The Application Playbook: Landing a Role in a High-Street Law Firm

Mar 25, 2024

Written By Hugo Carter

In the fiercely competitive legal industry, securing a role in a high-street law firm requires a strategic approach to standing out. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, offering insights and strategies for success when applying for high-street law firms.

Understanding high-street law firms

High-street law firms, often embedded in the heart of local communities, offer a broad spectrum of legal services serving both private clients and local businesses. These firms cater to a diverse clientele, dealing with everything from family law and real estate to criminal litigation and personal injury. Understanding the multifaceted nature of their work is the first step in tailoring your application to meet their unique requirements.

Crafting a standout CV and cover letter

The key to any application is aligning your answers with the firm's specialties, values, and interests. It's crucial to thoroughly review the firm's content and understand their main practice areas. If a particular area appeals to you, mention it directly in your application, for example, “I am enthused by FIRM X’s premier real estate team serving South City…” and explain why you are interested. Authenticity is important; try and share genuine reasons why you’re interested in the firm (i.e growing up in an area they serve).

You should include relevant experience in your CV or cover letter. ’Relevant’ is malleable, and more about your ability to communicate its link to the role. For example, hospitality experience can be valuable to a litigation team handling a high caseload, as I found when applying for a Litigation Paralegal role at a regional firm. Legal experience is certainly relevant, but don't overlook other work experiences until you've fully explored the skills you've developed.

Understanding a firm's culture and values is crucial. Begin your research on their website, then explore their social media, particularly LinkedIn. Investigate the content their lawyers post and reach out for more information if needed. You can then incorporate their 'value' buzzwords into your application or highlight how your personality aligns with the firm's culture. Finally, choose firms that resonate with your personal values, as you will likely spend significant time there if successful.

Networking and informational interviews

It’s very valuable to build and leverage your professional networks. High street firms will attend legal events, seminars, and professional organisations as much as the large firms. However, you will need to do your research as to where. My regional firm attended many events specifically for businesses (all businesses - not just legal) in the town of their main office . These are very accessible once you know where to look: make sure to browse local council posts and forums for the area specific to the firm you’re applying to.

From these events, or LinkedIn, you can secure an interview with one of the firm’s lawyers. Informational interviews are excellent for gaining firm insights and making connections. Ensure you approach professionals politely, noting your respect and interest in the firm, and that you would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about it from them. Once secured, prepare meaningful questions to understand the firm’s culture and work.

Application strategies: beyond the basics

Now it’s time to sit down and write. Here are some writing tips to emphasise your application:

Use action verbs in the active voice (e.g. use “I achieved x”, rather than “I was awarded x”);

Corroborate your achievements with detail - this can include dates, statistics, and scope (e.g. “I achieved the 2019 Paper Boy Award for delivering 2,560 newspapers to 200 houses across South Moore, over 3 months”);

Be confident and don’t leave the reader to deduce anything - if you want to convey it, say it (e.g. “I demonstrated my communication skills when I…”).

Finally, it is best to address gaps in your experience or other concerns transparently. Honesty and clarity about your career trajectory or limited legal experience can be advantageous.

Preparing for interviews

Prepare for common questions about your motivation, teamwork skills, and interest in specific practice areas, including ‘Why Law?’, ‘Why this firm?’, and ‘Why do you think you would be a good fit in x Department?’

Structuring responses thoughtfully is key to making an impact. I find it is best to think in threes (“I chose this law firm for three reasons…”) and be conscious of hitting all three without meandering into a tangent.

Much like the application itself, you should align your responses with the firm's goals and values. Draw connections between your experiences and the firm's practice areas for a more impactful interaction.

Stay informed about legal and business developments, especially those pertinent to high-street law firms. This could be town-specific, or more general to law, but make sure you’re aware of what’s in the news. If you can link a particularly prominent issue to the firm, you’ll be well on your way to setting yourself apart from the other applicants.

Navigating assessment centres and skills tests

Assessment centres are designed to evaluate your competency in a vast range of skill sets, including attention to detail, communication, public speaking, and thinking on the spot. The tests may include group exercises and presentations designed to evaluate a range of skills.

For the most part, high street firms will give new recruits practical tasks very soon into the role, and these tests will be tailored to assess your competency in these tasks. For instance, I was asked to proofread and amend an email to a fictional client, and subsequently summarise the main points of the email to another colleague. Practice summarising complex information under pressure, using diverse sources like news articles or firm press releases.

Post-application follow-up

Be sure to send thank-you notes post-interview or assessment; these are an opportunity to express your continued interest and maintain professionalism. This is the best way to leave a lasting impression.

Whether successful or not, seeking feedback can be instrumental in your professional growth. If you receive feedback, approach it with a growth mindset and work on tackling your weaknesses for your next application.

Conclusion

Navigating the high-street law firm application process requires thorough preparation, genuine engagement, and a proactive mindset. Remember, each step in the application journey contributes to your professional growth and development. Approach your applications with confidence, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The path may be challenging, but it is undoubtedly rewarding, paving the way for a fruitful legal career.

Selection & Assessment