One of my responsibilities as graduate engagement manager, is to find the right people to join our firm as trainees. This is a rigorous process - and it needs to be.

We look for individuals who stand out from the crowd in terms of qualities and personalities, and who have an abundance of potential.

We receive many high-quality applications each year, so it’s important that you present yourself in the best way possible. Write an application we are going to remember, one that will make us sit up and take notice.

So, how can you make sure your application stands out? There’s no single right answer to this, but here are my five top tips to get you started:

1. Highlight skills that you think might be transferable for a career in law.

    We don’t expect you to have lots of legal experience – but that doesn’t mean you don’t have the qualities we’re looking for. Remember to include part-time work, sports activities, or hobbies and interests, particularly ones where you learned or applied skills that would be useful for a lawyer to have.

    2. Take time to find out about our business, our values and our people.

      Research our business, this will help you identify if and why we’re the right choice for you. Read our values as they play a huge part in everything we do whether it is working with clients, colleagues or contributing to the wider economy and community in which we work.

      3. It’s not all about legal know-how.

        This is particularly true in the supporting information section of our application form. Think about the other skills and qualities that define a good lawyer, such as communication, organisation, teamwork, resilience, motivation and drive.

        4. Attention to detail is key.

          First impressions are important. Check your spelling and grammar and read over your application before you submit it. If you’re not sure, ask someone else to check it over.

          5. Don’t write what you think we want to hear.

            We want to know about the real you. There is no such thing as a 'typical' Brodies trainee; our colleagues are what make us the firm we are. We look for a variety of talents, experiences and personalities to contribute – and we encourage you to share those with us.

            Think you've got what it takes? Fill in our online application form by midday on Monday 12 August 2024.

            Contributor

            Wendy Murphy

            Graduate Engagement Manager