Firstly, I’d like to apologise for the length of the gap since my last diary submission. I guess it’s an indication of how busy I’ve been in my third year! So what, I don’t hear you asking, have I been doing? Well, first and foremost I’ve had a good deal more work at university this year – which I guess was to be expected. It’s still been pretty tough though and just a few more months until it’s all over! Since settling on the idea of pursuing a legal career I’ve also been spending a lot of time filling in application forms, and a bit less time going to interviews. For anyone reading this who’s thinking of training to become a solicitor or barrister - good luck! In the few short months I’ve been finding out about the profession I think the most important thing I’ve learnt is to research, research and research some more. | "there’s so many firms and they all look and sound the same" | |
I’ve opted to try and become a solicitor; the first step has been applying for a place at law school and with an abundance of centres where you can train making a decision is no mean feat. That decision, however, is relatively straightforward compared to choosing which law firms you might like to work for. I want to work for a London based corporate firm, but that doesn’t really narrow it down it all. You’ve got to try and work out which area of law you want to practice in, what size firm you want to work for and basically what sort of a firm you want to work for. It might sound easy, but the trouble is there’s so many firms and, on the surface at least, they all look and sound the same. You’ve really got to try and get some ‘inside’ knowledge, whether it be from a law fair, an independent review in a book or website, an open day, or if you're lucky enough to have a contact from someone who actually works for them. Once you’ve made this decision, then there’s the small task of filling in application forms for Summer Placements, which thankfully I’ve completed. I’ve had a few rejections and no offers as yet. I’m yet to apply for training contracts – but I think that can wait until after my finals! So it’s quite an arduous process, especially mid-term, but it's been a very informative and enriching one – even for the interview experience alone! Finger’s crossed for the next few months … hopefully I’ll have an acceptance or two to report soon! Toby | 
