Making training contract applications with limited legal experience – how to make the most of the experience you DO have

Many aspiring trainee solicitors wonder how they can convey they will be a great trainee, or compete with applicants with months or years of paralegal experience, without an abundance of legal experience. However the skills that are required to be a successful trainee solicitor can be fostered and refined through non-legal work experience and other activities. 

Part-time jobs

Often applicants can play-down the importance of part-time work experience, for example stacking shelves at the local supermarket as a teenager or working behind the bar whilst studying at university. However part-time work can highlight a number of skills:

1. Studying at university alongside working part-time illustrates your ability to manage your time effectively and prioritise tasks. Simply working in a supermarket or restaurant whilst attending university can show your commitment and determination, as well as an excellent work ethic.
2. You may have faced difficult customers and situations in part-time employment and how you dealt with these situations can evidence your interpersonal skills and ability to react and solve problems. Managing a high-pressured situation demonstrates that you are adept at resolving issues and can have challenging conversations with clients.
3. If you are part-funding your studies by working whilst studying, it shows your commitment to the legal profession and dedication to a career in law.

Other activities

Although a training contract application can be daunting and you may feel that you should only demonstrate your legal knowledge and skills, it is essential to convey your own personality too.

1. Being part of a sports team or a committee at university shows you are cooperative, can work effectively as a team, and can manage events or other people. It is great to show that you have other interests aside from law, and that you have been able to develop vital trainee skills through your hobbies!
2. If you have been able to carry out volunteering work in your local community, this illustrates your compassion and willingness to use your free time to help others. Pro bono and community engagement activities can be an essential part of working in a law firm and by showing your interest in this from the get go will be beneficial to your application.

Your work experience, hobbies and interests are important in your application to demonstrate your experiences, skills and your personality. Make sure you use them to your advantage, and try not to undersell experience that has given you brilliant transferable skills!  It’s important that you are the right fit for the firm, but also that the firm is the right fit for you.