Your path to success: Tips for aspiring solicitors with minimal legal background

Gwenno is a 1st year trainee solicitor, before joining Shoosmiths, the extent of her legal work experience was limited to a week in a high street law firm, sat in a back room reading files.  Here she shares the advice she would give to someone with limited legal experience who is considering a career in law.

1) Consider your natural strengths and talents

My GCSE results demonstrated that science was not my strongest subject, but instead of following my natural strengths, I studied science subjects in college. I finished my first year with two U’s and a D… not ideal. I then spent a Summer stressing about what was next. I ended up joining a business course at my college after having done well at GCSE level. It was during this course that I discovered how much I enjoyed ‘business’ law, and that I wanted to pursue a legal career in a commercial law firm. I finished college with good grades and started University the following September. I graduated with a first-class law degree, got my training contract, completed the LPC and now I’m here, in my first seat as a Trainee Solicitor.

I suppose I made it to where I wanted to be in the end , but I’d have saved myself a lot of time and tears had I paid attention to what areas I excelled at, and thought more about what career would suit me based on that. Discuss with your teachers and careers advisors and take time to consider different careers and what they entail, considering whether you believe your strengths and talents line up with that career path.

2) Don’t disregard your non-legal work (or life!) experience

Prior to my training contract I had little legal work experience to draw on in my application. What I did have was a wealth of other experiences which demonstrated how I had the necessary skills to become a great trainee.  Anyone who works in retail or hospitality will no doubt have many stories to show how they remain calm under pressure. Others may have mastered a skill, like playing an instrument or a sport, which demonstrates resilience and perseverance. You may have volunteered in University, which could demonstrate compassion.

As a trainee, you are not expected to begin day 1 knowing everything about law. What you are expected to show is that you possess the skills needed to make you a great trainee, and eventually a great associate with the right guidance and teaching.

When writing your application, use the STAR+L method: Skill, Task, Apply, Result + Link it back to how your experience makes you a good fit for the specific firm you are applying to. This can be absolutely any experience, not just legal work experience. In fact, having a unique experience to demonstrate your skills might help you stand out!

3) Create your own luck!

Part of getting a training contract comes down to chance – what was the competition like that year? Was there an unusually high number of applicants? However, part of getting a training contract involves creating your own luck by taking initiative and placing yourself in positions which may not be comfortable, but will ultimately help you stand out.

Whilst applying, I made the most out of AllAboutLaw and Legal Cheek events which were held frequently online. Many lawyers from various firms would speak at these events, and there would always be an opportunity to ask questions. This was a great chance to 1) add some substance to my knowledge of the topic being discussed 2) network with those who already work at the firm and 3) demonstrate that I was passionate about working for my chosen firm. In addition, getting to know people at the firm is a good way to have someone to vouch for you in the later stages of your application.

Shoosmiths offer Insight Evenings for aspiring solicitors to attend, and we recommend attendance if you’re interested in joining us at Shoosmiths. Look for opportunities to stand out and to make yourself familiar, be proactive in your approach to get to know the firm and you may find yourself ‘lucky’ with the contacts you’re making. You can apply to attend our Insight Evenings here.

You may also be interested to read Laura’s blog where she discusses all of the opportunities available at Shoosmiths.

If you have any questions you can email us at [email protected] or have a look at some frequently asked questions here.

To stay up to date with the latest information about the firm, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and sign up to our mailing list.