Ensuring training contract success

The LPC workload can be tough at times, so if you're also making applications to law firms you'll have to be particularly organised. Make a shortlist of firms you want to apply to (the size will depend on practice area, location and size) and check their deadlines. Don't submit your application near to the deadline, as this is when the majority come in. Pay as much attention to vacation scheme applications as to your training contract applications. Firms tend to recruit heavily off the back of these; it's like one long interview, giving the firm ample opportunity to get to know you and suss out whether you'll make a good trainee.

Legal work experience also forms an important element of an application, but be warned; it can be hard to get and you might have to think creatively, for example targeting small high-street firms in your local area. But all work experience that is commercial in nature will be helpful.

Remain open minded about firms, as the wider you cast your net, the more likely you are to be successful. But equally, don't waste your time applying to firms you know aren't for you; the worst thing would be to get offered a training contract that you just really didn't want. Plus, if you're doing it right, your enthusiasm for that firm should come through your application and it's hard to fake.

One of the best ways to find out if you like a firm is to get out there and meet them. A wide variety of firms will probably visit your law school while studying the LPC (although most will take place from October to February) and you need to check the firm's individual websites to see what events they are hosting in-house. Often you will be required to submit an application of sorts just to attend an open event so take time to write a good covering letter (if applicable) demonstrating your research and enthusiasm for the firm and why you would like to find out more about them. When you go to events be well prepared, be smart, and whatever you do, don't be late! The people in charge of graduate recruitment remember candidates that they like, so if you come to make an application to that firm, make sure to mention who you met and when.

Good luck!

Mark Wall is the admissions coordinator at Kaplan Law School.