We recently caught up with Sam about how he secured a trainee solicitor role with Mishcon de Reya, his top tips for the application process and how Bright Network helped him secure the role.
What stood out to you about the firm you secured a role with?
There were so many things that stood out to me about Mishcon, namely the firm’s reputation for interesting and exciting work. I was exposed to their work even as a student. For example, I studied the Miller judgements in public law as two of the most significant constitutional law cases and in tort law covered the Lipstadt libel case (even being recommended to watch the film Denial). After further research, I found the Mishcon continuously acts in high profile and ground-breaking cases, and this is what drew me in.
How did you make your application stand out?
I made my application stand out by tailoring it specifically to the firm. Rather than giving generic answers, I tried to learn as much as I could about the firm’s clients, the position in the market, the core values and group businesses, and related that to my experiences. At a firm like Mishcon, I also felt it was important to include my interests outside of law in the application.
What part of the application process did you find the most challenging?
For me, the final interview was the most challenging. I was tested on every aspect of my application, given fictional ethics questions, and asked to demonstrate my awareness of topical issues. I was also nervous about “what if I mess it up” at such a late stage in the application process so finding a way to stay calm and not overthink was important.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
Bright Network’s FESTIVAL was my first exposure to law. As a politics student, I was unsure about possible career options after graduation. At FESTIVAL, I spoke to graduate recruitment at one of the stalls who encouraged me to apply for a first-year scheme and an international law firm. My application was successful, and I enjoyed the scheme so much that I decided to pursue law as a career. Bright Network's resources were also incredibly helpful for video interviews, assessment centres, and even group exercises.
Did you get any feedback in the past that helped you with your application?
One piece of feedback that really helped throughout the application process was to listen first, respond second. I took this feedback on and made sure to listen carefully to the questions being asked during the interview. I also applied this advice in the written stage of the application, taking time to fully understand the prompts before writing an answer.
What are your top tips for tackling tough interview questions?
I was asked some really tough questions during TC interviews from whether I would prefer best or equity financing for a specific deal to my understanding of international law obligations to return lost astronauts to their launching state. I think they were looking to see how I processed the information and if I would fumble my way through or seek clarification or help. My top tip here would be to slow down and try to give a structured and considered answer which shows off your problem-solving skills where you can.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Prepare - spend time researching the firm to understand its values, clients, and the type of work it does. This should help you tailor your application and show that you’re a good fit for the firm.
- Practice - practice example questions and organise a mock interview. The more you practise, the more comfortable you should become in answering interview questions.
- Structure - have an easy-to-follow structure in written and oral answers so that nothing you say or write is missed