5 minutes with Erena Pillitteri

Applications

• What really stands out in an application form?

There isn't one thing candidates can do to ensure they get through the initial stages, rather they need to approach the process more holistically and really think about why they want to be a solicitor and why they want to apply to that firm. Commercial awareness is a theme that will run throughout the application process. As a solicitor you need to be able to write clearly and show strong attention to detail skills, so make sure that your application form is free from errors. We have updated our application process this year and we no longer require candidates to complete a lengthy written application. In order to apply, candidates need to complete a much shorter application form and they will be sent a link to complete a critical thinking test. Candidates who perform well in the test will then be invited to complete a voice interview. Candidates who perform very well in the voice interview will be invited to attend an in-person assessment centre.

• How can candidates get across their commercial awareness in an application?

This would be assessed throughout the later stages of the application process specifically in the voice interview and assessment centre where there are likely to be specific questions assessing commercial awareness. As a solicitor you need to advise your clients on the law in the context of their business and sector. External factors play a huge role in this and impact daily life so demonstrating they have a knowledge of what is going on in politics and the economy is very important.

Vacation schemes and other work experience

• What do the vac schemers who go on to get a training contract at your firm do on the scheme to show they’ve got what it takes to be a successful solicitor?

Again, there isn't one thing they can do to tick a box, rather it's their whole performance which leads them to being successful. Immersing oneself in their department is important so they can really get to grips with the work and get to know the team. Demonstrating they are able to undertake the work they are given to a high standard as well as undertaking the more formal tasks successfully are equally as important. Getting to know the trainees and other vac scheme students too, we want to see people are team players so building those relationships early on will benefit you.

• How do you assess vacation scheme students?

In a number of ways: through formal tasks, in their department and generally look at their performance throughout the whole scheme.

• How can people make up for the fact that they haven’t done any work experience at a law firm?

We don't expect students to have much legal experience as appreciate many students are early in their career and therefore haven't had much opportunity to get experience. Of course, experience is helpful and can aid you in the early days but in reality, at the stage students will be at they won't have much. What is more important is how you impress us through the application process and once you are on a scheme. We judge you on your performance on the day rather than what you have done previously.

Law fairs

• How can somebody make the right impression at a law fair?

Being informed before you meet us is important. Showing you have done your research so you can get beyond asking the superficial questions. Questions like 'how can I stand out' can be answered online in any legal publication. You want to be asking the questions that you can't be finding the answers to online. This will not only help you impress at the fair but will also help you with your application.

Assessment days and interviews

• What skills and competencies do you look for candidates to demonstrate on assessment days?

We run a number of assessments during assessment centres including a group exercise, proof reading exercise, technical exercise and an interview. Therefore, the skills we look for are wide ranging but include: teamwork, attention to detail, commitment to the firm and profession, commercial awareness, adaptability, analytical skills.

• Thinking about your assessment day, what skills are you looking for from the group exercise?

We want to see people can work in a team. Teamwork is very important at AG so we want to see those skills early on. Sometimes we find candidates are very quiet during the assessment and it's difficult to assess them as they don't contribute much. We really encourage you to speak up and contribute to the discussion, I know it can be daunting, but you won't score well on the assessment if you are too quiet. Likewise, if you dominate the conversation and don't let others speak this won't reflect well either.

• What’s your advice to those who don’t feel comfortable speaking up in group exercises?

It can be nerve wracking to speak, especially if you don't feel confident and there may be other people in the group who speak more and appear confident. Just remember you are all in the same position and all did very well to get to that point, you all deserve to be there equally. Just because someone is more vocal it doesn’t necessarily mean what they are saying is correct or reflecting well so don't be intimidated by others. Remember everyone in the group will be nervous, some people are just better at covering it up than others.

• How can you tell whether a candidate really wants the job?

Showing that they have really researched the firm will impress us. We want to see they know about AG and it is somewhere they genuinely want to work. There will be opportunities in the assessment centre for them to demonstrate this, so I always recommend people research the firm as much as possible before they come to the assessment centre. A good starting point would be to familiarise yourself with our sectors and specialisms.

• What kind of questions should candidates ask at interview? What shouldn’t they ask?

I don't think there is a right or wrong here, it's about the questions being genuine and something the candidates actually want to know as opposed to ticking a box. Ask questions about areas you can't find the answers to online, or things that come up in the interview that you are curious about. It's worth having a pen and paper in the interview to jot any notes and refer to at the end of the interview to remind you of the question.