6 Top Tips for completing your Trainee Contract Application
Completing a training contract application can be daunting as it is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to us. It is also a very competitive process, so it is very important that you sell yourself and present your skills and experience in the best possible way.
It is also your first chance to demonstrate why you want to become a solicitor at GA Solicitors, what you have learned from your experiences and, importantly, what makes you you.
At GA Solicitors, we want to get to know the person behind the application. Here are five tips to help you make the most of yours.
1.Make your personal statement personal
Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application.
Use it to briefly explain why you want to become a solicitor and what attracts you to the profession.
Think about the experiences that have influenced your decision and the steps you have taken to prepare for a legal career.
You should also explain why you want to be a trainee solicitor at GA Solicitors. What is it about our firm, our people, our values, our areas of work or our approach to training that appeals to you?
Write about what skills you possess that will aid you as a solicitor at GA, giving concise examples.
If there is a particular area or sector of law that interests you, tell us about it too. We want to understand where your interests lie and what areas of law you are passionate about. However, keep an open mind, your interests may develop and change as you experience different areas of the firm during your training contract. That is one of the benefits of gaining experience across different seats; you may discover a new area of law that you hadn’t previously considered.
Most importantly, make sure your personal statement sounds like you. We want to see your personality, individuality, ambitions and motivations come through.
2.Think about what makes you different
Think beyond your grades and legal experience.
What makes you unique and what skills do you possess?
It could be an achievement, a hobby, a part-time job, volunteering experience, sporting involvement, a responsibility you have taken on or an experience that has shaped you.
Your experiences outside of law can demonstrate valuable skills and qualities that are relevant to being a solicitor.
Don’t be afraid to tell us something that makes you stand out and why.
Ask yourself: What would I want someone reading my application to remember about me?
3. Don’t just tell us – give us evidence
One of the most important things to remember when completing your application is to back up your statements with examples.
You might describe yourself as an excellent communicator, highly organised or a strong team player. But how can you demonstrate this?
For example, instead of simply saying:
“I have excellent communication skills.”
Explain when and how you have demonstrated those skills.
Perhaps you have worked in a customer-facing role, delivered presentations, led a university society, worked as part of a team or dealt with a challenging situation.
Your examples don’t need to come from a law firm.
The important thing is to explain what you did, what you learned and what that experience demonstrates about you.
4. Research GA and show us why you want to train here
We want to know why you are applying to us.
Take the time to research the firm, our trainee programme, what we do and, importantly, our culture. Understanding what it is like to work at GA and the values that underpin the firm will help you decide whether we are the right fit for you, as well as giving you the opportunity to demonstrate this in your application.
Think about what genuinely interests you and how our training programme, our approach to development and our culture fit with your own career aspirations and values. Avoid simply repeating information from our website. Instead, use your research to demonstrate that you have thought carefully about why GA is the right environment for you to develop as a solicitor.
A strong answer will connect what you have learned about GA, including our culture and values with your own motivations, personality and ambitions. We want to see that you have taken the time to understand who we are, and why you can see yourself becoming part of the GA team.
5. Start preparing early
A strong application doesn’t happen overnight.
Before starting your application, take some time to reflect on your experiences and achievements. Think about the skills you have developed and the examples you could use to demonstrate them.
Research the legal profession and GA Solicitors, consider why you want to train with us and think carefully about what makes you different.
The more time you give yourself to prepare, the more confident you are likely to feel when completing your application.
6.Check your application carefully
Before submitting your application, take the time to read through every answer.
Check your:
- Spelling and grammar
- Sentence structure
- Punctuation
- Tone
- Clarity
- Consistency
- Examples and evidence
Make sure you have answered the question being asked and haven’t relied on generic statements.
It can be useful to read your answers aloud or ask someone you trust to proofread them for spelling and grammar.
Most importantly, your application should be your own work and reflect your own experiences, motivations and personality. Don’t be tempted to use AI simply to save time or generate your answers for you. While AI can produce polished-sounding responses, they may not sound like you, and they won’t genuinely reflect what makes you different from other applicants. We want to hear your voice, your experiences and your reasons for wanting to join GA Solicitors. Be yourself, authenticity will always make for a stronger application.
Your application is your opportunity
There is no single formula for a successful trainee contract application. What matters is that you take the opportunity to show us who you are, what motivates you and what you could bring to GA Solicitors.
Tell us why you want to become a solicitor. Explain why you are interested in GA. Give us evidence of your skills, experiences and achievements, and don’t be afraid to tell us what makes you different.
Your application is the first step towards a career with GA Solicitors, so make it count. Be genuine, be curious and give us a real insight into the person behind the application.
Next steps
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your application for a training contract at GA Solicitors today and start your journey towards becoming a solicitor with us.
Why not read our other article on The GA Solicitors Trainee Application Process: What to Expect.
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