Before You Apply

Here you will find articles containing expert advice on the essential activities before you start training contract applications.

If you’re wondering how to get a training contract, this is the place to start.

Before you write a single application or attend an event, there’s a lot you can do to lay the foundations and gain a competitive advantage.

I’ve seen this stage be a game-changer for many of my coaching clients, and this hub is designed to help you make the most of it.

I created this ‘Before You Apply’ section to bring together the most important articles for aspiring solicitors who want to make it past the application bottleneck.

These are the foundations I return to again and again in one-to-one coaching: from understanding the role of a solicitor, to building commercial awareness, to researching firms in a way that sets you apart.

I share practical guidance on avoiding early mistakes, reflecting on your motivations, and identifying the experiences and skills you’ll need to evidence later on. This is where you can gain an edge in the competitive application process by learning how to approach it strategically.

I’m a former FTSE 100 commercial lawyer and trained career coach, and I’ve supported 100s of aspiring solicitors through this early stage of their journey.

This hub curates that experience and gives you a structured place to begin.

Whether you’re months away from applying or just starting to explore the legal profession, bookmark this page and come back as you build your understanding. It’s updated regularly with new articles to help you discover how to get a training contract.

All Articles: Before You Apply

Virtual Law Work Experience & Internships: Essential Guide

What Do Commercial Lawyers Do – A Simple Guide

What Do Corporate Lawyers Do – A Simple Guide

What Do Finance Lawyers Do – A Simple Guide

How To Become a Solicitor in the UK: A Simple Guide

21 Skills Needed To Be A Lawyer (And Why They Matter)

5 Career-Boosting Benefits Of An In-House Training Contract

5 Must-Know Tips on How To Get Noticed at Law Firm Open Days

6 Game-Changing Benefits of First-Year Law Schemes

Should you apply for a TC at Silver Circle Law Firms?

Revealed: How Hard Is It To Get A Training Contract In Law?

Key Skills & Attributes Needed as a Trainee Solicitor

How to Choose Where to Apply to for Your Training Contract

Law Vacation Schemes – An Essential Guide

5 Things To Consider When Thinking Of A Career Change To Law

The Do’s & Don’ts of Securing Informal Work Experience

How To Research Law Firms More Effectively

How To Identify The Practice Areas You’re Most Interested In

How To Use Your Summer Holidays To Improve Your Training Contract Chances

How Pro-Active Are You REALLY Being?

How Getting Experience With A Small Business Can Improve Commercial Awareness

10 Key Skills You Can Learn From Pro Bono Activities

Grad Recruiter Secrets: How to Create Your Shortlist of Firms To Apply To

Why Should You Get Involved In Student Pro Bono?

Do You Understand How A Large Corporate Deal Is Done?

Pro Bono Law Clinics – A Route To Success

Developing Relevant Skills Through Extra-Curricular & Volunteering Activities

Using Non-Legal Work Experience To Your Advantage

Demonstrating Commercial Awareness To Law Firms

Law Career Fairs – An Essential Guide

The Trainee Solicitor Recruitment Cycle

Firms With CV & Covering Letter Training Contract Applications

Is Commerciality Rocket Science?!

Steve Jobs’ Profound Advice For Aspiring Lawyers

Law Fairs – The Do’s & Don’ts

Videos: A Career in Law

The Importance of Legal Work Experience

What If You Are Unsure of Your Future Legal Aspirations?