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📩 Invite: Application Writing Masterclass

📩 Invite: Application Writing Masterclass

Led by a future trainee at a Magic Circle firm, this session will help you write better applications

Alin George Ilinca
January 26, 2026

Hey there

On Wednesday, February 4th, we are hosting an application writing masterclass.

Led by Dylan Anton, a future trainee solicitor at a Magic Circle firm, the session breaks down how to approach common written questions such as why law, why commercial law, and how to present work experience effectively.

Dylan will go over what recruiters are actually assessing at this stage and how strong candidates structure their answers to be specific and relevant.

The session is aimed at students and graduates preparing vacation scheme or training contract applications who want a more concrete understanding of how to write strong written responses, rather than relying on generic advice.

📄Research for your applications
Access over 20 law firm profiles, complete with breakdowns, seats, secondments, and other requirements.
💼 Virtual Work Experience
Explore free virtual internships and DIY vacation schemes. Build real-world skills you can showcase on applications.
📚 Studying
First Class LLB Notes, Problem Question Model Answers, Essay Structures and more tips to ace your degree.
✍️ Application Writing & Tests
Application tracker, CV & Cover Letter guidance, psychometric tests guidance, interview answering guidance and more.
🏆 Personal Development
Resources to boost your confidence, communication, and professional skills.

25 January 1533 — Henry VIII married his 2nd wife, Anne Boleyn, in a secret ceremony. One year later, the Act of Supremacy 1534 was passed which declared him Supreme Head of The Church of England, effectively breaking away from the authority of the Pope.

26 January 1861 — Hong Kong was proclaimed British sovereign territory.

27 January 1880 — Thomas Edison registers a patent for an “Electric Lamp” . See the patent here

28 January 1958 — A patent was filed for a toy building block that became hugely popular around the world. The name of the toy? Lego.

29 January 1966 — The Road Safety Bill was announced to come into effect the following year. It set a limit of permitted alcohol and it became an offence to drive when over this limit.

30 January 1649 — Charles I was executed. His trial began 10 days prior, with 68 judges in attendance. It is arguably the most famous trial in history. Charles I did not defend himself during the trial, as he believed in the divine rights of kings and did not recognise the court’s authority to try him.

31 January 2020 — The United Kingdom left the European Union.

By Dylan Anton, Future Trainee @ Clifford Chance

Ever Rising Executive Pay

The Update

Goldman Sachs, after a strong financial performance the past year, paid its CEO - David Solomon - $47 million for 2025. This is over a 20% increase from his remuneration in 2024, and primarily constitutes stock ($31 million). Whilst this increase in pay roughly mirrors Goldman Sachs 20% increase in profitability from 2024, it vastly exceeds the 13% rise in spending for overall staff compensation.

The Implications

Executive pay at investment banks, and indeed many large companies, has always been distinct from traditional salary and bonus models. However, remuneration amounts at this range are fully tearing away from regular conceptions of salaried compensation, and is as such becoming a more politically sensitive area. The wide gap between CEO remuneration and average employee pay may soon attract greater regulatory attention in light of public criticism.

What are the key takeaways of this shift in remuneration?

Banks are aligning more with asset management / private equity industry standards
Shareholders may become dissatisfied with the extent to which executive pay outstrips staff compensation, as this eats into their own earnings
Regulatory and public pressure is bound to continue as this sort of rise in remuneration reveals an alarming pattern

How to Use This In Applications