by Toby Kelly-Simpson, Future Trainee Solicitor at Shepherd and Wedderburn.

Where do you start when preparing to apply for a training contract or a vacation scheme? On top of studies, the thought can be daunting, but it is more than manageable with effective planning and realistic expectations. As the new academic year begins and applications gradually open, below are some fundamental tips for balancing studies and applications!

Application Timelines

The first step towards applying to law firms is taking note of the dates their application cycles open and close. For some firms, the dates may vary depending on whether you are applying for a training contract or a vacation scheme. Knowing this will allow you to use your time wisely alongside classes and assignments, especially if the firm progresses applicants on a rolling basis. Even if there is a fixed deadline, submitting in advance may lift the stress of scrambling at the last minute, especially if the deadline falls within exam season!

Finding Your Balance

To avoid burning yourself out and struggling with deadlines, setting boundaries is essential from beginning-to-end of the application process. To-do lists and realistic weekly goals can give you a visual representation (and reminder) of your time, side-by-side with academic commitments. Consider the best method according to what works for you personally: do you prefer to use a calendar, online tracker, or a physical planner? It is equally important to schedule breaks and cut-off times, so you still have some downtime! If you feel yourself falling behind, it is always better to reach out for support sooner rather than later.

The Research Process

Dedicating time to researching the firms you are applying to is just as important as researching for an assignment, making it crucial to plan accordingly. Having a good idea of what the firm does (e.g., practice areas, recent deals, ESG/tech developments) makes for a well-rounded candidate. Building commercial awareness plays into the research process, although not inherently firm-specific. Understanding how business works will help you answer application/interview questions, thinking about how law works in practice. One time-efficient way I did this in university was listening to news podcasts on the way to, or from, class. Some firms have their own podcasts, so be sure to look out for these!

Tailoring

Your biggest strength as an applicant comes from knowing why you want to work at that specific firm and communicating it well. For example, using your experiences or academic interests to show alignment to the firm and its work and developments. One way to do this is to set out your unique selling points: asking a colleague and/or an academic advisor may be a good idea if you are unsure! Being prepared to authentically discuss your ability to problem solve and prioritise tasks will come in handy at every stage of the process.

Interview/Assessment Centre Prep:

On the lead up to an interview/assessment centre, it is beneficial to seek out support in any way possible. The first step is to make sure you know what will be expected at this stage: will there be a video interview, presentation, written task, or a roleplay exercise in addition to the final interview? Formats vary between firms, with some mixing and matching these exercises or only holding interviews. University careers services can help you through mock interviews or general advice ahead of the big day. You may want to practice for a video interview by using online resources or by recording yourself, using potential questions. Peer practice groups may be a good complementary support system, especially for being able to discuss commercial news in a less-formal setting. 

Wellbeing and Self Care

Taking care of yourself is not optional throughout the application process – sleep, diet, and exercise is necessary for success! Managing stress and time-management, seeking out support, and believing in yourself are the biggest things you will need. These tools can guide you through finding your balance and navigating any impostor syndrome or rejection. The latter can be difficult to handle, but feedback and persistence is everything. Celebrate every win, even if they are small. Submitting an application or progressing through a stage is just as impressive as getting a training contract or vacation scheme offer!