📩 How successful candidates write applications

Hey there

This week, we released a new set of resources to help you write stronger applications and convert video interviews.

Most candidates don’t struggle because they lack potential, but because they’re never shown what good actually looks like.

Inside, you’ll find selected successful application samples to firms including HSF, Taylor Wessing, Perkins Coie, Fieldfisher, and more — each alongside the original question and a short explanation of what worked and why.

These go together with the Written Application Framework, which breaks down exactly how to structure written answers. This is the same framework trainee solicitors use to secure multiple vacation scheme offers.

However, a strong written application doesn’t automatically translate into a strong video interview. Many candidates fail this stage because they deliver answers the wrong way — either reading scripted responses, losing structure under pressure, or struggling to communicate naturally on camera. That’s why we’ve put together everything you need to convert video interviews as well.

If you’re applying for vacation schemes or training contracts and want a clearer, more practical approach to these stages, you can access all of the resources by signing up below.

1. 📄Research for your applications

   Access over 20 law firm profiles, complete with breakdowns, seats, secondments, and other requirements.

2. 💼 Virtual Work Experience

   Explore free virtual internships and DIY vacation schemes. Build real-world skills you can showcase on applications.

3. 📚 Studying

   First Class LLB Notes, Problem Question Model Answers, Essay Structures and more tips to ace your degree.

4. ✍️ Application Writing & Tests

   Application tracker, CV & Cover Letter guidance, psychometric tests guidance, interview answering guidance and more.

5. 🏆 Personal Development

   Resources to boost your confidence, communication, and professional skills.

21 December 1881 — Isle of Man became the first to allow women to vote, provided they were widows or spinsters(unmarried) with a property rated annually at £4 or over. They voted the following April.

22 December 1942 — Hitler signed the order to develop the V2 rocket as a weapon. It was the world’s first, long-ranged weapon and developed specifically to target London. Many law firms’ offices were destroyed by these rockets.

23 December 1920 — The Government of Ireland Act was Passed — It divided Ireland into 2 parts, each with its own parliament.

24 December 2020 — The UK and EU reached an agreement to govern future trading and security relationship from the end of the Brexit transition period.

25 December 1066 — William the Conqueror was Crowned at Westminster Abbey. He was the first Norman King of England.

26 December 1874 — Boxing Day is recognised as an official bank holiday in Britain under the Bank Holidays Act of 1871.

27 December 1831 — Charles Darwin began his voyage where he worked on the Theory of Evolution. A significant distortion of his biological theory was adopted by others, namely Social Darwinism, which influenced many laws.

Two interesting stories worth considering this week:

1) Double Law Firm Mergers

The Update

UK law firm Taylor Wessing plans to merge with US law firm Winston & Strawn. Plans have also surfaced stating that international law firm Hogan Lovells is set to merge with US law firm Cadwalader. This is a rapid rate for law firm expansion, which tends to be a lot more conservative, occurring over longer timeframes.

The Implications

Taylor Wessing cites increased client demand for integrated US advice as its core reason for pursuing this merger, whilst Hogan Lovells similarly cites clients not wanting to maintain multiple relationships with multiple law firms.

What does this trail of law firm mergers signify?

• UK law firms are finally making the big push into the US like US firms have done into London

• Law firms are consolidating to drive up revenue figures and free up capital for investment

• Clients might have fewer choices for counsel, leaving them vulnerable to fee increases

• More firms are moving to big-ticket work, freeing up market share for mid-market matters

• Mobility of fee-earners will be at a high rate as lawyers look to find stable ground

How to Use This

With the increase in mergers of this sort, candidates will now have to consider not only whether they want to work at a US or UK law firm, but also this third emerging category of firms —the hybrid UK-US law firm. With the most prominent merger of this sort - A&O Shearman - not happening too long ago, there is yet to be confirmation on how successful this business model will end up being. Nonetheless, it is clear that more firms are jumping on this bandwagon so this is worth keeping an eye on.

2) EU Automotive Unrest

The Update

The European Commission has revised its 2035 petrol car ban, such that only 90% of new cars sold from 2035 have to be zero-emission, however this revision is not what was expected by the automotive industry. Carmakers are also expected to have emissions be offset using low-carbon steel and sustainable fuels.

Antonio Filosa - the CEO of Stellantis - has criticised this revised plan, stating that the development does not provide a clear roadmap for restoring automotive investment in the EU.

The Implications

VDA - Germany’s car lobby group - calls the changes disastrous due to insurmountable implementation obstacles, mirroring Filosa’s dissatisfaction with the costs of compliance.

What does this new plan mean?

• There is still a great pressure on vehicles as part of the energy transition but without the necessary support to make this possible.

• Low-carbon steel and sustainable fuels are being better promoted, suggesting business opportunity in these renewable spaces.

• The EU is still signalling a clear climate ambition despite the revised petrol car plan

How to Use This

This revision reflects a core tension between regulatory climate policy and economy-targeted industrial competitiveness. Whilst the Trump administration is backtracking on climate ambitions and promoting fossil fuels, the EU is still actively trying to maintain this tight balance. Law firms will have to help automotive clients navigate this balance, especially where these clients are still heavily invested in non-renewable means of production.