Meet Alana

Applications 

 

What really stands out in an application form? 

We are looking for candidates who are passionate and driven about a career in commercial law with Addleshaw Goddard. Make sure you have done your research and are tailoring your application to the firm. In addition, we want to get to know you as a person, what drives you, what are you interested in and so candidates who approach the process with openness and honesty discussing things which are of genuine interest to them, will naturally let us get to know more about them. Also, using everyday language is important so that your message doesn’t get lost in acronyms or complex phrases.  

 

What criteria do you mark candidates against in job applications? 

Our application form is quite short asking for details around your education and one open ended question. This goes alongside a critical thinking test for the first stage in our process. In the form we are looking for: 

• Strong academics – our minimum entry requirement is a 2:1 degree, although we do consider applications from those with a 2:2 degree with mitigating circumstances.  
• Motivation – here we want to hear what it is that specifically attracts you to Addleshaw Goddard.  There might be something that has come out of your research that you want to mention here, a particular area the firm practices in or a recent deal for example.  
• Attention to detail - attention to detail is always important, however given our form is shorter, it is even more important that there are no typos, issues with spelling, punctuation or grammar. Make sure to complete all sections of the form to the best of your ability and ensure you have provided the necessary information.  

 

What kind of extracurricular activities really impress you on an application? 

In our application form you’re not required to share work experience or extra curricular activities. However, during the voice interview and assessment centre there are opportunities to provide relevant examples. We are not prescriptive in terms of what we look for, there are so many things that candidates are involved in with carry such value and transferable skills whether that be sports, music, volunteering, part time work, societies or something else. Have a look at everything you’ve been involved in and prepare examples of skills or achievements that can be shown through your extra curriculars that relate to the role of a solicitor. Our assessors want to get to know you, your interests are a great way to do this.  

 

What are the main reasons you reject a training contract or vacation scheme application? 

We can spot when an application has not been tailored to the firm. It comes through if a candidate is submitting an application to multiple firms and only changing the firm name in their submissions.  

Attention to detail is so important and in our short form any typos or grammatical errors stand out. A fresh pair of eyes can really help with this alongside checking to make sure you are answering what has been put to you.  

 

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? 

While candidates are with us we want them to experience what life at the firm as a trainee is like. This means that we want to see them immerse themselves in the work and the team during their time on the scheme.  

Supervisors will be responsible for assigning candidates work and the work that candidates produce is one of the key areas we consider when making decisions on training contracts. It is important that work is delivered to a high standard and on time. Also, it is always a good idea for candidates to keep their supervisors up to date with their capacity so candidates can get involved in as many things as possible and showcase their skills. 

 Showing initiative is a great skill for candidates to demonstrate while they are with us. Whether that is when undertaking work or reaching out to others in the firm to find out more about their area of work, this helps to show drive and motivation for the firm and commercial law.  

It’s also great when we see that candidates are willing to get stuck in and put their hand up to get involved really maximising the opportunity they have. 

 

How do you assess vacation scheme students? 

While candidates are with us they will undertake two assessed tasks and these, along with feedback from their supervisors are what are considered to make training contract offers following the scheme.  

 

Assessment days and interviews  

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

Our assessment centre consists of four assessments which allows us to see a range of skills from candidates. We start with a proof reading exercise, move to a group exercise and partner briefing before finishing with an interview.  

 The proof reading exercise is a 15 minute timed task. Time management is important here so that you can work at a pace to complete the exercise and of course attention to detail is key.  

 Details of our group exercise are included below so I will skip over that one here.  

In the partner briefing you have preparation time to read through a pack of documents about a fictional client before going into a meeting with assessors to present key information, the circumstances the client finds themselves in and the options available to them. The assessors may also have some questions for you. This exercise is a commercial based assessment. We hope to see analysis of the options available to the client. We are looking for a structured and logical approach. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your decision making and commercial awareness skills.  

 Finally, the interview is a mix of competency based, skills based, commercial awareness and career focus related questions. We are looking for people who have clearly researched the firm and who have an understanding of the type of work that a trainee will be required to do and an appreciation of the skills that they will need to have in order to succeed.  

 While with us for the assessment centre candidates have the opportunity to meet trainees, legal directors and partners so there is a great opportunity to network, ask questions and build some of your network.  

 

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

In the group exercise we are looking at candidates ability to work with other people and how they go about doing this. We are looking to see whether you listen to other people’s contributions and take their perspective into account, do you work well with others to build and develop ideas, do you communicate well and show respect to other group members and can you work as part of the team to present your findings and ideas. These are all skills which are important for trainee solicitors to develop so try and do your best to demonstrate these.  

Active listening is also important to be respectful to other group members and to allow the discussion to develop.  

 

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

For candidates to do well in a group assessment, we do need to see them contributing to the discussion. However remember, you don’t need to dominate the discussion in order to succeed. 

 

STEM students 

 

How can non-law students show their commitment to a career in law when they haven’t necessarily been exposed to university law societies, law clinics and mooting events? 

Don’t undersell yourself! We have trainees in the business and future joiners who have come from all pathways. Whether that be law/non law, taking a gap year, having another career before transitioning to law or any other number of ways to a career in law. 

 You don’t need a law degree to prove commitment. We’re looking for evidence that you’ve actively explored the profession and reflected on why it is right for you. That might be attending insight days or firm events where you can and keeping up to date with legal and business news. We also value skills you have developed through your degree, work experience and extracurriculars such as analysis, communication, teamwork and resilience. Make sure to link what you have done to the skills lawyers use and show a thought through motivation for a career in law.