Demystifying training contract application assessment myths

I often attend AllHires Graduate (formerly Apply4Law) sessions where users of the online application system get together to chat about how they assess candidates. It is always interesting to hear opinions from a variety of firms (eg, Teacher Stern, a London-based firm taking four trainees, and Shoosmiths, a national firm with multiple offices taking 20 trainees each year) about their processes for working through applications and what they see as important in a good application.

I thought I would share some of the commonly heard myths about how firms assess training contract applications.

Bad A-level performance results in an instant rejection: not necessarily true

The most common minimum academic requirement we see firms advertising is AAB at A level and 2.1 degree. However, there were five firms at my discussion table and only one had these minimum requirements. All firms said that they were flexible and would look at the progress of a candidate (as well as any mitigating circumstances given) rather than instantly rejecting them based on academic criteria. If a candidate can show that they have improved academically since taking their A levels and are getting consistent 2.1 results and above on degree modules, the candidate is displaying an upward trajectory of learning and the firms will seriously consider their application.

For more on dealing with poor A-level performance, see our Oracle’s advice: Help! I'm not in the A Team

Firms automatically reject 2.2 degree or less: not necessarily true

As I mentioned above, many firms are looking for candidates with an expected 2.1 degree result or better. So it is true that some firms will filter for candidates with a 2.2 degree or less (barring those with mitigating circumstances) and move them straight to the reject folder. These firms are likely to get hundreds of training contract applications (some in excess of 2,000) - for them rejecting candidates that are not meeting minimum academic requirements means they can spend more time looking at a pool of candidates that they are more likely to be interested in.

Some firms will consider applications from people with a 2.2 degree providing they can show other skills and experience that proves they are an excellent candidate. But these candidates will always be going up against others who have better academic qualifications, so you should strive for grades of 2.1 or first (ie, over 60%) in all modules at university.

‘Soft’ (less academic) A levels are frowned upon: not necessarily true

It is often said that firms favour very academic subjects at A level (what the Russell group terms as facilitating subjects). By this they mean subjects that involve extensive essay writing, analysis and backing up of hypotheses (eg, history, geography, maths, English, sciences and foreign languages). However, if you have studied media, sociology or drama at A level, fear not! Firms do not want clones and like to see some individuality in their trainee intake. They are more open to seeing different A-level subjects and know that a candidate may want to take a subject that is particularly interesting to them or that has a more practical aspect to it.

A note on studying A-level law: we hear differing reports from firms on whether they ‘like’ candidates to have studied A-level law or not. This is more on the no side than yes and we certainly rarely hear of firms encouraging a student to take A-level law.

For more on A-level subject choices see our Oracle’s tips: choosing A levels which universities want. 

Legal work experience is crucial: not true

This does depend on the career stage the candidate is at. If you are a second-year law student it is not uncommon to have not yet had any legal work experience. However, if you are currently studying the LPC you really should have some legal work experience under your belt by this time and firms will wonder about your commitment to a legal career if you haven’t. Remember that it is not just legal work experience that a firm is looking for. Any work experience that shows you have developed a variety of skills will help your application.

For tips on boosting experience, see our feature, Experience required.

Taking a gap year is frowned upon: not necessarily true

We often get asked how firms view gap years. As long as you are doing something constructive that helps to develop your transferable skills on your year out (eg, charity work, boosting legal work experience, spending time abroad) firms will be happy to see this on your application form. Firms do appreciate that you may want a break from work and studying before starting a two-year training contract. But do not take a year out to just bum around at home!

Read this Oracle answer for further advice: The advantages of taking a gap year.

Spelling the firm’s name wrong results in instant rejection: true

Yes, it is true. This is a massive bug bear for a lot of firms. If you can’t take the time to check the spelling of the firm name (you know, the firm that you are desperate to work for!) then why should they take the time to consider your application.

A word of warning on these myths: this does not mean that you can now relax for the rest of your degree course and spend your weekends going to the gym or updating your blog. You should always be striving for the best grades possible and you should be filling some of your free time with work experience (both legal and non-legal) and firm/career research.

Good luck with your applications!