that can take you a step closer to your dream training contract.

Shoosmiths Graduates

1. Understand the business of law firms

Perhaps the most paramount thing in applications is to demonstrate an interest in the law firm you’re applying to. But commercial awareness goes beyond this, according to Hartigan. “Candidates must have an understanding of the business of the firms they are interested in,” she says. “The end goal of your research should be to find answers to questions such as, What does this firm actually do? Who are their clients? What are their values as a company?”

A good way to develop this knowledge is by looking through law firms’ websites. “There are two parts to a firm website that applicants should be aware of,” Hartigan says. “The first part is the emerging talent or graduate recruitment section. This is where you will find information related to graduate vacancies and life as a trainee at the firm. The Shoosmiths graduate page, for example, also has a careers blog where candidates can find helpful advice for applications. Reading about the role of a trainee in the firm’s broader work helps you understand the business in real life.”

The other section is the client website. “The client website is where you will often find information about the firm’s different practice areas and the services they provide their clients. There is often an ‘Insights’ section where you can access articles on latest trends affecting the firm’s clients. Written by lawyers, they are a great resource to understand what the firm is doing at the moment, and how commercial trends are impacting the sectors it caters to.”

2. Keeping on top of commercial developments

But understanding the business of the firm is not enough. “A candidate must demonstrate awareness of how the latest commercial trends play out in context of the firm,” Hartigan explains.

A good starting place is to think about the biggest topics that are impacting law firms right now. According to Hartigan, artificial intelligence (AI) is one such area capturing a lot of interest at the minute. The rise of generative AI like ChatGPT has opened avenues for automating legal services to some extent. “It is imperative from our perspective that students are aware of this trend. We have many articles around AI on our website. These serve as a good repository for developing an appreciation of how we are dealing with AI as a firm,” explains Hartigan.

Applications for Shoosmiths’ Summer Vacation Placement (England and Scotland) close on 31 January 2024

Another topic she mentions is the rising focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. The push towards decarbonisation and net-zero post-pandemic means that law firms’ clients are increasingly conscious about ESG credentials. “Again, a helpful strategy is to read about these topics in context of the firms of your interest,” says Hartigan. “For those applying to Shoosmiths, I would encourage having a look at our ESG goals and how we are tackling this area as a business. As we also advice in this sector, it might be useful to read about any specific clients or deals touching upon ESG,” she says.

3. Making small lifestyle changes

“There is not one specific section of the application titled ‘commercial awareness’ which you can tick and move on!” remarks Hartigan. “It is more about demonstrating a way of thinking. Commercial acumen is all about developing those business-oriented thinking skills.”

Developing a commercial mind-set is naturally a gradual process. A good way to start your commercial awareness journey is by listening to podcasts. “There are a number of good commercial awareness podcasts out there,” says Hartigan. “I personally am not a big reader. The best way I consume information is by hearing conversations between people. Podcasts are such a relaxed way to build knowledge, right from the comfort of your home.”

When chatting about podcasts, we also find out some of Hartigan’s personal favourites. “I thoroughly enjoy podcasts done by Financial Times (FT), UK Law Weekly is another one of my recommendations. There are also a number of podcasts that Shoosmiths has launched. One of my favourites is ‘Journey Through a Contract’. The podcast, developed by Shoosmiths’ lawyers, is a helpful guide when it comes to basic elements of a commercial contract. It’s a brilliant chance to hear from our lawyers first-hand and understand some vital contract topics.”

4. Attending firm events

Another great way to build commercial awareness is to meet law firms in real-time. “It can feel really dauting to start on your commercial awareness journey,” acknowledges Hartigan. “Attending events conducted by firms, whether open days, law fairs or other graduate events, can offer great tips to help you prepare. Just talking with people and interacting with the business will help you understand many things about how a firm operates. Shoosmiths have a dedicated platform where you can find details of all our upcoming virtual events and webinars.”

Networking events are a good opportunity to clarify your practice area-related questions too. “While doing your research, there will often be times where you do not understand how a trend impacts a particular area at the firm. On those occasions, feel free to attend firm-related events and ask your questions to the relevant lawyers.”

Laura Hartigan will be speaking at ‘Demystifying commercial awareness — with Shoosmiths’, a virtual student event taking place on Wednesday 8 November from 4pm to 6pm. You can apply for a place here.

Applications for Shoosmiths’ Summer Vacation Placement (England and Scotland) close on 31 January 2024

Follow @shoosmithsgrads

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post 4 commercial awareness hacks from a graduate recruitment expert appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Students learn about life as a lawyer at the Legal Cheek-ULaw Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:06:07 +0000

Spotlight on areas such as corporate, litigation, employment, tech and IP

Over 2,000 students attended The Legal Cheek and The University of Law (ULaw)’s Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair 2023, which took place over three days this week and featured 40 law firms and chambers.

The Scheme offered participants the opportunity to explore different practice areas including corporate, litigation, employment, technology and intellectual property (IP), as well as meet with lawyers and graduate recruitment teams during a Law Fair. Here’s our day-by-day account of the Scheme, which featured a series of short talks and Q&As, with case studies set by ULaw.

Day 1

Session 1: Life as a disputes lawyer

The speakers

• Emily Betts, barrister at Gatehouse Chambers
• Megan Smith, associate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
• Karen Watts, programme and student lead at ULaw and former Kennedys and Fieldfisher commercial dispute resolution solicitor

What students learnt:

The first two sessions of the Scheme explored the two different types of legal work lawyers do: deals and disputes. This first session focused on disputes and featured a barrister, solicitor and former solicitor turned ULaw professor, all of whom specialise (or have specialised) in disputes work.

The University of Law

BCLP associate Megan Smith explained during her talk what drew her most to disputes work is her love for story-telling — working through a narrative to provide a positive outcome for her clients. This was echoed by Gatehouse barrister Emily Betts and ULaw professor Karen Watts, who appeared on the panel alongside Smith.

This session was followed by a case study: the audience was asked to advise a high-profile client on a breach of contract claim and consider whether he should pursue litigation in the courts. The panel outlined some of the risks, saying that doing so would be costly and time-consuming.

Session 2: Transactional work: an introduction

The speakers

• Meghal Mehta, associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher
• Harry Buchanan, trainee solicitor at Willkie Farr & Gallagher

What students learnt:

In session two attention turned to deals and we heard from two Willkie Farr lawyers in the firm’s London office: Meghal Mehta, associate, and Harry Buchanan, a fourth seat trainee.

The duo went through the role lawyers play in a typical corporate transaction, highlighting the key steps including drafting heads of agreement (a non-binding document outlining the main issues relevant to the deal), undertaking due diligence on the acquisition and preparing the transaction documents for signing.

Mehta went on to explain that a deal normally takes around several months to complete, although they found this timeline was somewhat squeezed during the height of the pandemic due to a flurry of deal activity amid market uncertainty.

During the Q&A the pair reflected on the reasons for training and working at a US law firm in London as well as some of the key differences between Willkie and its market competitors.

Session 3: Employability Expo

Rounding off day one of the Scheme was an Expo run by members of ULaw’s employability team. The team delivered four presentations, and here’s what they discussed:

Firm research and applications

• Beth Thorman, senior student recruitment manager at ULaw

ULaw senior student recruitment manager Beth Thorman explained that the correct approach to research a firm should include considerations like practice areas, size, secondment opportunities and core values. She then provided practical tips for making good applications which include, among others, proof-reading and tailoring an application to a firm.

Interviews

• Katherine Meehan, careers manager at ULaw
• Elizabeth Gulati, careers consultant at ULaw

ULaw careers experts Katherine Meehan and Elizabeth Gulati shared their advice on how to impress at telephone, video and face-to-face interviews. They discussed the differences between them, how to prepare and how best to answer the different types of questions commonly asked.

Should I do the LPC or SQE?

• Nick Johnson, senior tutor at ULaw Nottingham

ULaw senior tutor Nick Johnson discussed routes to solicitor practice with a focus on whether students should think about the LPC or SQE. He emphasised that the LPC route is only applicable for students who started their LLB (or conversion course) from September 2021 or earlier. He then went into further detail, explaining how these two pathways are organised at ULaw.

Find out more about studying for the SQE at ULaw

Social media skills

• John McKeown, careers consultant at ULaw
• Linsey O’Donnell, careers consultant at ULaw

ULaw careers consultants John McKeown and Linsey O’Donnell gave students an insight into how best to use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, how to add value to your networks by showcasing your achievements and some common mistakes to avoid such as incorrect privacy settings!

Day 2

Session 4: Climate change

The speakers

• Catríona Campbell, associate at Clyde & Co
• William Ferris, trainee solicitor at Clyde & Co

What students learnt:

To discuss the impact of climate change on their legal work, students heard from Clyde & Co’s Catríona Campbell and William Ferris.

Ferris outlined typical trainee tasks in this area, such as considering the impact of new climate-related regulation or assessing the impact of climate change litigation. Campbell agreed that the breadth of climate change work you can experience as a trainee sets you up well for life as a qualified lawyer. She went on to explain that given the novel issues arising from climate change in recent years, the amount of litigation in this area is likely to continue to increase.

Campbell and Ferris have also built their climate change practice through Clyde & Co’s Climate Change Group, a trainee-led pro bono initiative, through which Ferris attended COP27 while representing an international charity.

To conclude, the speakers addressed the day’s case study exercise, set by ULaw, which posed whether law firms should act for large oil and gas companies.

Session 5: Law Fair

Halfway through the Scheme students took part in a virtual Law Fair in which they met with lawyers and graduate recruitment teams from 40 law firms, including the Magic Circle, US and international law firms.

Find out more about studying for the SQE at ULaw

Day 3

Session 6: Employment law

The speakers

• Lauren Bholé, senior associate at Shoosmiths

What students learnt:

Shoosmiths senior associate Lauren Bholé discussed what it’s like being an employment lawyer at a national law firm. She talked about her career journey, including how being a paralegal helped her to secure a training contract, why she chose to become a solicitor rather than a barrister and why she enjoys working in employment law.

She told attendees what a day in the life of an employment lawyer looks like, and how the work varies from drafting documents to being able to do her own advocacy in the employment tribunal. She spoke about how, as well as working on cases, she also gets to be involved in business development, as well as writing articles, recording videos and hosting events for clients about the ever-changing world of employment law.

Session 7: Intellectual property

The speakers

• Cerys Wyn-Davies, partner at Pinsent Masons
• Bella Phillips, associate at Pinsent Masons
• Connie Scrimshaw, trainee solicitor at Pinsent Masons

What students learnt:

The session started with a 40-minute presentation from the team at Pinsent Masons. They opened by explaining what IP is and what lawyers do in this area of practice. Then they shared their own career journeys and what drew them to IP law. They talked about the popular new artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT and some of its strengths and weaknesses before moving on to explain the use and protection of AI — particularly in the life sciences and healthcare space.

Next, the trio covered the legal and commercial implications of these emerging tools and how the firm is advising clients in this developing area.

Finally, Connie Scrimshaw talked the attendees through what it’s like to be a trainee working in this exciting and fast-evolving area of law.

Session 8: Technology and the law

The speakers

• James Sharp, associate at Hogan Lovells
• Patrick Grant, tutor and director at ULaw Tech Research Academy (ULTRA)

What students learnt:

Hogan Lovells’ James Sharp gave a talk all about his role as an associate in the commercial technology team. He discussed his career journey, what his team do, key legal tech terminology, such as blockchain, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), crypto assets and artificial intelligence, talking about the regulation around this and how the UK’s approach differs to that of the EU.

After his presentation, he was joined by ULaw’s Patrick Grant for an audience Q&A to discuss their career journeys in more depth, talk about trends within legal tech and offer careers advice for attendees.

The session’s case study was focused on neural network-based tools and causes for concern relating to their use in the legal industry.

@legalcheek Check out what happened at The Legal Cheek Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair, run in partnership with @The University of Law, here! #lawyersoftiktok #vacationmode #vacationschemes #lawstudent #opportunity #legalopportunities ♬ Mother – Meghan Trainor

Find out more about studying for the SQE at ULaw

Follow @UniversityofLaw

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post Students learn about life as a lawyer at the Legal Cheek-ULaw Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

TikTok gains its first big law firm

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:50:04 +0000

Will others follow?

Shoosmiths has become the first big UK law firm to enter the world of TikTok.

The account, which popped up last week, is run by the firm’s graduate recruitment team and can be found under the handle @shoosmithsgrads.

The firm has already produced four clips covering commercial awareness and partner interviews as well as a round-up of their UK offices.

@shoosmithsgrads And go! 230+ partners, 1500+ lawyers and business support colleagues, 14 locations. Welcome to Shoosmiths #Shoosmiths #LawFirmUK #UKLawFirm #LawFirm #Solicitor #Solicitors #Lawyer #UKLawyer #LegalProfession #LegalProfessionals #LegalPractice #LawyerLife #LawyerLifestyle #CareerInLaw #LawCareer #LegalLife #shoosmithsgrads ♬ original sound – Shoosmiths

The 2023 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

On why the firm decided to join the Gen Z platform, grad rec manager Samantha Hope told Legal Cheek:

“We’ve been really engaged with aspiring solicitors on Instagram for a long time now, as seen from our reels and #ShoosmithsLIVE video series, and as part of this, we already share some video content, but it is quite varied. TikTok will enable us to share video content that follows a slightly different format – aimed at providing quick insights and quick answers to commonly asked questions about a career in law.”

Last month we spotted another LawTok newbie as The Law Society joined the platform. With the app already popular amongst lawfluencers — including some City trainees — perhaps we will see more law firms opening accounts in the near future.

But the platform, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is facing a potential ban in the US as lawmakers grapple with concerns that China could use its national security laws to access users personal information. Meanwhile, closer to home, the UK government announced last month that TikTok had been banned on all government electronic devices for security reasons.

Legal Cheek’s own TikTok is fast approaching 20,000 followers. Follow our TikTok page to make sure you don’t miss out!

The post TikTok gains its first big law firm appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Inside one of the most followed law firm grad rec Instagram accounts

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:00:17 +0000

From office insights to application tips — here’s why Shoosmiths’ popular Insta account is a must-follow for aspiring lawyers

There is no denying that social media has pervaded our lives in ways we weren’t ready for. Before dazzling and evocative Reels arrest you into mindless scrolling, don’t forget that there are also goldmines of content to help you realise your lawyer dreams.

One example is the Instagram account of UK law firm Shoosmiths, which goes by the username ‘@shoosmithsgrads’. Below we have compiled the top five things you can learn from browsing the firm’s popular account.

Commercial awareness at your fingertips

Good commercial awareness is paramount when it comes to training contract applications. Whether you’re writing applications or gearing up for assessment centres, you’ll undoubtedly be on the lookout for useful resources, and Shoosmiths has your back!

Shoosmiths Graduates

The firm runs an ‘Areas of Law’ series on Instagram that cuts out the jargon and walks you through an entire practice area in a simple and easy to understand way. Consider this post on construction law for example, which informs students about the types of projects the firm works on in this area, and what they can expect if they choose to undertake a seat in construction as a trainee. You will also learn that working in this area allows a good level of client contact and crossover with other departments like real estate and corporate.

The account can also help you keep up to date with the latest sector insights. In a recent ‘2023 predictions’ post, you hear directly from the firm’s energy partner James Wood-Robertson about the ongoing energy crisis and potential developments in the area over the next few months. Through other posts in Shoosmiths’ ‘Future of Work’ series, you can learn about business aspects such as talent retention and diversity and inclusion. In a further post, a trainee from the firm analyses what commercial awareness is and how to develop this for applications.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Law Firm UK (@shoosmithsgrads)

Whistle-stop tours of the offices

To help give you a feel for life at Shoosmiths, the firm posts content specifically geared towards each office, including key insights such as the number of lawyers, practice areas, trainee intake and salaries.

You can also find out a bit more about the commercial and cultural landscape of the city in these posts. For example, did you know that 80 out of the top 100 UK companies operate from Manchester, which in turn makes it an attractive legal hotspot? (See the Manchester office’s post here.) The posts even go as far as recommending top bars and restaurants in the local areas — see the Edinburgh office’s post here — for that all-important downtime.

Other insights include a post about the firm’s Southampton office in Solent, where students learn that the office operates in an agile way with the ‘Village Square’ being at the heart of two wings. This spot comes alive during lunch-time when it brings everyone from trainees to partners together.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Law Firm UK (@shoosmithsgrads)

The application deadline for Shoosmiths’ 2025 Training Contract is 31 March 2023

Why Shoosmiths lawyers are like dolphins

Of course, there is more to a firm’s practice areas and offices. On @shoosmithsgrads you can get a real insight into the firm’s personality: think things like values that the firm promotes, or the initiatives it loves to champion.

When asked about what animal would best describe Shoosmiths in a recent Instagram live chat, current trainee Amy Minshall intriguingly answered, “Dolphins!”. Fortunately, she goes on to explain that “dolphins are pack animals and they always travel together. They help each other go forward and are friendly and sociable”.

In another post titled ‘What does a law firm have to do with women’s football?’, we find out about the firm’s commitment to supporting the growth of the game among women. In addition to Shoosmiths’ partnership with the Scottish FA to support 200 new coaches in women’s football, we learn that Robin Mitchell, a real estate partner in the firm’s Edinburgh office, combines his day job with coaching at Boroughmuir Thistle Ladies and Girls Football Club.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Law Firm UK (@shoosmithsgrads)

Top application tips

The firm’s Insta page offers bags of excellent advice for improving your chances of excelling at the application stage. Samantha Hope, the firm’s graduate recruitment manager, provides tips such as building resilience and reflecting on your performance. In a recent Instagram live chat with Legal Cheek, she offered pointers to excel on vacation placements. “Getting your basics right is extremely crucial. If someone is giving you a piece of work, take your notes so that you can recall all aspects of the assignment,” she explained.

The page also provides tips on how to highlight work experience in applications and interviews. In a recent live chat, senior associate Lauren Bholé explained how previous experience working as a paralegal set her in good stead for a legal career. “It gave me clarification that I wanted to be a solicitor,” she said. “What better way to justify your career motivation in interviews than having a taster of the work yourself!”

Bouncing back after rejections is an area you don’t often hear about from graduate teams. Shoosmiths has helpfully compiled the most common reasons for rejections in a post titled, ‘Real reasons you didn’t succeed on the assessment day’. The post analyses common mistakes students make, such as over-talking in a group task without actually adding any value, or missing out an entire section of the written exercise. You can also find tips on ‘What to do next’ to help you accept the outcome and improve the next time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Legal Cheek (@legalcheek)

Questions to ask — and not to ask

It is important to be engaged when you are interacting with a law firm. One way to do this is to ask lots of questions. In a recent post, Shoosmiths trainee Lily Cooper provides potential questions that students can ask firms at a law fair, including ones such as ‘Why did you choose the firm?’ and ‘What are your day-to-day responsibilities and tasks?’ There are some obvious don’t asks as well. Steer clear of questions like ‘What’s Shoosmiths?’ and ‘Do you make shoes?’, for example!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoosmiths Law Firm UK (@shoosmithsgrads)

The application deadline for Shoosmiths’ 2025 Training Contract is 31 March 2023

Follow @Shoosmiths

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post Inside one of the most followed law firm grad rec Instagram accounts appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

5 takeaways from our training contract application masterclass

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:43:49 +0000

Lawyers and graduate recruitment specialists come together to discuss the dos and don’ts of the TC process

As January draws to a close and deadlines loom, aspiring lawyers will be frantically fine-tuning their training contract applications.

At a recent Legal Cheek virtual masterclass, a pro bono co-ordinator from The University of Law joined a trio of graduate recruitment experts from Hogan Lovells, Shoosmiths and Charles Russell Speechlys to discuss how students can give themselves the best chance of success.

The speakers

• Jessica Morgan, graduate recruitment adviser at Hogan Lovells
• Joanna Stevens, early talent manager at Charles Russell Speechlys
• Samantha Hope, graduate recruitment manager at Shoosmiths
• James Mannouch, pro bono co-ordinator at The University of Law

Attention to detail

There is no gainsaying that one of the most important skills in a trainee’s arsenal is attention to detail. According to the panellists, there are several ways in which students can demonstrate this attribute in their application. These include paying attention to grammar and spelling errors, and making sure you get the name of the firm you’re applying to correct!

The University of Law

A helpful way to spot errors is to “read everything backwards”, advised Joanna Stevens, Charles Russell Speechlys’ (CRS) early talent manager. “When you read sentences backwards, you are not looking at whole sentences but each individual word, and this might help you avoid missing something really obvious.”

Another good way to demonstrate attention to detail is by adhering to word counts on applications. “We provide a 300 words-per-response on our application form,” said Samantha Hope, graduate recruitment manager at Shoosmiths. “While you don’t need to be hitting this exact number, writing very short answers shows poor attention to detail and overall lack of commitment.”

Non-legal work experience is still experience!

The panel agreed that non-legal work can help build key attributes such as time management and communication. Jessica Morgan, graduate recruitment adviser at Hogan Lovells, explained how some students may feel reluctant to mention the time they worked in, say, a supermarket because it’s not connected to the law. “You need to look at the skills you developed in the role and how they can apply in a law firm setting,” she told the audience of over 500 students.

Virtual experience counts too, Stevens stressed. “We understand it’s been hard to get in-person roles in light of the pandemic and students should feel free to include any virtual events or programmes that they have attended.”

Find out more about studying for the SQE at ULaw

Say yes to pro bono

Undertaking pro bono work through law school clinics can be CV gold for TC seekers, said James Mannouch, The University of Law’s pro bono co-ordinator. Expanding on the importance of such experience, Mannouch told students:

“Pro bono can sometimes mean that you can fit culturally with your employers if they value social responsibility. It can build a number of skills to make you fit for practice, such as time management and resilience. Most importantly, it gives you exposure to many practice areas, thus helping you make an informed choice upon qualification.”

With the flexibility of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), pro bono opportunities can be particularly helpful as students now have the option to count this as part of their two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

Nailing the interview process

Most firms typically run competency and case study interviews on their assessment days. The panel shared their top tips for navigating these additional hurdles.

“Partners want students to succeed on assessment days and so students should not be scared of them,” Morgan said. “To ease your nerves, attend firm events and try to speak to some of them beforehand — that will help you understand that they can be quite friendly!”

“You are probably going to get asked several motivation questions such as why law, why this firm, etc.,” Stevens revealed. “One piece of advice that might help students here is to use the PEE method or to provide a Point, an Example, and an Explanation in each response. This will help give enough detail to the interviewer.”

Be commercially aware

From a practising solicitor’s point of view, Mannouch advised rookies to think commercially about the services lawyers provide to clients. “I would say to every young lawyer that you should understand who your clients are. Having a perspective on how to improve your service for the client will put you in good stead to succeed as a commercial lawyer.”

Find out more about studying for the SQE at ULaw

Follow @UniversityofLaw

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post 5 takeaways from our training contract application masterclass appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Upcoming event dates you need to add to your diary

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 11:11:03 +0000

Featuring Travers Smith, Hill Dickinson, Hogan Lovells, Gatehouse Chambers and more!

Legal Cheek is kicking off 2023 with a host of virtual events for both aspiring solicitors and barristers.

Whether you’re keen to know more about life as a transactional lawyer or seeking expert guidance on nailing a pupillage application, Legal Cheek‘s action-packed events schedule has you covered.

Also be sure to check out our Key Deadlines Calendar featuring firms and chambers specific application deadlines and events. You can also get alerts direct to your phone by downloading our iPhone or Android apps.

10 January: Life as a transactional lawyer — with Travers Smith

We’ll be joined virtually by lawyers from across a range of the firm’s headline transactional practice areas, including corporate, financial services and tax.

[Apply now]

17 January: How law firms help businesses operate ethically — with Hill Dickinson

With environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations high on the agenda in all sectors, and a hot commercial awareness topic of the moment, Hill Dickinson’s lawyers will be exploring how law firms help their clients conduct business ethically.

[Apply now]

19 January: Training contract application masterclass — with Hogan Lovells, Shoosmiths, Charles Russell Speechlys and ULaw

Hear from lawyers and graduate recruitment specialists at leading law firms Hogan Lovells, Shoosmiths and Charles Russell Speechlys, and a careers expert from The University of Law (ULaw), about what makes a successful training contract application.

[Apply now]

24 January: Pupillage application masterclass — with Gatehouse, Henderson, Landmark, Radcliffe Chambers and 2 Temple Gardens

We’ll be hearing from barristers from five leading chambers who successfully made their way through the hyper-competitive selection process to secure pupillage.

[Apply now]

1 February: Inside the countercyclical practice areas set to power law firms through the recession — with Womble Bond Dickinson

Get the lowdown from lawyers from Womble Bond Dickinson’s restructuring, insolvency and litigation teams about their recent work highlights, career journeys and how they tend to be busier than ever when recessions hit.

[Apply now]

3-5 April: The Legal Cheek Spring 2023 Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair

This Scheme will feature a series of short talks, workshops and Q&As with lawyers from leading law firms, corresponding written exercises set by ULaw, as well as an employability Expo and a virtual Law Fair featuring over 40 firms.

[Apply now]

Legal Cheek's Key Deadlines Calendar 2023

The post Upcoming event dates you need to add to your diary appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Revealed: The best law firms for training and quality of work 2023

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 08:42:13 +0000

From top career development to big ticket deals — which outfits do it best?

The results are in! Legal Cheek’s exclusive survey reveals the law firms with the highest scores for training and quality of work.

The Legal Cheek Trainee and Junior Lawyer Survey 2022-23 questioned over 2,000 trainees and junior associates on what life is like at the UK’s leading law firms, with a handful of firms scoring an A* in the training and quality of work categories.

Respondents rated the training they’ve received on a scale of 1 to 10 — with 1 being ‘very poor’ and 10 being ‘excellent’. Similarly, respondents rated the quality of work from ‘not at all stimulating’ to ‘highly stimulating’. Firms are then scored from A* to D on the Legal Cheek Insider Scorecard for each category.

With these two categories being the centrepiece of a training contract, achieving the highest possible grade is a sure-fire way to attract the attention of training contract seekers.

A total of six law firms scored A*s and feature in the shortlist for both categories: Burges Salmon, CMS, Farrer & Co, Mills & Reeve, Osborne Clarke and Willkie Farr & Gallagher. Below are the results listed alphabetically:

Best law firms for training 2023

Addleshaw Goddard, Allen & Overy, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Burges Salmon, CMS, Clifford Chance, Dentons, Farrer & Co, Freshfields, Herbert Smith Freehills, Linklaters, Macfarlanes, Mayer Brown, Mills & Reeve, Osborne Clarke, Pinsent Masons, RPC, Shoosmiths, Slaughter and May, TLT, Travers Smith and Willkie Farr & Gallagher

The 2023 Firms Most List -- featuring the Legal Cheek Survey results in full

Best law firms for quality of work 2023

Akin Gump, Burges Salmon, CMS, Farrer & Co, Forsters, Hogan Lovells, Latham & Watkins, Lewis Silkin, Mills & Reeve, Mishcon de Reya, Osborne Clarke, Ropes & Gray, Shakespeare Martineau, Shearman & Sterling, White & Case and Willkie Farr & Gallagher

Through submitting anonymous comments in the survey, respondents could expand on their scores to give further insight into their experiences at their firm. Here is a selection of comments from some of the above firms:

How would you describe the training you have received?

“People are interested in your day to day development as well as the broader picture of how you develop key skills as a junior lawyer. There is an active effort to keep you from doing too much of the same thing. Everyone has so much time for trainees and you can tell they take real enjoyment and supervision and teaching.”

“Training is consistent, well planned and practical.”

“The continued support and guidance has really helped my ability to move between different departments smoothy, understand the areas of law I’d like to work in and provide career guidance for the next steps to qualification.”

“Very high end. I’ve been working directly with very senior people since I started. I’m allowed to make tasks my own and take ownership of them which I’m very pleased about. I’ve developed hugely in a short period of time.”

“Supervisors and the wider teams are genuinely invested in the provision and quality of training (largely because we are seen as the future of the firm).”

How stimulating is the work you are given?

“Throughout my training contract there has been a recognition of when I’ve been reaching my comfort zone and a constant effort to keep pushing me further whilst supporting me at the same time. I have been able to run my own matters and take real ownership over pieces of work.”

“Trainees get involved in top work from day one. No photocopying or printing!”

“As a trainee I have received a broad range of work from the more classic “trainee” tasks to leading workstreams, drafting contracts and leading on client calls.”

“I’ve been given a broad range of contentious and non-contentious work. The breadth of work includes drafting documents, assisting on the signing process for large scale transactions and preparing documents for court hearings.”

“The work is overall of great quality and there is lots of trust from the team.”

The winning law firm in each category will be announced at The Legal Cheek Awards 2023, sponsored by BARBRI and BPP University Law School, on Tuesday 14 March.

The 2023 Firms Most List -- featuring the Legal Cheek Survey results in full

The post Revealed: The best law firms for training and quality of work 2023 appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

How I came to negotiate multi-million-pound deals

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:15:53 +0000

Shoosmiths’ Michelle Craven-Faulkner shares her career journey from in-house transport lawyer to contract expert

Shoosmiths partner Michelle Craven-Faulkner

“I like the fact that I’m seen as a business advisor as much as a legal adviser”, explains Michelle Craven-Faulkner, partner and specialist in commercial contracts at Shoosmiths. “You’re not there to advise clients and walk away — it’s about understanding their business and their risk profile.”

“I suppose I came through a slightly unorthodox route”, Craven-Faulkner muses when asked about her early career path. After completing her undergraduate law studies and Legal Practice Course (LPC) at De Montfort University, she worked briefly at the Amateur Swimming Association before landing a role at the transport company, Alstom Transport, where her future would start to take shape. “I decided that to be a commercial lawyer, I needed the experience of working in a commercial business”, she says, “so I started in their commercial team and a few of us with law degrees and LPCs ended up forming their in-house legal team.”

Contract lawyers have to be able to offer their expertise across the whole spectrum of commerce, and this is something that Craven-Faulkner knows well. “I always say to my trainees, a contract is a contract,” she says. “It doesn’t matter what you’re buying and selling, the contract model is always largely the same. It starts this way it ends that way. It doesn’t matter what the subject of it is.”

Shoosmiths Graduates

Not one to be afraid to jump in at the deep end, Craven-Faulkner quickly became the contract manager of the Northern & Jubilee lines, and subsequently worked on the West Coast Mainline and various other projects across the country and the world. “I was doing employment tribunals without ever having done an employment module at university,” she reflects. “It was very much the full spread of in-house work, but the main focus was on contracts.”

It was whilst working on these multi-million-pound deals that she decided it was time to qualify. “I was instructing senior partners in London, and one day I went to my boss and said, ‘Look, this is a little bit bonkers, can you just sign this piece of paper to put me on a training contract?’” After qualifying in-house, she decided to leave rail work behind and moved to private practice in Nottingham. “I lasted two weeks before I started doing railway work again,” she laughs.

Craven-Faulkner continued working in private practice but with a focus on the rail sector, and by the age of 30 had become a partner at Nelsons Solicitors Limited, after just three years at the firm. Now she is the national head of rail along with being the lead for the commercial and projects service line which sits within the commercial team at Shoosmiths, where she has been since the start of 2021.

Find out more about training at Shoosmiths

Possibly inspired by the steep learning curve of her early career, Craven-Faulkner came up with Shoosmiths’ new podcast series: The ShooPod sessions, which dissect the formation of a legal contract. The idea was twofold, she explains. “On the one hand, we were looking for ways in which we could help support our clients with some common things that come up with contracts — because not all of our clients are lawyers”, she says, “and it’s also a great training and business development exercise for some of our juniors.”

Craven-Faulkner still regularly takes on massive projects in the transport sector. She tells me about a half-a-billion-pound project she’s working on for a client who is bidding to work with Transport for London. “If my client is successful in winning [the bid], I will, once the contract has been signed, go in and train everybody that’s involved in that project so that they understand the contract. Things like what the deliverables are, what happens if it goes wrong, and what it will cost them as a business.”

With so much at stake, how does she measure the success of a contract? “The difficulty with contracts is that if you’ve done your job right, it goes into a drawer, and it’s never looked at again,” she says. “But around 90% of the time, somebody is in breach within the first day of a contract being worked on. It might be a report delivered late or to the wrong person but there’s always something because usually the people negotiating and agreeing to the contract are not the people that are actually delivering the contract.”

When it comes to what it takes to be a good commercial lawyer, there are four qualities at the top of Craven-Faulkner’s list. “Attention to detail is a must — I’m not an English teacher, so I don’t expect to be correcting spelling and punctuation! Then the ability to listen (especially to clients), communication, and keeping within designated timeframes.”

And what one piece of advice would she give people wanting to become commercial lawyers? “My advice is that you are a business advisor far more so than any of the other disciplines,” she says, adding: ”We need to understand our client’s business if we are to give them the best service.”

Michelle Craven-Faulkner will be speaking at ‘Journey through a contract — with Shoosmiths’, a virtual student event taking place on Tuesday 1 November. You can apply to attend the event, which is free, now.

You can also check out the latest episode of Shoosmiths’ podcast, The ShooPod sessions, here.

Find out more about training at Shoosmiths

Follow @ShoosmithsGrads

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post How I came to negotiate multi-million-pound deals appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>

Nailing a TC application, handling rejection and what it really means to be ‘commercially aware’

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:35:23 +0000

Clare Stapleton, The University of Law’s campus careers manager in Birmingham, speaks to Legal Cheek Careers, ahead of next week’s IN-PERSON workshops and networking evening in the West Midlands

What makes a good training contract application? How do UK and US law firms differ? What is life like as an employment lawyer?

These topics and more will feature as part of a special in-person workshops and networking evening in Birmingham, with Mills & Reeve, Shearman & Sterling, Shoosmiths and The University of Law (ULaw).

Ahead of the event on Thursday 27 October, Legal Cheek Careers speaks to Clare Stapleton, ULaw’s campus careers manager in Birmingham. Check out the Q&A below.

Can you briefly tell us about your background and your role at The University of Law

I’ve been lucky enough to be at The University of Law as careers manager for just coming up to six years and before that I worked as an application specialist careers advisor at another local uni. My legal interests stem from my time working in graduate recruitment for one of the large international commercial firms where I visited unis across the country helping prepare candidates to apply for our vac schemes and training contracts and looked after recruitment for some of our offices. It is great to use that experience in my current role helping ULaw students plan their legal careers and match themselves effectively to the right firms.

What in your view makes Birmingham an attractive place to study and practise law?

I moved to Birmingham to study myself so am perhaps a bit of a ringer. I have always found the appeal to be that we have all the events & amenities of a larger city including concert venues, world class sporting events a thriving independent food scene but that Birmingham is also a collection of smaller areas where you can feel part of a community — like the Jewellery Quarter where we are based.

The University of Law

The legal market in Birmingham and the West Midlands is a really good reflection of this, a wide range of large national and international commercial firms competing with and alongside some really strong local players and full-service firms. The legal community in Birmingham is also really friendly and there is a good deal of movement for professionals between size and type of firm possible during your career.

What advice would you give to students who want to develop their commercial awareness?

This is a conversation I often have with students and my two most universal pieces of advice are:

Firstly, little and often is your friend — you need to build a sustainable system that works for you and do it consistently. You are never going to ‘learn’ all the business and political news of the day an hour before you draft an application answer and feel confident in it. Podcasts, set sites you visit every day, RSS feeders all help with this.

Secondly, remember that good commercial awareness is about ‘applying’ rather than ‘learning’ — if you are writing a news story answer about rising interest rates they want you to have thought about whether it is good or bad for clients in the sectors the firm works in rather than seeing or hearing lots of pre-learned statistics.

Find out more about studying for the SQE at ULaw

What are your top tips when it comes to training contract applications?

Thorough planning before you start writing your answers will make the whole process more painless. I would plan your ‘points’, and what evidence you need to support them, out in the way you would an essay (bullet points work for me) and ensure you have thought about how exactly that info meets the needs of the key words of the question before you start your first draft.

Make sure your answers are about you — so many questions that ask about ‘why us’ or ‘what are you most interested in right now’ are interested to see the way you think and how you make your decisions. If you just list a lot of facts and statistics and don’t explain how you feel about them, they are not getting that content.

What careers support is available at The University of Law’s Birmingham campus?

We try to be pretty well-rounded on our careers support. We offer 1:1 appointments both in campus and virtually as well as two advisor ‘drop in’ sessions a week. Students use these sessions to talk about selecting electives and firms, reviewing application drafts and having mock interviews. We also have a local careers speaker programme where we bring in local firms of all sizes and try to display the full breadth of the legal market in the West Mids. Alongside these core areas, we offer a legal mentoring scheme & skill and behaviour workshops aimed at all qualification paths.

The training contract application process is a competitive one. How should students handle rejection and remain motivated?

This is a tough one. I try to encourage candidates to think of application success as being a cumulative process. Every application form you write that you aren’t successful in has still made you a better candidate, you’ve thought about your skills more deeply, you’ve gotten more comfortable with the writing style, you’ve researched the sector more etc. and those things are all going to work to make your next application form stronger.

They can also help you decide on next steps — if you apply to six firms three international and three local and you get interviews for all the local but none of the international that is telling you something about what might be missing from your CV. You can then go away and do something about that if those types of firms are still your first choice. When you don’t apply you don’t get that insight.

Join us on the evening of Thursday 27 October for a series of IN-PERSON careers and commercial awareness workshops with Mills & Reeve, Shearman & Sterling, Shoosmiths and The University of Law. The event, which is free and open to all students, takes place from 5pm to 8pm at The University of Law’s campus in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. APPLY NOW.

Find out more about studying for the SQE at ULaw

Follow @UniversityofLaw

About Legal Cheek Careers posts.

The post Nailing a TC application, handling rejection and what it really means to be ‘commercially aware’ appeared first on Legal Cheek.

]]>