Tips for a great law firm application

Posted on 12 September 2025 • CVs and applications, Law

Writing a great law firm application is crucial for standing out in a competitive field. Jakob Sexton, Early Careers Specialist at Brabners independent law firm, gives key tips to help you craft an impressive application. View the latest Brabners opportunities and use the save button to receive alerts about new opportunities.

Research the firm 

Before you start writing, thoroughly research the law firm. Understand its practice areas, culture, recent cases, and any notable achievements. This knowledge will help you tailor your application to show that you are genuinely interested in the firm and understand what makes it unique. 

Start by searching for the firm on OpportunityHub. Where you can, try and go beyond the website: coming along to various events, virtual or in-person, will give you a greater insight into a firm’s culture and their offering. Use the OU’s Networking for your career resources to help boost your confidence when attending employer events. 

Showcase commercial awareness 

In your application, showcase your business mindset. If you are looking to work in a predominantly commercial law firm, recruiters will want to see you appreciate what makes a business successful, not just how you can apply the law.  

You should regularly follow industry news and trends. Subscribe to relevant publications, newsletters, and blogs. Engage with content that discusses market dynamics, regulatory changes, and major industry events. This will help you stay updated on the latest developments and understand their implications. 

Explore more detailed information about lawyer careers on your Law Study Home website.

Highlight your skills 

Law firms look for candidates with growth mindsets, collaborative working approaches and strong communication skills. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your life, through activities such as work experience, student societies, volunteering or even hobbies. 

Most law firms look for ‘life experience’ and will want to see how you have developed a skillset in a variety of activities, not just legal experience.  Prepare to highlight yours by working through the activities on the Recognise your skills page.

Proofread 

Attention to detail is crucial in the legal profession. Ensure your application is free from typos and grammatical errors. Proofread multiple times and consider asking a friend or family member to review your application.  

Small mistakes can mark you down. For example, believe it or not, firms often see the wrong name used. Make sure to call us Brabners not Barbers! 

By following these tips, you can create a compelling law firm application that showcases your strengths and aligns with the firm’s values and needs. Good luck!