As you approach the final stages of your traineeship, you may be contemplating the various roles to apply for, if you haven’t already started. Many positions will require a covering letter/personal statement, which can serve as a powerful tool to distinguish you in a competitive job market. Firms consistently emphasise their appreciation for candidates who take the time to demonstrate genuine interest in a role. A well-crafted supporting statement can significantly enhance your CV, and we’ve included some helpful tips and examples below to guide you.

1. Personalisation & Research:

• Tailor your letter by researching the firm and mentioning its culture, values, and practice areas.
• Show understanding of the role by referencing the job description and aligning your skills.

2. Structure & Clarity:

• Keep it under one page—concise and to the point.
• Follow a clear structure:
  o Opening: State the role.
  o Middle: Explain your interest in the firm and role, plus key skills and experience.
  o Closing: Express enthusiasm and appreciation.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience:

• Provide concrete examples from your training contract (e.g., drafting, client interactions, legal research)
• Showcase both legal expertise and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving).
• Emphasise how your experience adds value to the firm.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

My interest in employment law was sparked during my third year at university when I studied Labour Law as an optional subject. I found the course content inspiring, and it quickly became my most enjoyable subject at law school. While studying and practicing law are distinct, I believe having a genuine passion for a particular area only strengthens a solicitor’s ability to meet the demands of that field.

Although I lack practical experience in employment law, I am highly motivated and eager to build a career in this area. My experience in litigation has equipped me with transferable skills, such as attention to detail and the ability to cultivate relationships and a strong reputation by consistently delivering the high standards expected in the profession. I particularly enjoyed appearing in court, and what draws me to employment law is the potential for advocacy.

I believe now is the perfect time to pursue a career in a field that has intrigued me since law school. Employment law presents exciting new challenges, both practical and intellectual, and offers broader opportunities to expand my skill set. With the growing scope of employment law, I feel there has never been a more thrilling time to become involved in this area of practice.

IN-HOUSE

The financial and investment markets are among the most dynamic and fascinating sectors, offering a wealth of opportunities for professionals, including lawyers. The role of lawyers in these fields is both diverse and often involves international elements, with contract law playing a central role. This adds to the appeal of working in these areas, where the ability to draft legal documentation from scratch or adapt standard templates to meet specific needs is a crucial skill. Gaining experience in this skill within such a dynamic and global field would be professionally fulfilling for me.

What excites me about this in-house position is the opportunity to expand my expertise in new areas of law and develop valuable skills—both of which represent a significant step forward in my career.

Additionally, working in-house would allow me to combine my legal career with an interest in how organisations are managed and operate. I pride myself on being a quick learner and a strong team player, while also being capable of working independently when needed.

See our dedicated NQ Outlook™ Career Centre for more information on positions and career advice. https://www.frasiawright.com/nq-career-centre/

If you would like to discuss anything further or obtain a copy of our CV handbook, if you haven’t already, feel free to contact me, jade@frasiawright.com or stephanie@frasiawright.com.