Top tips for aspiring solicitors - P.R.E.P.A.R.E!

Aspiring solicitors will receive tons of hints and tips on how to secure a vacation scheme and/or a training contract, the sheer volume of which can be overwhelming. I am going to suggest that the key hints and tips that applicants should focus on simply involve them having to P.R.E.P.A.R.E:

P is for Proactivity

Remember, you want to be solicitor, so it is up to you to do everything possible to make that happen. When I decided to pursue a legal career, I had no connections within the legal profession, so I had to be proactive and seek out opportunities. This involved completing voluntary work, and attending networking events and open evenings - all things you as an applicant can do. This approach enabled me to secure legal placements and roles within in-house legal teams as well as international and magic circle law firms. Securing such experience was not easy, but it was certainly not impossible, so if you really want it, go out and make it happen.

R is for Research

Your research skills will be tested throughout the vacation scheme and/or training contract assessment process and right through to life as a trainee and qualified solicitor. As such, it is important that you start perfecting these skills as soon as possible. Applicants view research as a chore and in all honesty it can be, but it really is worth it and all it takes is a few minutes a day. You could listen to a business podcast while you’re working out, browse a law firm’s social media while you’re on the train or stick on the news while you prepare your evening meal. There are no excuses for leaving preparation to the last minute. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Believe me, this is true. Do your research and do it well. It will make the application process less of a burden and far less daunting.

E is for Experience

Many applicants believe that legal experience is a prerequisite to securing a vacation placement and/or training contract. Having been through the process, I would say to a certain extent this is true. Having legal experience provides recruiters tangible evidence of your interest in law, specific types of law firm and even practice areas. However, a lack of legal experience will not bar you from successfully securing offers. When completing applications, ensure that you include all experience that demonstrates you possess the key skills to be a successful solicitor. If you find that you have gaps in your skill set, do something about it. Now more than ever, recruiters are looking for "all-rounders" - that gives you plenty of scope to showcase your wider skill set and differentiate yourself from your competition.

P is for Perseverance

Entering the legal profession is by no means smooth sailing - we all know that. You will get tired. You will get fed up with the process. You will feel crushed after rejections (believe me, I know!). However, this is the process all aspiring solicitors have to go through. Despite the setbacks, you have to remain positive and persevere. Work on any feedback you receive (however minor it may be), pick yourself up and keeping trying until you secure your dream vacation scheme and/or training contract offer (or even offers!). It might not seem like it at the time, but the battle scars you gain going through the application process will make you a stronger candidate and stand you in good stead for life as a trainee (and qualified) solicitor.

A is for Attention to detail

This is crucial. You will no doubt be aware that this is a key skill that recruiters look for in applicants. However, despite knowing this, many applicants simply forget how important it is to demonstrate this skill at all stages of the application process. Get the detail right and get it right every single time - a basic error could cost you an offer, so take your time to get the basics right.

R is for Research

No, your eyes are not deceiving you, I have mentioned research twice. Why? Because it really is that important. Do your research and do it well - you can thank me later!

E is for Enthusiasm

Fundamentally, if you want to be a solicitor you have to be enthusiastic about working within the legal sector, the work that solicitors do and the firm you work for. I’m guessing that if you’re taking the time to make applications (and read this blog), you are serious about a legal career, which is great but you really need to make this clear at all stages of the application process. This is the point at which I remind you of two things. First, if you are really not interested in a firm, do not waste either your or the firm’s time in making an application. Recruiters will know if you don’t care about the firm - they are trained to spot these things. Second, there is a fine line between being enthusiastic and coming across as overly confident or even arrogant, so always be self-aware in assessment situations. Being enthusiastic will demonstrate to recruiters how much you really want to be a trainee solicitor at their firm - if you don’t get this right, it could be a deal breaker.

Securing a vacation scheme and/or training contract is a big deal. The process is testing, but if you really want it, you will get it. It might take some time and even some tears, but focus and P.R.E.P.A.R.E and you will get there.

Best of luck!

Pardeep Lagha is a trainee solicitor at Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP.