Could non-legal work experience be a better way to show you have the skills to be a successful lawyer?

With such fierce competition for training contract/vacation scheme applications, a big challenge for students is to think of unique ways to create a memorable application, while also illustrating that you have the requisite skills to make it as a lawyer.

Many students believe that securing legal work experience is the only way to demonstrate that they have the qualities law firms are looking for, but some of the best examples of relevant skills can come from non-law related activities.

Naturally, knowledge of the law is very important, but being a good solicitor requires you to have so many other qualities. Firms want to know that you have good communication skills, an ability to listen, that you’re IT literate, can work as part of a team and have good drafting skills, but there are many ways to demonstrate that you fit into those categories.

If, for example, you have been involved in writing an online blog, this demonstrates drafting skills and IT literacy. More and more firms are publishing blogs on current legal developments, so good blogging skills are in demand and may make you a more attractive candidate. Being employed as a barista in a busy coffee shop requires you to work well under pressure, have attention to detail and an ability to retain and recall lots of information. All of these skills are transferrable to the everyday work of a lawyer.

Commercial awareness, business acumen and business development are also highly sought-after skills in aspiring lawyers. While I was studying for my law degree, I set up my own events business providing children’s parties. Far more than just being a cool story, the business was invaluable at improving my communication skills, public speaking, organisation skills and my business acumen. All of these qualities are easily transferable to my current role as a solicitor, despite not having anything to do with the law. Crucially, being able to talk passionately about my business also made me stand out as a memorable candidate, which is important when competition is so strong. What can you talk about to give yourself that edge?

Think about your own passions and hobbies; could you turn these into a business opportunity, or use them to add value to an existing business? If you enjoy organising events, can you get involved with your Student Union? You’ll be doing something you love, while also strengthening your team working and organisation skills, which you can then talk about in your applications. Are you passionate about helping others? If so, can you volunteer with a charity helpline and make a difference, while simultaneously improving your listening and communication skills.  

Volunteering can be hugely rewarding on a personal level, but it can also be a great source of competency-question examples in your professional life. Fundraising can be used as an example to show self-motivation, dedication, a desire to help people and an ability to use your initiative.

If you enjoy contentious work, go along to a magistrate’s court, crown court or employment tribunal and sit in the public gallery and observe the proceedings. This is an excellent way of gaining first-hand knowledge of what happens in court or tribunal proceedings, as well as lessons in advocacy and case preparation from experienced lawyers. It also shows a proactive approach to gaining legal experience.

Compare the above with some legal work experience I undertook while at university. I spent two weeks in a law firm, where most of my days were filled with photocopying court bundles, pagination and shredding confidential documents. Of course, these are still skills required in a law firm, but the experience I gained outside of law firms was much more valuable in equipping me with the skills I needed to succeed as a solicitor. They were also far more interesting to talk (and read) about.

So when faced with the dreaded competency questions, take some time to think outside the box and look at all the areas in your life to find examples of the skills you have gained which transfer over to the legal profession, but also make you stand out as an unforgettable, well-rounded candidate.

Shivi Rajput is a senior solicitor in the family department at Eric Robinson Solicitors.