2025

What are your motivations for wanting to pursue a career as a Solicitor at DWF? (Max 250 words) 

DWF’s integration of global legal and business services, combining legal advisory services with commercial and industry sector experience appeals to me. My early interest in commercial law was sparked during my role at Nisa Local, where I witnessed the impact of political and legal shifts on operations, leading me to study Law and Business Management. As a Sponsorship Coordinator at a charity, I negotiated cross-jurisdictional contracts and adapted to diverse business needs. This affirmed my interest in a firm like DWF with a unique strategy to provide clients with a tailored range of services and a global outlook.  

DWF’s commitment to innovation, demonstrated through its Legal Operations Division and the rollout of Microsoft Copilot in its Digital Transformation program, aligns with my dedication to innovation. I am currently re-establishing my university’s Legal Tech Society to educate students on tech-driven legal changes.  

Additionally, DWF’s top-tier dispute resolution practice appeals to me and offers an ideal learning environment. I’m inspired by individuals like Ursula Currie, whose litigation expertise spans the Supreme Court, and Laura Rae, whose advocacy for mediation reflects my belief in preserving commercial relationships. Achieving the highest mark in my cohort for ADR (96%) solidified my interest in this field.  

Lastly, as a Scottish national and Scottish Saltire Scholar, I’m drawn to DWF’s commitment to Scottish Enterprise. From securing six lots on the Scottish Government’s legal framework to being the sole legal representative to BMW Scotland, DWF’s high-calibre work ensures I can meaningfully contribute to both local and global clients.  

The DWF value 'Be Better Together' is key to our business. Please identify when you have demonstrated this value and how you would apply this to the role of a Trainee Solicitor. (Max 250 words)   

‘Be Better Together’ is a value I demonstrated while working as part of a charity team to build a mosque in Pakistan.  

When political riots led to the arrest of local tradesmen, our project faced significant delays, threatening the mosque’s timely completion and disrupting planned Ramadan outreach events. To address this, I took on additional responsibilities, organising weekly Zoom meetings to keep teams updated on the political impact. I ensured information was communicated clearly and accessibly, enabling everyone to adapt their efforts accordingly.  I also proposed that our outreach officer visit neighbouring villages and request local mosques to announce the need for tradesmen. When the officer was injured and unable to work for two weeks, I stepped up, making calls to mosques myself. This strategy successfully secured eight workers, ensuring the mosque’s timely completion and the success of our Ramadan events.  

As a Trainee Solicitor, clearly communicating and being efficient in a team are essential to delivering strong results. Whether working late with colleagues to close a deal or addressing unexpected challenges, fostering shared responsibility enhances productivity and strengthens rapport within the team. By identifying ways to support colleagues and contribute innovative solutions, I can help create an efficient and collaborative environment that benefits my team, the firm, and ultimately clients. 

DWF’s collaborative ethos, combining legal expertise, legal operations, and business services across its eight sectors requires seamless teamwork. Training at DWF will allow me to further develop my ability to ‘Be Better Together’ to deliver exceptional service to clients.  

Please comment on a commercial news topic or trend which has interested you recently. Within your response, please consider how this news topic or trend is relevant to DWF. (Max 250 words) 

A topic that has piqued my interest is the impact of recent geopolitical tensions on marine insurance.  

The cost of insuring ships passing through the Red Sea has more than doubled since September, following repeated attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi militants using weaponised drones and unmanned submarines. Additionally, the emergence of a "dark fleet" of uninsured vessels operating under the radar has increased risks for insurers, with potential exposure to hefty fines and penalties. This is directly relevant to DWF, which offers Marine & Trade expertise, including great experience in handling piracy disputes. DWF’s Jonathon Moss, noted in a recent podcast that increased litigation risks may arise from claim disputes in this area. DWF’s global presence and legal dispute resolution services concerning litigation risks makes the firm well positioned to handle this.  

Additionally, ESG is becoming an integral consideration in shipping investment strategies, with insurers increasingly reluctant to cover businesses involved in fossil fuels. However, lack of agreed-upon economic measures like carbon levy in the shipping industry underlines its reluctance to transition to greener options. This is relevant to DWF as the firm has a commitment to Agenda 2030 and its 17 sustainable development goals. The firm has made incredible moves from 76% of its estate currently utilising renewable energy and a 90% reduction in paper volumes, reflecting a commitment to ESG. DWF’s research also shows that increasing investment in renewable energy in the transport industry will be critical to achieving a climate friendly world. 

2024

Please complete the personal statement below in no more than 750 words. Please note that you will be scored on your drafting ability as well as your content. Within your personal statement please answer the following questions:

• What are your motivations for wanting to pursue a career as a Solicitor at DWF? (250 words)
• The DWF value 'Disrupt to progress' is key to our business. Please identify when you have demonstrated this value and how you would apply this to the role of a Trainee Solicitor. (250 words)
• Please comment on a commercial news topic or trend which has interested you recently. Within your response, please consider how this news topic or trend is relevant to DWF. (250 words)

My motivation to pursue a career as a solicitor was affirmed when I participated in the Clifford Chance virtual work experience, where I was able to advise clients on whether their social media campaign breached any advertising rules. The prospect of providing tangible solutions to clients gives me great satisfaction. Being able to provide clients with practical advice using DWF’s unique business strategy involving Mindcrest, Legal Services, and Business Services ensures that the solutions provided to clients are incomparable to the work of other firms. The combination of integrated services not only provides clients with a diverse range of offerings in one location, but it also ensures that solicitors at the firm are 'being better together' by connecting across the three divisions. This will allow me to work with people of the highest calibre and ensure that I become the most well-rounded trainee. 

DWF's commitment to gender equality as part of its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals appeals to me as the ideal place to begin my career because, as a BAME female, DWF will ensure that my differences are embraced. Completing the Stanford University MOOC on Women's Rights helped me gain appreciation for workplace inequality for women. Attending Seema Bain's talk on gender and diversity initiatives as part of the DWF mentoring scheme aided me in understanding DWF's efforts to ensure that the firm is reflective of the society in which we live, setting it apart from other firms that merely pay lip service to the idea.

"Disrupt to progress" is a value I demonstrated while discussing Operation Palava with police officers. This was a scheme in place to combat increased solicitation in Redbridge. I was able to ‘disrupt’ the meeting by expressing my concerns as a resident by asking whether policing this issue would be a temporary solution or if it would just divert solicitation to another area. This allowed officers to consider whether the scheme would be effective in eradicating the problem or if it was a scheme to appease the residents. By thinking creatively, I was able to help the scheme's accountability by allowing the long-term effectiveness of this plan to be assessed. 

As a trainee solicitor, having open and honest discussions with colleagues about adapting to new ways of working is essential for progress. Communicating the strengths and weaknesses of work promotes mutual support and shared responsibility, which enhances the productivity of the team and fosters a greater rapport between colleagues. Innovative problem-solving tailored to client needs not only increases client satisfaction but also improves the firm's reputation, resulting in a more engaging client experience. Therefore, 'disrupting to progress' is an important skill as a trainee because you must be able to think quickly in unfamiliar situations while maintaining client contentment. Training at DWF will allow me to further develop this value, as the firm has been recognised for its 'strategic approach to innovation’ by The FT innovative lawyers, demonstrating how the firm is at the forefront of the values it endorses. 

A topic that has piqued my interest is how the global shipping fleet has reached its oldest average age in nearly 15 years. The demand for second-hand ships has increased, particularly for shadow fleet companies involved in transporting sanctioned Russian oil, resulting in older vessels remaining operational. Furthermore, the invasion of Ukraine has resulted in higher oil prices as Europe purchases oil from more distant producers. This is pertinent to DWF, as the firm offers legal dispute resolution services concerning litigation risks. As noted in Jonathan Moss's report ‘Sanctions and the Transport Sector’, an increased risk of litigation arising from sanctions violations will encourage law firms to provide advice by citing the legal concepts of frustration and force majeure. This is a highly relevant issue given DWF's reputation for providing excellent shipping and commodity services. 

Additionally, shipping companies are hesitant to invest in new ships due to uncertainty surrounding alternative energy sources. Despite calls for decarbonisation and the shipping industry’s attempts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the lack of agreed-upon economic measures, such as a carbon levy, contributes to the industry's reluctance to transition to greener options. This is relevant to DWF because the firm has also made a strategic commitment to ESG goals by signing the Legal Charter 1.5 and aiming to achieve net zero by 2030. According to DWF research, increasing investment in renewable energy in the transport sector will be critical to achieving a climate-friendly, geopolitically secure world. 

2023

Why have you chosen to apply for a Training Contract at DWF? (250 words)

I am attracted to DWF’s commitment to innovative problem-solving for clients. At the London Open Day, I learnt from Office Managing Partner Jonathan Moss that the firm delivered positive outcomes for clients, colleagues and communities through its three offerings. Given the market competition with alternative legal service providers, Mindcrest as DWF’s managed service platform effectively scaled back workflows and optimised services by outsourcing. DWF demonstrates high adaptability to evolve according to clients’ needs and market developments through its Corporate Innovation strategy. This aligns with my open mind in utilising legaltech to identify trends and encourage digital disruption. Working at [redacted legal technology hub], I gained technological experience developing a groundbreaking AI sentencing predictor in the combination of legal domain knowledge and AI technologies. I am keen to engage in the unique legal tech seat to explore cutting-edge tools ranging from collaboration platforms such as HighQ to AI extraction with iManage Extract.

I am interested in DWF’s market-leading insurance and personal injury expertise. Although I was sympathetic to plaintiff clients during my internship in personal injury, sometimes the claim amounts were disproportionate. I am keen to explore how DWF protects corporate defendants in complex and major injury claims, especially when calculating losses sensitive to inflationary pressure and the associated cost of living crisis. With a passion for justice to pursue a fair outcome for both sides, I am excited to acquire different skills with an outcome-driven approach to strive for an early settlement to minimise clients’ overall indemnity spend.

The DWF values are core to our culture, actions and behaviours. Consider which value(s) particularly resonates with you. How have you demonstrated this DWF value(s) in your current employment, extra-curricular experience or studies and how you would apply this in the role of a Trainee Solicitor? (250 words)

DWF’s value “Be better together” resonates with me because, at its core, its message is one of celebrating diversity. During my voluntary service tour to [redacted country] with [redacted charity], we invited [redacted nationality] villagers and students of various ethnicities to join our cultural showcase. Our differences had a positive impact on our performance. We recognised, respected and valued each other through knowledge exchange. As a trainee solicitor, I would always bear my life motto ‘The greater the representation, the higher the likelihood of outperformance”. I would share my experience as an ethnic minority promoting an inclusive culture to accomplish the objective of DWF’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2025 by making a positive impact with my differences.

“Be better together” also emphasises the importance of team players who encourage, enable, and empower others. DWF’s trainee solicitor Zakkia Syed shared that although the working environment is competitive, trainee solicitors always help each other. During my internship with [redacted company]. I collaborated in a multidisciplinary way with legal experts, business units and external regulators as a well-rounded team player. The force of our collective strength motivated the team to meet urgent deadlines. As a trainee solicitor, I expect cross-departmental cooperation is prevalent at DWF. I would support others at the first opportunity and adapt my approach to communication with colleagues depending on the context. I would manage my time effectively by setting priorities to get individual tasks done earlier and allocating sufficient time for supporting the team.

Please comment on a commercial news topic or trend which has interested you recently. Within your response, please consider how this news topic or trend is relevant to DWF. (250 words)

The UK economic recession poses a threat to the financial market in the investment management industry. With unprecedented stagflation and an increase in interest rate to 3.5%, I am concerned about how investors’ approach under the volatile economic conditions would impact DWF’s business. As private funds clients navigate an unstable market, they are required to make greater financial assurances to creditors. The decline in liquidity and reduced scope of investment risks can lead to significant reductions in DWF’s financial services work, especially debt capital markets and venture capital.

Although uncertainty can undermine client activity, DWF could turn the risks into opportunities by fostering its growth of countercyclical restructuring and insolvency practice. As clients must secure investors’ confidence, due diligence and risk management will increasingly inform future investments. The recent recruitment of partner Michael Cahn in Paris whose speciality is in restructuring indicates that DWF is continuously strengthening its global capabilities in meeting investors’ demands. Such demands can be fulfilled by DWF’s Connected Services offering, such as the 360 Claims and Risk Management Software, which offers companies advice regarding their risk and cost for investments along the economic cycle. The sustainability of DWF’s innovations was assured by the Annual Report 2022 - as the Connected Services division continued to grow, profitability improved with net revenue growing by 19%, whereas direct costs only increased by 16%. This kind of value added to clients securing business efficiency would put DWF ahead of its competitors by maintaining a steady workstream in the long run.

2022

1. Why have you chosen to apply for a training contract at DWF? (250 words)

There are three main reasons why I want to apply to your company. Firstly, DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services, combining legal advisory service with commercial intelligence and industry sector experience. My interest concerning commercial law started when I was helping my mother in her company when I was a teenager and continued through the times when I was self-employed. Helping my mum gave me an invaluable insight into the running of the business as well as structure of the company. It was a private company limited by shares. My mum was responsible for one of the subsidiaries. I remember when I learned how to create the contracts for the employees, preparing balance sheet, customer service and detailed nature of the work. Secondly, I am attracted to your commercial, innovative and strategically focused approach on creating, exploiting and enforcing intellectual property portfolio. It would be very exciting to take part in putting together complex agreements, which are designed to reduce the risk of litigation. Last but not least your Banking & Finance Department has considerable experience advising lenders and borrowers in all aspects of property finance, asset finance, acquisition and leveraged finance. I would love to collaborate on a wide range of financial products, including all types of corporate lending and security and to observe how it works from practical and technical point of view. It is also very satisfactory working on a project which helps business development.  

2. The DWF values are core to our culture, actions and behaviours. Consider which value(s) particularly resonates with you. How have you demonstrated this DWF value(s) in your current employment, extra-curricular experience or studies and how you would use apply this in the role of a trainee solicitor? (250 words)

When pandemic started, I was working for Hanahoe & Hanahoe. We noticed that a lot of people started spending their time at home, so we decided to release some promo videos. The videos were of advisory nature, however, they occurred to be very successful promoting our office. This experience shows that I am a pro-active thinker and problem solver. In 2019 every business faced a very difficult time and a moment of thread. In our case we just used it to our benefit which showed our flexibility. It shows that I can work on my own initiative as some part of the work was solely my responsibility like discussing the matters in front of the camera as well as arranging camera operator and editor, later publishing the material on social media. One of the videos got 17,000 views. I demonstrated that I am excellent communicator with good attention to details. I enjoyed working in a team environment and thrive in a challenging atmosphere. 

Another project that I started recently is my YouTube channel called Legally Inspired. I started publishing videos informing how to successfully approach FE1s. My main focus is a company law. I also arranged a discussion group for this purpose. Pursuing this aim I showed my initiative, good time management and strong interpersonal skills. Last but not least I emerged excellent people skills by building my legal network.

In both cases I presented values and skills which are vital in the role of a trainee solicitor. 

3. Please comment on a commercial news topic or trend which has interested you recently. Within your response, please consider how this news topic or trend is relevant to DWF. (250 words)

I will comment on two interesting subjects one is data protection and the other one is guidelines in relation to personal injury actions. 

Data and technology continue to permeate all areas of focus, through the improvements in operational efficiency, the collection and use of data, to fraud and financial crime. From a regulatory point of view, in 2021 fines issued by data protection authorities exceeded 1 billion euro, clearly demonstrating an increase in regulatory scrutiny in relation to how organisations are managing personal data. This trend shows no sign of abatement in 2022.

This is very beneficial information for DWF as your firm acts on behalf of insurance companies and it would be advisable to implement certain precautions and or requirements for their potential clients in relation to data protection. 

There have been considerable changes to the personal injury landscape in recent months following the introduction of the Personal Injury Guidelines in April 2021.

As we read in Irish Times several High Court challenges against new guidelines for personal injury awards are causing real difficulties regarding how such claims are currently being processed. The challenges, which are against the State, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), the State Body that makes personal injuries awards, are aimed at setting aside guidelines on many bases among which are breach of fair procedure, constitutional right to access to the courts, independence of the judiciary and amount to an impermissible delegation to the administration of justice to the council.

This is valuable information for DWF because some part of your expertise concerns personal injury actions and those are very significant developments in this area of law. 

2021

Please complete the personal statement below in no more than 650 words. Within your personal statement please answer the following questions:

What do you think differentiates DWF from its competitors? (50%)

What transferable skills have you developed that you think will be relevant as a DWF trainee solicitor. In your answer please consider how you have demonstrated them and how you would apply them as a trainee solicitor. (50%)

Please note that you will be scored on your drafting ability as well as your content.

Unlike most traditional law firms, DWF's ‘complex, managed and connected’ delivery mechanism provides clients with integrated end-to-end support for all of their legal business requirements.

Recognised as one of the most dynamic legal businesses in Europe by the Financial Times, DWF has strengthened its client offering through the establishment of its managed services business and the acquisition of Mindcrest. With clients increasingly seeking legal advisors who serve to increase transparency, reduce price and increase value of services, its unique ability to deliver an end-to-end outsourced legal solution, has positioned DWF as an attractive market leader, providing value beyond that of its competitors. Overcoming time and resource-intensive processes, by developing solutions such as DWF draft to automate contract drafting, allows sector specialists to focus on complex legal issues and positions DWF to support existing and new clients in areas where it has not previously had capability.

As DWF has a vast presence across sectors now navigating technological advancements, and with insurance technology poised to mature in 2021, the firm's tech-product offering demonstrates its readiness to support clients and DWF's connected services signal the firm's understanding of clients’ changing industry landscape, and the business challenges they face. The firm's readied and adaptable product offering enables DWF to provide solutions quicker than competitors, for example, DWF360 already can offer solutions to support the detection, prevention and mitigation of Covid-19 risks in the workplace, positioning DWF ahead of the curve. Additionally, DWF's aim of ‘disrupting to progress', as an employer, attracts business innovators who are the driving force of the evolving legal profession ensuring that the firm continues to provide cutting-edge legal business services.

DWF's delivery model demonstrates its entrepreneurial approach and reflects the way modern businesses operate and fosters valuable client relationships. As the legal sector increasingly faces competition from other areas, such as AI technology and auditing firms, providing an integrated, multidisciplinary approach for clients, without compromising quality, is something that other businesses are not well-placed to offer, giving DWF the edge on competitors and providing for a sustainable business strategy.

My ability to think analytically and creatively has been tested daily and I can analyse a problem to reach an innovative solution. In a recent project to migrate transaction bibles to a cloud-based platform, I worked alongside a team of business-leads to develop and implement a purpose-built software. Throughout the project, I demonstrated innovation by consistently seeking opportunities to refine the software, and agility by implementing and embracing changes whilst the project was underway. As clients are looking to DWF to provide pioneering business solutions, together with DWF's encouragement to think differently, as a trainee solicitor I would strive to find new ways of providing services and would embrace the use of technology to facilitate the delivery of high-quality services, responding positively to challenges.

Although I am based in NRF's Newcastle office, my team is in London meaning face-to-face contact is limited and communicating well is imperative. My ability to communicate effectively would position me well to work collaboratively with teams across the DWF network. Supported by DWF's collegiate working approach, I would feel empowered to set my challenges and collaborate with lawyers from different jurisdictions on intellectually complex transactions knowing that I have access to ample support and supervision, fostering development. Further, having worked with a diverse clientele I am confident in my ability to build rapport and establish valuable working-relationships and together with my desire to understand business' drivers for success, as a trainee solicitor this would enable me to appreciate client requirements and challenges to develop tailored legal solutions.

My commitment to volunteering has had a significant impact on my personal and professional growth and has provided the opportunity to co-ordinate and project manage fundraising events. I would be proud to use these skills as a trainee solicitor, to support DWF's commitment to CSR and promoting inclusion through the DWF Foundation and charitable initiatives.