2025

Cover letter (350 words)

Dear Mrs Davies and Mrs Roche, I am writing to express my interest in a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co. As a final-year law student at [redacted], I have followed the firm’s work closely through its open days, podcasts, and online resources. I am particularly drawn to Farrer & Co.’s ability to balance its rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach, offering bespoke legal services across private client and business sectors. The firm’s ethos aligns with my aspirations to build a meaningful and client-focused career in law. Farrer & Co’s reputation for excellence across diverse practice areas, particularly private client work, is well-recognized. Its Band 1 rankings and leadership in the legal industry reflect the firm’s dedication to delivering high-quality, tailored solutions. I am particularly inspired by the firm’s collaborative culture and commitment to its people, reflected in its six-seat training structure and emphasis on fostering close relationships within its small trainee intake. These qualities ensure a supportive environment and hands-on experience that would be invaluable for my personal and professional development. My academic and professional experiences have prepared me well for a legal career. During my internship at [redacted], I conducted legal research, drafted documents, and gained insight into the importance of building strong client relationships. As Vice President of Marketing for the [redacted], I developed my organizational and leadership skills by managing promotional campaigns and coordinating events. Additionally, my volunteer work with [redacted] has taught me the importance of empathy and adaptability when working with people from diverse backgrounds. Outside of work and studies, I am committed to personal growth and pursuing activities that expand my perspective. I have trained in classical dance since the age of four, which has instilled discipline, creativity, and focus. I am also improving my proficiency in Arabic, strengthening my ability to connect with different cultures and enhancing my communication skills. A vacation scheme at Farrer & Co. would provide invaluable insight into the firm’s approach and allow me to contribute meaningfully to its work. Thank you for considering my application. Yours sincerely, 

What makes Farrer & Co stand out to you compared to other firms and why? (250 words)

Farrer & Co’s ability to combine a rich heritage with innovative solutions makes it a standout firm for me. Their Art and Cultural Property department, exemplifies their expertise. Being ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners reflects their exceptional ability in this field. Their collaboration with the V&A Museum on the lease of Delancey’s Here East innovation campus is a perfect example of how they successfully blend cultural understanding with complex legal processes. As someone deeply interested in art and cultural law, their work in supporting the creative industries strongly appeals to me. Their leadership in dispute resolution is equally compelling. The case of Dr. B.R. Shetty, involving allegations of financial mismanagement and multi-jurisdictional disputes, highlighted the firm’s ability to handle high-stakes, reputationally sensitive matters with precision and professionalism. This aligns with my interest in dispute resolution and reputation management, particularly in navigating intricate and high-profile cases. Farrer & Co’s expertise in real estate law is another key draw. Their work securing financing for Shinfield Studios demonstrates their ability to lead on transformative projects that intersect law, business, and creative industries. This perfectly complements my interest in real estate and its broader applications. What truly sets Farrer & Co apart, however, is its supportive and collaborative culture, which I experienced firsthand at their virtual open day. The six-seat training structure offers unparalleled exposure to diverse practice areas, ensuring well-rounded development and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships across the firm.

What skills have you developed which are transferable to a career as a solicitor? (250 words)

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have developed a range of skills that are highly transferable to a career as a solicitor. My internship at  [redacted] allowed me to refine my analytical and research skills by conducting detailed legal research, drafting case summaries, and preparing court documents. This experience taught me how to approach complex legal issues with precision and communicate my findings effectively. It also strengthened my ability to work under pressure and deliver results in a professional environment. My roles in teaching and leadership have further developed my communication and interpersonal skills. As an English teacher in Thailand, I tailored lessons to students of different ages and abilities, requiring me to adapt my approach and explain concepts clearly. Similarly, as Vice President of Marketing for [redacted], I led campaigns, coordinated events, and collaborated with diverse teams. These experiences enhanced my ability to connect with people, manage responsibilities, and work collaboratively toward shared goals. Being multilingual is another strength I bring to the profession. I am fluent in several languages, including [redacted], and I am currently improving my proficiency in Arabic. This skill enhances my ability to engage with a diverse client base and demonstrates my adaptability and commitment to personal growth. Combined with my analytical abilities, clear communication, and teamwork experience, I am well-equipped to navigate the challenges of a legal career with confidence and precision.

How do you fill your time outside of work and studying and why? (250 words) 

Outside of work and studying, I spend my time engaging in activities that allow me to contribute to the community and pursue my personal interests. As a mentor for[redacted], I support students from refugee backgrounds, helping them navigate academic and personal challenges. On weekends, I volunteer at the [redacted], assisting with activities that create a welcoming and engaging environment for children. These experiences are incredibly fulfilling and reflect my passion for fostering inclusivity and making a positive impact. I have been training in classical dance since the age of four, and it remains a significant part of my life. This pursuit has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of self-expression. It has also allowed me to connect with my cultural heritage while developing creativity and focus, qualities that resonate across every aspect of my personal and professional life. Performing in front of audiences has strengthened my confidence and ability to stay composed under pressure. Public speaking is another passion I actively pursue. In school, I was captain of the debate society and chaired Model United Nations conferences, which enhanced my ability to think critically, present persuasively, and collaborate effectively. At university, I continue to develop this interest through my involvement with the debate society, where I refine my skills in argumentation and communication. In addition, I am improving my proficiency in Arabic through regular lessons. This reflects my dedication to lifelong learning and cultural engagement, helping me grow both personally and professionally. 

What positions of responsibilities have you held and what skills have you developed as a result? (500 words) 

As Vice President of Marketing and Social Secretary for the [redacted] at [redacted], I managed promotional campaigns, organized events, and collaborated with various teams to boost engagement and visibility. These roles enhanced my leadership, creativity, and organizational abilities, as I balanced multiple tasks and created strategies to connect with a diverse audience. Addressing challenges, such as finding last-minute solutions for events, taught me how to remain composed under pressure and maintain a collaborative approach to problem-solving. These experiences strengthened my ability to manage competing priorities effectively while delivering impactful results. My position as Deputy Head Girl gave me the opportunity to represent the student body and work closely with staff to implement initiatives that improved the school community. This role required strong communication skills to bridge the gap between students and faculty, ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard. I led meetings, facilitated discussions, and organized projects that addressed key issues, such as improving student engagement and fostering inclusivity. Balancing these responsibilities with my academic commitments taught me how to manage my time efficiently and lead with confidence and empathy. My role as a Model United Nations (MUN) chair further developed my public speaking, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Moderating debates and managing time during conferences required me to ensure discussions remained inclusive and productive. Additionally, resolving conflicts and guiding participants toward consensus helped me hone my ability to make fair and thoughtful decisions—skills that are invaluable in a legal setting. 

Tell me about a situation where you worked effectively with others in a team. What was your role and what responsibilities did you have? (250 words)

As Vice President of Marketing for the [redacted], I worked with a team to organize a networking event for students and legal professionals. The event required extensive collaboration and coordination with the regional, national, and international boards of [redacted] to ensure everything aligned with the organization’s standards and objectives. My role focused on leading the marketing efforts and contributing to the event’s planning and execution. I managed the promotion by designing marketing materials, drafting social media campaigns, and engaging with the student body to maximize attendance. Additionally, I worked with speakers and sponsors to ensure their needs were met and their contributions were seamlessly integrated into the event. A week before the event, one of our keynote speakers cancelled unexpectedly. I reached out to my professional network to secure a replacement, leveraging connections I had built through previous [redacted] events and my internship experiences. Once confirmed, I updated promotional materials and coordinated with my team to communicate the changes promptly to attendees and stakeholders. The event was a success, exceeding attendance expectations and receiving positive feedback from students and professionals alike. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and collaboration across different teams and stakeholders. It also reinforced the value of building and maintaining a strong network, which can be instrumental in overcoming challenges and ensuring the success of a shared goal.

2024

Cover letter (350 words)

Dear Mrs Davies and Mrs Roche,  

I am a non-law graduate writing to apply for the Farrer & Co 2024 vacation scheme, with the hopes of progressing onto the training contract. 

My ambition is to become a solicitor, driven by several motivations. Firstly, the career provides academic rigour through tasks such as drafting documentation and interpreting legislation. During my legal experiences I carried out relevant tasks such as contract searching and summarising complex legal information for clients. I excelled at these tasks and thoroughly enjoyed them.  

Studying social sciences has enabled me to think critically about human nature and factors influencing an equitable society. The complexity of human relationships is epitomised in the law and as a solicitor I’d have a crucial role within them. I gravitate to the idea of delivering client-focused service and establishing trusted relationships, a value shared by Farrer & Co.  

Engaging with evolving legal and commercial landscapes is a captivating prospect. Offering bespoke, high-quality business and legal advice interests me and I am eager to learn more through the legal case study on the vacation scheme. The collaboration across departments and with clients is enticing, alongside the career progression opportunities.

Farrer & Co holds numerous Band 1 rankings and excels in private client work, my area of interest. The firm attracts prestigious clients, offering unique and rewarding cases. It has an unrivalled reputation in Education and Media sectors I am keen to explore on the vacation scheme. The six-seat training structure is valuable and offers broad experience. My conversations with trainees ensured me of the firm’s supportive and friendly culture to which I can contribute.  

Retail experience has fostered exceptional skills in communication cross-referring clients across departments. My role as an academic tutor has developed adaptability, attention to detail and time management. Various extracurriculars and positions of responsibility demonstrate integrity and motivation, and my consistent high academic performance illustrates my commitment to excellence. Please see my application for details accounts of my leadership and relevant experiences. 

Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you. 

Yours Sincerely,

[Name]

What makes Farrer & Co stand out to you compared to other firms and why? (250 words)

Farrer & Co marries a modern standard of excellence with timeless prestige. This attracts interesting clients and high-profile cases (for example, Farrer’s work for Jason Lutz against RyanAir and Storm Global for an Employment Appeal Tribunal). This makes the work stimulating and rewarding and provides exciting work that rivals bigger firms but without the feeling of anonymity. 

The firm maintains top tier rankings in private client and family sectors, areas of particular interest. This assures me I would learn from the best and work within efficient and effective teams. For a city firm to excel in areas outside the realm of just corporate and commercial is unique and enticing. 

I connected with trainee (name) via LinkedIn to discuss the firm. The supportive and friendly culture of Farrer & Co is evident, and I feel I can contribute to and thrive within this. 

The small trainee teams will allow me to make a tangible and meaningful impact whilst establishing authentic and supportive relationships. The unconventional six seat structure widens learning opportunities and would assist my decision about where to qualify. Having strength across a broad range of departments suggests I’ll have consistent exposure to pioneering work in every seat. The high retention rate is a testament to the firm’s effective training strategy.

The firm's commitment to the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance pledge and pro bono initiatives, such as the Mary Ward Legal Centre, align with my values, assuring me of its strong corporate responsibility and making it a firm I'd proudly represent. 

What skills have you developed which are transferable to a career as a solicitor? (250 words)

I have strong communications skills fostered through retail work, working as an academic tutor and volunteering as a dance teacher. I understand how to manage client expectations and maintain long lasting relationships by referring clients internally and delivering outstanding personalised service. Working in retail also developed my commercial awareness by keeping updated on sale strategies and competitor behaviour, further cultivated on my Business and Human Rights Forage internship. A joint honours degree has honed my analytical skills and adaptability, as subjects had clashing deadlines and different assessment objectives. My dissertation developed my research ability and attention to detail, vital attributes to a solicitor.

Experience in group projects, particularly during my UN internship, has cultivated teamwork ability. This is applicable when working within my own department and with others on multidisciplinary cases. This international internship also developed a global mindset and adaptability, useful for working on cross-jurisdictional cases. I have become an agile thinker thanks to my role as ballet captain at university, where I had to think quickly in emergencies and make decisions under pressure. 

I was the highest achieving female student in my school’s GCSE cohort. I maintained high academic standards throughout A-levels and my degree, demonstrating consistent pursuit of excellence and commitment to hard work. 

Discretion and integrity was fostered in my role as a pastoral mentor. I learnt the value of this during my work experience in the family department where I carried out work for an ongoing case, mastering combining empathy with pragmatic advice. 

How do you fill your time outside of work and studying and why? (250 words) 

I found a love for reading from a very early age and maintain this today. I enjoy it for various reasons, from fiction for mere escapism to intellectually engaging non- fiction. I love how reading ties together humanity, as we find comfort in learning how our experiences and emotions have been felt by those across the world and throughout time. I make note of new words and their meaning and have cultivated a list of vocabulary on my phone that I often refer back to. 

I immerse myself in creative writing. I find it cathartic and an outlet for my imagination. At university I wrote creative pieces for the magazine, and now find it an effective substitute for the creativity expressed through ballet teaching.

My weekly ballet classes are the perfect source of exercise, I leave feeling energised and I enjoy the sense of discipline and the rewarding feeling when mastering a complicated movement.

I enjoy practising mindfulness. I love meditation as it helps me put stress and anxiety into perspective. I have noticed I think more clearly day to day and I have naturally adopted more of a growth mindset as a result. 

Finally, I enjoy socialising with my friends and cultivating positive relationships with those around me. A particularly enjoyable activity at the moment is embarking on winter beach walks with a hometown friend. I find that the nostalgic atmosphere and peaceful scenery cultivates interesting and profound conversation, accompanied by a hot coffee from the cafe. 

What positions of responsibilities have you held and what skills have you developed as a result? (250 words)

As Head Girl of my secondary school, I honed my leadership skills by overseeing a team of diverse individuals, fostering a collaborative environment and managing various projects. Coordinating and chairing meetings allowed me to enhance my organisational abilities, ensuring effective communication and the smooth execution of tasks. Negotiation skills were cultivated through liaising with local organisations for charity projects, alongside delegation through organising the student leadership body. Being a representative voice for students facilitated the development of my interpersonal skills and the ability to advocate for the concerns of others. This role not only instilled a strong sense of accountability but also deepened my understanding of the importance of diplomacy and tact in navigating complex situations. 

As Captain of my university's competitive ballet team, choreographing routines and coordinating my team demanded adaptability and a keen eye for detail. Overseeing the logistical aspects of events, such as venue arrangements and budget management, sharpened my strategic planning and problem-solving capabilities. I understand the importance of proactive teamwork. 

When head pastoral mentor, I guided a young student through academic challenges and personal anxieties. This fostered my ability to handle sensitive topics with discretion and honour confidentiality. These skills are transferable to working with clients at Farrer & Co where trust, discretion, and adept handling of sensitive matters are paramount. I tutor a GCSE English student which comes with high responsibility as I guide her towards important exams. I provide lessons bespoke to her needs, meaning I have experience in delivering client-led and personalised service.  

What is your biggest achievement so far and why? (250 words)

My biggest achievement was successfully arranging a charity event that raised £1,000 for our local homeless charity.

Whilst head girl I founded the idea to hold a ‘charity sleep-out’ to raise money for our local homeless shelter for Christmas. I advocated for this charity to the senior leadership team, arguing the importance of helping those without shelter over the cold festive period. I cultivated the idea for sixth form students and staff to be sponsored to sleep overnight in the school playground. I led an assembly that motivated the sixth formers to partake, insisting on how this would be a fun adventure for an important cause. After approaching local cafes, a few agreed to get involved, donating to the charity and providing hot drinks for us. This involved negotiation and delegation skills, as I assigned the student leadership team roles to ensure this happened smoothly. The evening was a success. I cooperated with a teacher to arrange films played in the main hall and activities like karaoke in the common room. I was delighted that by the end of term we had raised a great amount of money because of my own idea and management. I also suggested a whole school mufti day and weekly Friday bake sales throughout the term for the charity too. My engagement with charity projects (coupled with other volunteering experiences) make me eager to get involved in pro bono opportunities provided at Farrer&Co, particularly with the Mary Ward free legal advice centre. 

Legal Work Exposure (eg. open days, vacation schemes, shadowing, or any other work to show your commitment to law) (350 words)

My work experience at TWM solicitors was hands-on and invaluable. I worked across different sectors and completed vacation scheme tasks including contract searching and drafting clear explanations of complex legal matters for clients. It was here I found a love for family law. I could implement my studies and felt as though my work was important yet personal. I also realised that I desired a faster and higher profile firm than high-street offices. 

I attended the Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair and spent time in the Farrer & Co room. The firm stood out to me because of the way in which those present exuded professionalism yet approachability. The standard of knowledge from associates was palpable and impressive. 

I attended open days at Forsters and Charles Russell Speechlys. I enjoyed learning more about the different sectors of law and typical tasks within them. I have found growing intrigue in the dispute resolution sector. Insight into firm life assured me of my inclination towards collaborative cultures and the London working environment. 

Following this, I completed Forage’s Clifford Chance Human Rights and Business virtual internship to increase my commercial understanding and tasks typical of a city firm. I worked with the M&A team on human rights matters and drafted advice to a corporation on their compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. I enjoyed drafting, advising and developing my commercial awareness. This confirmed my aspirations to train at a multidisciplinary firm. 

In 2022 I won the Clifford Chance ‘More Than Law’ essay competition, which involved writing a persuasive essay on why my degree was transferable to a solicitor’s career. I was given an exclusive tour of the firm and networked with trainees, associates and partners from non-law backgrounds. It confirmed to me that my degree has indeed honed essential skills that will assist in my progression. I was also attracted by the career progression opportunities within law, learning about the prospect of transitioning to senior positions and partner roles. Though a positive experience, I established I was not drawn to commercial based firms that lacked individualism and supportive environments.  

Describe a particularly challenging experience you have faced and the way you dealt with it. This could be an incident from any part of your life. (250 words)

My time as subject representative for the 93% Club, an organisation dedicated to boosting state educated students’ participation in prestigious universities and careers, was particularly challenging. The role entailed skills such as advocacy, collaboration, organisation and strategic analysis. The hardest task was increasing membership and subscriptions from social science students. The first step was identifying factors deterring them and strategising methods accordingly. 

To tackle lack of awareness, I collaborated with the media officer to create a more effective poster to display around the social science buildings. Next, I negotiated with professors to explain the society and create lecture slides encouraging involvement. I identified social media as a primary source of information for students and created an Instagram poll asking what social science students wanted from the club, ensuring I was an active listener. I advocated for a new newsletter approach, explaining its current focus on tech/finance was unrelatable for social science students and suggested incorporating insight into civil service, policy and the law conversion. I approached this tentatively, aware that this was outside of my role and cautious of appearing patronising. I focused on our shared goal of increasing participation and remained open to her method of approach.  

By the year’s end, subscriptions had increased by 47%. This was rewarding on a professional level, as I had succeeded at a challenging task and developed skills valuable to my career, but also brought personal satisfaction as social mobility has long been a topic of which I am passionate and concerned. 

2023

Cover letter

Dear Mrs Roche,

Thank you for considering my application to Farrer & Co (Farrer). I am excited at the prospect of joining a firm that combines its historic reputation and progressive outlook, offering varied, interesting work across a diverse mix of practice areas.

From the international, commercial setting of Memery Crystal, to the collaborative, private client work at Taylor Rose MW, my insights into various legal environments have motivated me to pursue a career as a solicitor. Whilst I thrived in the former's high-intensity, dynamic context, the latter confirmed that I work best in a team and find the tangible nature of private client work particularly engaging.

Farrer's combination of corporate and private client practices greatly appeals to me. I would like to join a firm that advises its clients on personal matters alongside their business affairs, where I will be challenged with placing an individual's concerns within the broader commercial landscape, whilst maintaining their trust and confidence. Hence, I am attracted to the integrated nature of Farrer's practice areas and multidisciplinary approach to training, through its distinctive six seat system.

Furthermore, it is clear that interpersonal competence is essential to the skillset of a Farrer's lawyer; I admire the emphasis placed on integrity when handling client matters. I developed the ability to communicate with clarity and sensibility, engaging in charity work: distributing food to [redacted university city]'s homeless community with Neighbourly, required me to respond to a vulnerable, uncooperative group, remaining patient and pragmatic. I feel confident that my intuitive and adaptable nature make me well-suited to assisting Farrer's impressive clientele. Additionally, I am inspired by the firm's insistence on partnership and my cooperative skills would equip me to effectively collaborate within ambitious teams. Being especially drawn to Farrer's work with not-for-profit organisations and philanthropists, I hope to work with some of the UK’s leading experts on charity law.

Farrer's regard for excellence, across its high quality work, client service and commitment to trainees, have motivated me to apply. I would be grateful to attend a Vacation Scheme to gain a real insight into the firm.

Yours sincerely,

[redacted candidate]

Please provide details of your positions of responsibility. (300 max)

As a school student, I was voted Upper School Head Girl which gave me a substantial range of responsibilities, including making speeches to entire year groups and their parents, and coordinating events. I learned to manage a heavy workload by developing excellent time management and organisation skills. This enabled me to still excel academically, being one of two pupils with the highest GCSE results of our cohort and awarded a Major Academic Scholarship, along with just two others. I became a confident leader as I had to make strategic decisions, for example when organising final year celebrations and merchandise, whilst simultaneously managing the various opinions of my peers.

Last year, I completed the [redacted] University PLUS Award which is achieved by fewer than 5% of students each year. It requires participants to complete 50 hours of work experience, an intensive skills activity and to attend a series of workplace skills workshops. My intensive skills activity comprised of leading a Human Resources project during a week's placement at Inditex, in London. I investigated the efficiency of the employee induction process in reducing staff turnover and was responsible for producing a report on the subject. I was to gather my data by interviewing retail assistants on the shop floor and employees in the head office, however, few could remember their induction process nor give me specific answers. Therefore, I used my initiative to undertake further independent research and approached the HR director and her team to ask for archived induction documents. I was determined and thorough in my approach, exhibiting the characteristic skills of a Farrer & Co lawyer, being a clear, fast and agile thinker. This allowed me to deliver a successful summary of my findings to my supervisor and colleagues, improving my presentation skills in the process.

Please list anything else you believe strengthens your application. (300 max)

Learning languages is a passion of mine and an area in which I have continuously excelled. I am a fluent French speaker and completed an Economy, Business and Finance course at London's French Institute in May, to practise my language skills whilst improving my commercial awareness. Additionally, I studied Spanish at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages alongside my Law degree, achieving a First. I am due to begin an online Spanish course with “Spanish and Coffee?” as not only would I like to maintain my conversation skills, but I also very much enjoy discussing Spanish culture.

I have been interested to read about Farrer's international strategy and the importance of the firm's independence to guarantee the quality standards of its extensive global network, with the ability to form integrated teams of experts for cross-border work. I believe that my multilingual abilities would be an asset to Farrer & Co’s international outlook, whereby clients are offered tailored advice, enhanced by a thorough understanding of their culture.

Furthermore, I am excited about the collaborative nature of Farrer's international model; I am fascinated by the added layer of complexity that cross-border deals may bring to a transaction, providing the opportunity to learn about different jurisdictions and from professionals around the world. Being part of a small team in my role at Franco Florenzi ensured a supportive atmosphere and great exposure to the business. I was grateful to interact with customers around the world, ameliorating my communication skills as I attended to concerns. My team strategised about differing demands across the company's target regions, promoting a sense of camaraderie that I believe to be essential for a motivated workplace. I would endeavour to bring such enthusiasm to Farrer & Co when collaborating with members of the firm.

Please provide details of your activities and interests. (300 max)

I travelled to India in January and had the most incredible experience, being struck by the vibrancy of the culture and the warmth of the locals. During my trip, I volunteered at Sevadaan Special School in Mumbai, a special needs school inaugurated by Mother Theresa in 1984, where I taught English vocabulary to children with Down syndrome. I explored creative ways of teaching, such as role play, which kept the children engaged and encouraged progress. Additionally, I volunteered for [redacted] University’s LinkAges programme last year, paying weekly visits to an elderly resident of the [redacted local] retirement village. By being patient and attentive, I gained her trust as she shared stories from her past; I was mindful to respect her privacy when presenting an overview of our time together to the other volunteers.

These experiences have strengthened my interpersonal skills as I conscientiously adapt my language to distinct environments. I value the importance of developing long term client relations at Farrer & Co and feel confident that I could work in partnership with clients, maintaining their trust, with a view to delivering the highest quality service.

I am a keen runner and often set myself goals, participating in the Bath Half Marathon last March and raising over £1,000 for Breast Cancer Now. Further, I decided to try a completely new sport during my second year, joining the [redacted] Jets cheerleading squad. I was a flyer and felt empowered by the mutual trust, knowing that each position within my stunt group of five was integral to the overall success of the 150-person squad. I advanced from the inclusive Gameday team when I started, to one of the competitive squads in my final year. This instilled in me a great sense of resilience and determination to embrace new challenges.

Describe a time you had a good idea and made it happen. (300 max)

After graduating from university, I managed the social media presence of jewellery SME, Franco Florenzi, publishing content to engage with its social media following and drive traffic to the website. When the new jewellery collection was released, I was assigned the launch of our first advertising campaign. I was determined to produce an innovative design that would connect with our existing customer base whilst expanding our reach; hence, I admire Farrer's commitment to balancing experience and innovation. I gathered the customer data analytics in order for a targeted campaign, and found that the brand had significant engagement from Spanish speakers around the world. Therefore, I had the idea to create an advert that would resonate with these potential customers and consolidate the Hispanic following.

I took the initiative to approach Spanish photographers through the company's social media accounts, proposing a business collaboration that would supply high quality photographs of the new collection and present Franco Florenzi to a new audience. Forming a meaningful partnership through the informal medium of social media was challenging, with no response guaranteed due to the volume of requests that many photographers receive. Nevertheless, I learned to tailor my proposal and exercise sound judgement, pursuing photographers that aligned with our brand ethos. By communicating clearly and professionally, I established a strong relationship with the company's current photographer. This helped ensure the linguistic and cultural accuracy of the campaign's Spanish text.

I used research from the data analytics and likely conversion rates when selecting the adverts audience, to narrow the scope and target Hispanic countries. My drive to raise brand awareness and deliver results from the campaign motivated me, and taking the commercial decision to respond to this potential following led to an influx of social media engagement and strengthened the company's customer base, boosting sales accordingly.

Why are you applying to Farrer & Co? (300 max)

I would like to develop my legal career at Farrer & Co because I believe that it could offer me exceptional training and opportunities across a vast network of expertise, amidst its supportive, interconnected culture.

I am attracted to the combination of Farrer's historical underpinnings with its progressive vision, culminating in an interesting mix of high quality work across its diverse practice areas and impressive client base. Farrer's distinctive six-seat system especially appeals to me as I would appreciate the chance to experience multiple departments throughout my training contract, subsequently developing an expertise in a legal area that I particularly enjoyed. I benefited from a broad selection of modules at university and gained a strong set of transferrable skills as a result, exploring bioethics and family law, alongside commercial units. Hence, I was interested to hear from trainee, Sophie Lucas, that the Farrer's training contract encourages a well-rounded team of lawyers, whereby transition to qualification is facilitated as trainees return to their qualifying department for their final seat. I am impressed that this comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to training continues throughout one's career at the firm, as groups of experts collaborate across practice areas to solve client problems.

Furthermore, I admire the importance of partnership and teamwork to Farrer's strategy, both regarding clients and firm members. The prospect of learning from ambitious legal minds, working with solicitors of all levels through a culture of sharing knowledge, excites me greatly. I have benefitted from the intimate setting of my current position at Taylor Rose MW, interacting with more experienced paralegals and solicitors in my team, thereby enhancing my development. Therefore, I was pleased to learn how Farrer's small trainee intake offers early responsibility and client contact, and am convinced that a career at the firm is suited to me.

Summer 2023

Please provide your covering letter in the box below in letter format. Please note that we are aware that formatting, such as tabs, alignment, bold, etc, is not retained as this is a plain text box. (350 words)

Dear Farrer & Co Graduate Recruitment,

I am applying for your 2023 Vacation Scheme to experience life at a firm that provides market-leading services on a broad range of challenging and complex matters. The scheme is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside, and learn from, leading minds in the legal sector, with a view to secure a training contract at Farrer & Co.

In my career and academics, I have pro-actively sought out the most demanding projects as I am driven to push myself, understand the world around me and deliver for my clients. As a [occupation], I regularly combine problem solving with a business mindset and would be able to take this approach to the next level at Farrer & Co. I would relish acting as both legal and business advisor to have a real, positive impact on clients.

The most interesting transactions and disputes require working with people across practice areas and jurisdictions. Collaboration has been crucial during my work with grassroots organisations and international students during internships. I want to continue contributing to a successful team. 

Relationships, both with clients and colleagues, are integral to Farrer & Co’s practice. Whether establishing relationships of trust with interviewees at a refugee support charity or engaging with sponsors to secure funding for projects, I understand the importance of building good working relationships. I would find developing a relationship with clients and a team over the course of my career highly rewarding. 

Farrer & Co has a close-knit community, mirrored by its small trainee intake. This is attractive because it offers hands-on experience alongside senior lawyers, consistent feedback and an opportunity for taking on responsibility from the outset. Farrer & Co’s six seat training structure is appealing as it not only reflects the firm’s breadth of offering, but also its commitment to providing the best training by equipping its lawyers with a wide skill set and knowledge base.

Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully, 

What skills have you developed which are transferable to a career as a solicitor? (250 words)

Working at [occupation] , with tight budgets, demands efficiency, commitment and excellent time management. I regularly apply my strong organisational and interpersonal skills to work with clients across the country on impactful projects. My ability to take the initiative and provide business-focused solutions has been recognised in my promotion. I would carry forward these skills and attitudes into a career at Farrer & Co.

Building trusted relationships is essential to both corporate and private clients and the growth of a firm. I am naturally drawn to such a people centred career. Farrer & Co’s expertise in private client work, along with their other market-leading transactional and disputes teams, would allow me to harness and further develop my interpersonal skills. I have valued collaborating with others towards a common role in my work and committee roles. This is an important mindset if you want to work in Farrer & Co’s high-performing, close-knit teams. 

Flexibility, perseverance, leadership and communication are key skills in a legal career. I regularly utilise these skills during my work with marginalised communities; for example, I recently led a report examining the services of a [name] charity, which was essential for the funding of their future projects. I was responsible for interviewing beneficiaries at the charity’s hub, where I had to overcome significant communication barriers and adapt my approach to each interviewee’s level of English proficiency. The experience taught me the importance of perseverance and re-evaluating my strategies; qualities which are important in a career as a solicitor.

How do you fill your time outside of work and studying and why? (300 words)

My hobbies and interests include cooking, music, theatre and art. Having spent my school years singing opera, as well as playing the violin, I now love taking back seat watching shows whenever I get the opportunity. I’ll never forget the thrill of performing in front of other people, but I am equally happy to sit back and enjoy a great piece of music or theatre. I most recently enjoyed Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, but the best, and most powerful, performance I have had the pleasure of witnessing was the Welsh National Opera’s Madam Butterfly in my hometown. 

I carried my interest in theatre to university. As a member of the [University society], I had leading acting roles in a number of productions. A personal highlight was performing a play at the [event] that raised awareness of the effects of gaslighting. It was an amazing opportunity to bring a play to life by engaging in its production, promotion and performance. I think theatre is incredibly important because it can prompt us to think about the world around us, but it can also be a hugely fun spectacle that we, as an audience, can escape to.

I also love travelling, seizing every opportunity to visit new places and meet new people. This year, I felt fortunate to travel around Cuba, which has left a lasting impression on me. Whilst Covid and sanctions following Cuba's failure to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had a significant impact on its economic situation (particularly in relation to food scarcity), I have never met more positive and welcoming individuals; some of which I remain in contact with today.

What positions of responsibilities have you held and what skills have you developed as a result? (300 words)

When working for a client it is crucial to have a clear understanding of a client’s goals and internal processes to create a personalised solution for them. This was important when I led a research project to inform the investments of a [organisation]. I was responsible for: liaising with the client to understand and analyse their objectives; creating a project plan including budget and timeframes; and, delivering a timely report. One of the main goals was to build strong relationships with grassroots organisations in [description]. After conducting in-depth research and outreach I successfully led 38 interviews, securing several strategic partnerships for the client. Taking on the responsibility to deliver this project significantly strengthened my time management skills and my ability to come up with effective solutions.

During my first term at university, a friend was spiked during a night out together. The experience shook me as it was the first time I experienced how dangerous student nightlife in big cities could be. Motivated to help solve this widespread problem, I secured a leadership position in a new student-led society aimed at challenging behaviours around sexual harassment on campus. My responsibilities included managing representatives and delegating specific roles, and the promotion and coordination of three sold-out events. Additionally, I conducted several workshops where I trained up to 20 students how to protect themselves against sexual harassment while participating in student nightlife. This involved planning and conducting sessions with various skills-based exercises. I had to pro-actively find, summarise and communicate crucially important information, whilst ensuring that I created a safe and inclusive space for students to discuss any personal challenges. Addressing the impact of misogynistic cultures and modern forms of gender-based violence has since informed every aspect of my academic career.

What impressed you about Farrer & Co while carrying out your research and why? (300 words)

Farrer & Co’s excellent training, culture, breadth of offering and record of delivering on the most complex transactions and disputes makes the firm so impressive. Farrer & Co is uniquely placed to take advantage of the agility granted by its independence to serve both its corporate and private clients wherever they are. Working at Farrer & Co is an opportunity to collaborate with the sharpest legal minds, both in and outside of the firm, on the most demanding matters. I have sought out intellectually challenging problems in both the workplace and my academics.

The breadth of Farrer & Co’s practice stands out. The firm is consistently ranked as market-leading in private wealth work, which appeals to me because I enjoy tasks with a personal touch. The firm is exciting because it carries this excellence across practice areas. Farrer & Co’s role in securing financing for Shinfield Studios Limited typifies this approach, involving work across borders with international stakeholders and across its highly ranked teams including Banking & Finance, Corporate, Real Estate and Planning.

Farrer & Co’s close-knit community makes it the best place to work. It creates opportunities to work alongside and receive feedback from Farrer & Co’s top lawyers and would permit me to take on responsibility from the outset. The firm’s emphasis on establishing close, enduring relationships with its clients and their advisers enables Farrer & Co to best understand what a client wants to achieve, allowing its lawyers to provide tailored legal solutions.

Farrer & Co’s six seat training program is a fundamental reason why I am applying to the firm. This would allow me to experience a wider range of practice areas, expose me to more people, challenge me to develop my skillset and better inform my decision on qualification. 

What is your biggest achievement so far and why? (300 words) 

Earlier this year, I was approached by a [network] to host a webinar in which three prominent feminist authors were invited to discuss [topic]. Despite no prior experience in hosting a panel discussion, I was excited by the opportunity to work with a new international team.

The network was trialling this event format as a new strategy to broaden their membership base. There were, however, only four weeks to research, plan and promote the event. From experience, I understand the importance of building a good working relationship from the outset. I therefore arranged an informal meeting so we could collaboratively discuss our ideas and delegate specific tasks around our work commitments.

The webinar was a huge success, reaching the highest number of attendees of any previous event and gaining several new members. Inspired by the conversation, I decided to co-design a new project in collaboration with the network aimed at combating anti-gender and racist ideologies. Recently, I hosted an eye-opening conversation with Italian digital rights expert [name], where we discussed the role of the popular Telegram messaging app in facilitating online gender-based harms. I am fascinated by her work, as it uncovers the pressing need for industry to take greater responsibility managing the inherent risk in their products and services. Given the prevalence of online harms, this event inspired the focus of my research project for my master’s degree.

I remain responsible for coordinating and securing authors for the bi-monthly webinar that I co-host. This achievement stands out to me because it reinforced the importance of embracing every opportunity, because you never know where it might lead.

2022

Covering Letter

Dear Mrs Davies and Mrs Roche,

Currently undertaking a year studying Political Science at [University] in Munich, as part of my International Relations with German degree, I am applying for the Farrer & Co Vacation Scheme 2022. Farrer & Co’s Vacation Scheme will provide me with the essential commercial development to becoming a trainee at Farrers.

My aspiration is to have a successful career in Law, where I can utilise my communication skills to secure and build trusted client relationships and provide client-focused solutions. With a strong commitment to client service, I believe that Farrers is the firm which can best facilitate a client-orientated career. Furthermore, at Farrer & Co, with the small trainee intakes, I can engage in challenging client work from the outset of my career.

A career with active involvement in the market, when offering business and legal solutions to clients, greatly interests me. Working at a wealth management firm, I know the importance of understanding a client’s competitors, accumulation strategy and core values before offering advice. As a lawyer, I look forward to learning about the individual and commercial needs of my clients when considering bespoke legal and business solutions within the wider commercial environment. Thus, through the group legal case study, as part of Farrer & Co’s Vacation Scheme, I will gain insight into the high-quality and client-focused training at Farrer & Co.

Driven by ambition I have already had a positive impact on the firms that I have worked in. Collaborating on a Centralised Investment Proposition at [Wealth Management Firm] proactively creating an information leaflet for English-speaking clients on German vs UK Real Estate Law at [International Law Firm] in Munich, I prove my commitment to anticipating the needs of clients and providing innovative solutions to their everchanging needs. On Farrer & Co’s Vacation Scheme, I will gain insight into the realities of a trainee position at Farrers; a prestigious and innovative law firm.

I would be delighted to discuss any aspect of my application with you. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Please provide details of your activities and interests 

Throughout my academic career I have enjoyed my involvement in sports. At [School] I was captain of 1^st Team Hockey, achieved multiple County and Regional Athletics placings, and competed at National Equestrian Championships for both the school and my local club. This interest has followed me to university, where I have been an active member of the Athletics, Equestrian, Lacrosse and Polo Clubs, attending the Winter National University Polo Championships. Whilst participating in multiple sports, I have enjoyed learning the value of an inclusive team, whereby our greatest successes in sport were achieved when valuing each individual member.

This year in Munich I am able to pursue two further interests which are hiking and skiing. As sports which are often hard work, I gain a great sense of achievement when doing them. For example, on a recent hike with my hiking group, we climbed a mountain right to the peak. Without my determination, I would not have been rewarded with the outstanding views across the mountain range. It is this dedication that will prove invaluable at Farrer & Co, because I am proven to be committed to working hard when pursuing ambitious goals. 

Aside from sports my greatest passion is learning languages. Having attended a German language school in Lindau, Bavaria and taken French at university, I look forward to an intellectually stimulating year in Germany studying Political Science with French and Italian. As an inquisitive individual I am constantly seeking new opportunities to increase my knowledge and challenge myself, achieving Grade 7 Clarinet and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award alongside my A Level studies. My ambition to go beyond expectation will ensure that I continually strive to achieve excellence at Farrer & Co; for the firm, my team, and my clients.

Please provide details of your positions of responsibility

At [School], I was elected twice to be the school council representative within my year. This experience contributed to my interest in a legal career, where I can represent and negotiate client objectives. I enjoyed identifying the needs of students and providing solutions through reasoned argument within the council meetings.

In my later years at school, I was a member of the Combined Cadets Force, where I was an Army Camp leader. This position involved leading a group through various tasks, including a night group exercise. This exercise proved my trustworthiness, as I demonstrated an ability to help others selflessly. One member, who was significantly smaller than their teammates, was struggling with their rucksack. Therefore, I decided to attach their bag to mine, despite it being more challenging for me. The group was able to continue with high-spirits and we ended up winning the exercise.

After my captaincy for the 1^st team hockey at [School], I was motivated to become a volunteer hockey coach at the local club. I lead customised sessions for each age group. These have helped develop individual skills, particularly in specific skills session and it has helped develop cohesive teamwork amongst the group. These personalised training sessions led to an 80% increase in positive outcomes the following season. Furthermore, I proved my ability to listen to others and provide solutions, as I was working with a large range of children who each had individual needs/challenges.

During my years competing within the Pony Club, I was a member of the riders’ committee. This included organising events such as the annual awards ceremony and activities at the annual summer camp. This position enabled me to develop my confidence and communication skills as I delivered presentations, such as at the awards ceremonies.

Please list anything else you believe strengthens your application

I am a determined individual who is dedicated to achieving excellence. During my internship in Germany, I was driven to ensure the integrity of my work for English speaking clients. Therefore, I thoroughly researched German Real Estate Law before submitting to the client. This experience demonstrates my ability to take responsibility for my work and succeed in achieving excellence. I can therefore be relied upon to produce exceptional work for both the client and my colleagues at Farrer & Co.

Within the German workplace I encountered clear cultural differences. Due to my respectful nature, I was able to display appropriate work conduct in Germany. This quality has also enabled me to thrive in collaborative working environments. Operating in a close-knit team at [Wealth Management Firm], I was able to produce more creative solutions when valuing the contributions of all colleagues. As a respectful individual, I will foster genuine client relationships and will work seamlessly alongside colleagues to provide innovative client solutions; that which underpins the value of partnership at Farrer & Co.

Focusing on Security Studies at University, I will stand out as a trainee at Farrer & Co. Throughout my degree, I have regularly formulated arguments on developments in the commercial sector and analysed their potential effect on Government policies, debating positions on the repercussions of such developments in Domestic and International environments. An example of this is my current research for my final university essay on the value of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity. As understanding the dynamic nature of the international environment is central to anticipating potential challenges and opportunities for Farrers’ multi-jurisdictional client work, I will be able to offer a fresh and innovative perspective for achieving excellent client solutions and therefore, increase my value to the firm.

Describe a time you had a good idea and made it happen

When working in the Real Estate department at [International Law Firm] in Munich, I recognised that my colleagues were struggling to explain a particular section of German subletting Law to English-speaking clients. I decided to take initiative and research why this was happening. I discovered that in Germany, it was very common to sublet a rented apartment from a tenant. However, this is uncommon in the UK, particularly with regards to residential properties. 

Motivated to help find a solution, I proactively drafted a leaflet interpreting the differences between UK and German subletting Law. Having never studied Law, I was fascinated by the legal differences between each country. Although this was challenging, because when translating the German, I had difficulty understanding the terms with little legal foundation. Further, certain German legal terms do not have direct English translations. Therefore, wanting to ensure that my understanding of the German Law was correct for the client, I carefully discussed challenging concepts and terms with a fellow colleague in my office.

Within the leaflet I laid out potential liabilities clearly for clients. This was important to me, because I wanted to ensure that clients were aware of risks. Before submitting to my supervisor, I was dedicated to proof-reading and revising the document. This was because I did not want my supervisor to dedicate her valuable time to editing/correcting the document before it was ready to go out to clients. 

I was delighted to find out that my supervisor has found this leaflet very useful for clients and has solved this problem area.  This experience was particularly exciting for me, because I was able to create something which is now used by colleagues for their clients. Whilst my internship was only short, I was highly motivated when making a small but positive impact within my team. 

Why are you applying to Farrer & Co?

Interested in both Corporate and Private Client work, Farrer & Co’s diverse six-seat Training Contract will provide exposure to complicated private issues as well as multi-jurisdictional corporate transactions. With market-leading expertise in high-value and complex work, Farrer & Co attracts a prestigious client base which offers unique legal and commercial challenges. I was drawn to Farrer & Co’s recent work with Ambrey, a leading brand in the maritime security sector, in their sale to Ocean Infinity, the marine robotics company. Combining my interest in market disrupting technologies and the security sector, I am highly motivated by Farrer & Co’s Corporate practice.

Having gained insight into the commercial and everyday realities of [Landed Estate] and [Landed Estate], owned by family friends, I have been inspired by the transformation of historic rural properties amidst developing sustainability requirements. Unrivalled in their expertise, with the largest Landed Estates practice in the UK, Farrer & Co is successfully engendering modern solutions for rural landowners operating in the ever-evolving commercial landscape. Thus, as part of the Private Client practice at Farrer & Co, I look forward to the opportunity of supporting landowners in navigating challenges as a trusted advisor.

The highly integrated and inclusive approach at Farrer & Co ensures that as a trainee, I can meet colleagues throughout the entire firm, enabling me to be involved in all aspects of life at Farrers. The small trainee teams will allow me to take responsibility for my work and accelerate my training, such as establishing strong client relationships early in my career. With an emphasis on excellence, Farrer & Co guarantees a high quality of training and a high quality of work. Therefore, I believe that Farrer & Co is the firm which will best support me in my professional and personal development as a trainee.