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Applying For A Job In Law: Get The Career You Want
This article was written by Clare Nicolle
A career in law is always a popular choice for undergraduates and competition for a job can be fierce, even in Jersey. It’s always wise to be well prepared for any interview you may attend and a little bit of groundwork and research can help you to stand out from the crowd.
Homework
Exam results are important, not only for the fact that they enable you to get on to your university degree course of choice. If that is not a law degree, don’t panic! A large number of lawyers do not start out by taking a law degree. Many universities and law schools offer a one year conversion course, the postgraduate diploma in law, which will put you on an equal footing with your law-degree compatriots. Indeed, many employers prefer a non-law graduate for the fact that they have a wider knowledge base and are trained in other disciplines. The skills you pick up studying towards another degree will equip you well for a career in law.
Applying for bursaries and gaining work experience is a definite boost to any CV. Furthermore, it immediately gives you an insight into how a firm works and whether or not you would like to work for them in the future. Jersey students are particularly fortunate to have a wide range of law firms to apply to for work experience which will usually cover various departments and different areas of law.
Initial Contact
When writing to law firms a clear, concise covering letter is important. It may sound obvious, but do make sure there are no spelling mistakes or typographical errors. A first impression is always an important one. Enclose an up to date CV with your most recent notable achievements first. Winning a macramé competition in 2001 should not appear on the first page of your CV, unless you are looking for a career in macramé! If you have had work experience in a law firm, or other relevant experience, for example, Project Trident or the Institute of Directors work shadowing scheme, make sure you include this. Employers are always keen to see that you have an interest in a certain area and that you have made the effort to pursue it.
Be keen, but try not to appear pushy. Send a follow up letter within two to three weeks if you have not received a reply.
Interview
You’ve got the interview; now’s the time to impress. Be as relaxed and natural as you can be, experienced interviewers can always see if someone is not being themselves. The firm needs to see if you suit it as much as you seeing whether it suits you.
Show your interest in the firm and the work it does. Do your research. Get on the internet and find the firm’s website. Look at the areas the firm specialises in and how the firm presents itself to the wider market.
Be prepared for some searching questions and have a few of your own prepared. Maybe you would want to ask about training and support for students within the firm?
In the Office
You’ve got the job. Now’s the time to prove yourself. Be a team player. The nature of much of the work in law means that you are reliant on your colleagues for their knowledge and insight and ideas are regularly "bounced around" a number of people before the way forward can be determined.
Gauge whether you suit the firm’s personality and ethos during your probation period. If not, look carefully at moving somewhere better suited to you.
Utilise what the firm can offer you by way of training, support for your exams and any appraisal scheme to both your and the firm’s advantage. Listen to feedback from others.
Participate and show enthusiasm, even if this means having to take a part in the sketch at the firm’s Christmas party.
Enjoy it.