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What are law firms looking for?

Hey guys,

I am a Canadian currently in the process of doing my undergrad in Vancouver, BC. I am hoping to move to the UK for my Senior Status LLB and stay here permanently. My question is what are some of the attributes that law firms are looking for to hire for training contracts. In Canada, to secure an articling position right out of law school (articling is basically equivalent to training contracts) all you really need is decent grades and some volunteer experience. Obviously, better law firms will require better grades. However, from my research, in the UK it seems much different. Law firms here, seem to place much more emphasis on work experience (as well as grades obviously, but thats the same in Canada), and I obviously wouldn't have any since I would be right out of law school.
Would I have to gain some experience before applying for a training contract, I am just afraid I won't be viewed as marketable because I am a student from overseas. What would be some of the qualities that would make me stand out to law firms?

Thank you :smile:
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Avatar for nc24
nc24
1
Ok so I'm looking to do a vacation scheme and have been doing a bit of research in terms of Open days and talking to lawyers at different levels and this is the broad thing I've grasped that they are looking for:
- A basic commercial awareness
- An understanding of what area specifically the firm is in and what it specialises in
- A support of their culture - A commitment to that firm
- They're looking to invest in you.
- As for experience, I've heard from a lot of associates who had relatively no legal experience what they really look for is a strong reasoning for why you want to do law and an understanding of that industry.
- Being from overseas will actually help you, firms are always looking to diversify and being able to say that you have experience immersing yourself in numerous cultures will really help.

Hope this helped!
Original post by duckinslippers
Hey guys,

I am a Canadian currently in the process of doing my undergrad in Vancouver, BC. I am hoping to move to the UK for my Senior Status LLB and stay here permanently. My question is what are some of the attributes that law firms are looking for to hire for training contracts. In Canada, to secure an articling position right out of law school (articling is basically equivalent to training contracts) all you really need is decent grades and some volunteer experience. Obviously, better law firms will require better grades. However, from my research, in the UK it seems much different. Law firms here, seem to place much more emphasis on work experience (as well as grades obviously, but thats the same in Canada), and I obviously wouldn't have any since I would be right out of law school.
Would I have to gain some experience before applying for a training contract, I am just afraid I won't be viewed as marketable because I am a student from overseas. What would be some of the qualities that would make me stand out to law firms?

Thank you :smile:


Stay in Canada, especially since we have just left the EU...

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