2025
Please write a cover letter. You should include some of the following areas: what attracts you to Gibson Dunn; why you want to become a solicitor; an outstanding personal achievement which added value to either your academic or working environment; details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (650 words)
Dear Ms Sarah Harte,
I am a penultimate-year Law student at [Redacted] University, writing to apply for the Summer Vacation Scheme and 2027 Training Contract at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s London office.
My desire to become a solicitor stems from my time at [Redacted]. During my internship, I felt most motivated when working on a share transfer agreement because I knew I was directly impacting the client’s business. The dual-faceted nature of the law allowed me to combine my legal knowledge with the practical responsibility of aiding clients through creative and collaborative problem-solving. My exposure to these interactions gave me the ambition of working in an industry unique in its client relationships. My desire to become a solicitor was further strengthened when I worked at [Redacted], after being exposed to the industry's international work. While analysing and comparing anti-money laundering legislation between jurisdictions, I became intrigued by the different nuanced approaches taken in the law. I felt drawn to learning more about how social influences, macroeconomic dynamics, and cultural differences are reflected in the law.
I am motivated to pursue a career at Gibson Dunn because I find the firm’s international excellence across contentious and transactional matters appealing. Specifically, I am drawn to Gibson Dunn’s reputation as a global leader in commercial litigation, highlighted by its ‘Fearsome Foursome’ 2024 title. The ability to attract high-profile clients is a testament to the firm's excellence and aligns with my career ambition. Additionally, I am drawn to the proactive nature of the training contract at Gibson Dunn, which gives trainees significant responsibility from an early stage. This ties into the ‘free-market system’, where the flexible structure complements traditional rotations throughout the training contract. This allows for the deep exploration of topics of interest while maintaining exposure to various practice areas. The smaller trainee intake would enable me to interact closely with my peers and learn on the job. At [Redacted], I became accustomed to working directly with partners and associates in lean teams. I enjoyed the accountability for my work and began to crave greater responsibility. Moreover, Gibson Dunn’s dedication to pro bono work resonates strongly with me. The firm’s one-to-one billable credit initiative is a testament to its commitment to social causes. My experiences with charities have instilled a sense of pride in my work and a strong empathy for those in need. I am eager to transfer this motivation to legal practice, having already spent time with [Redacted], a charity that increases community legal access.
I believe I have developed a foundation of the key skills required to succeed as a Gibson Dunn trainee. As a client-facing industry, the commercial law industry is driven by organised, innovative individuals with a global outlook. Growing up as a third-culture child in Hong Kong has given me a unique international perspective. Having studied Mandarin for thirteen years, I have become able to represent diverse interests through language. While volunteering with the [Redacted], I recognised an opportunity to strengthen my interpersonal skills by serving as a translator for senior citizens who did not speak English. To strengthen my organisational skills, I became the Events Manager for my football club at university. This entails contacting venues, ensuring payment from attendees, and organising entertainment. I have developed exceptional task prioritisation skills by balancing these responsibilities with academics. Through my experiences, I have developed innate innovative traits and a strong sense of community. I firmly believe that the capabilities outlined above demonstrate my suitability for the Vacation Scheme at Gibson Dunn.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
2023
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Telephone House,
2-4 Temple Avenue,
London,
EC4Y 0HB
Dear Sarah Harte and Mille Ingram,
I am writing to you regarding my application to the Gibson Dunn 2023 Summer Vacation Scheme.
I am intrigued by commercial law, primarily because of my curiosity to understand how businesses grow, generate profits, and adapt to a continually changing regulatory climate.
My interest in a career in commercial law stems from its dual-faceted nature. As well as expanding my legal knowledge, I will also be able to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting to assist clients in achieving tangible outcomes. My attraction to the career was solidified after participating in my Sixth Form commercial law workshop about M&A, where I identified potential liabilities which could increase the risk involved in the acquisition of the target company.
I am attracted to a career as a solicitor at Gibson Dunn for three reasons. Firstly, I have a keen interest in Commercial Litigation, particularly in how the Commercial Litigation landscape may change in 2023 due to the rise of class actions in Europe as a result of the EU Directive 2020/1828. I am positive that Gibson Dunn’s prominence and expertise in Commercial Litigation will expose me to the cutting-edge issues in this area as well as provide me with the exclusive opportunity to develop legal expertise from the best lawyers in the field.
Secondly, I am interested in Gibson Dunn’s strategic growth with the recent additions to the Private Equity M&A Team and the new IP/Data Protection Team in its London Office. This has allowed Gibson Dunn to retain its’ position as a legal powerhouse in Disputes and to capitalise on the likely increase of European M&A activity through the increase in distressed assets and undervalued targets coming onto the market. Gibson Dunn is well positioned to assist clients navigate the challenges currently surrounding Corporate/M&A activity, such as the rise of protectionism, ESG pressures and inflationary growth. I am keen to work at Gibson Dunn because it seeks to support its clients’ transactional needs in rapidly growing sectors.
Finally, following my conversations with [redacted name of trainee], a current trainee, I was impressed by the high level of responsibility trainees can take on as this assured me that my development would not be stunted by outdated perceptions of trainee capabilities.
My extra-curricular activities have helped me develop skills that will enable me to serve Gibson Dunn well as a trainee. As a member of the debate team, I have presented key evidence to support my team’s argument. This has improved my communication skills, as a strong written and verbal delivery is required to argue successfully. As a trainee, this will prove useful when summarising cases, and producing drafts. Occasionally, it has been necessary for me to work up to five extra hours the night before a debate in order to fully prepare for it, and this has greatly improved my tenacity as I have learnt how to remain motivated under pressure.
Alongside revising for my A Levels, I worked as a tutor, mentored a GCSE student, and played sports. It was a great feeling to know that I successfully delivered on all the projects I was involved in by prioritising and managing my time effectively. My strong time management and organisational skills are reflected by my A Level Grades, my ability to help 20 of my students’ progress by an average of 25% in their numeracy tests and helping my mentee to achieve 8’s in her GCSE exams. As a trainee, these skills will prove useful as I will be able to manage multiple matters simultaneously to support my team and meet client demands.
Thank you for considering my application for the Gibson Dunn 2023 Summer Vacation Scheme
Yours Sincerely,
2022
Please write a cover letter. You should include some of the following areas: what attracts you to Gibson Dunn; why you want to become a solicitor; an outstanding personal achievement which added value to either your academic or working environment; details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application (650 words)
Dear Ms Sarah Harte,
I am a graduate diploma in law student at university and I am writing to you as part of my formal application to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s summer vacation scheme.
My desire to be a commercial lawyer originates from practical and virtual legal experience. Most recently, I secured a vacation scheme at a leading regional firm, where I enjoyed carrying out commercial work across numerous sectors. In addition, legal exposure at corporate-focused city firms, the completion of legal courses and the attendance of open days and virtual events, shows I enjoy and would thrive in high-level legal environments. The opportunity to provide cross-border advice to renowned clients is an exciting prospect and has captivated my interest in commercial law.
During my hugely positive experience at the open day, I became aware that a career at Gibson Dunn would provide a rewarding growth opportunity. By engaging with trainees and fee-earners, I witnessed the firm’s collaborative culture first-hand and gained an insight into the breadth of its training programme. I was particularly inspired by training principal, Mark Sperotto, as he outlined Gibson Dunn’s strengths and competitive differentials. By applying to the firm, I want to immerse myself within its free-market approach and integrated global structure, as it would allow me to advise the firm’s geographic and industry-diverse client base. I am also attracted to the firm’s small trainee model and close-knit deal teams, as it would encompass a greater level of responsibility and exposure, early in my career.
My significant interest in Gibson Dunn relates to its market leading litigious and corporate M&A practices. The firm’s elite global rankings define its reputation and underlines trainee exposure to headline work, at the forefront of the legal industry. Through my previous legal experience and commercial awareness, I have developed a wider interest into how conflict resolution and dealmaking drives business opportunism. Given the profession’s client facing model, I value the prospect of implementing clients’ ambitions and objectives within global economies. During the open day, I was attracted to the words of Ryan Butcher, a trainee in the arbitration team, as he emphasised the variety of litigious work and the exciting possibility for pro-bono advocacy. I am inspired by the opportunity to learn from and work alongside Gibson Dunn’s Queen’s Counsel, as it would strongly assist my desire to become a solicitor advocate.
In addition, last month I initiated and managed a fundraising campaign for the university, to promote men's health. This project raised money and awareness and continued the hugely topical debates on mental wellbeing in the legal profession. In collaboration with the Students’ Union, I generated an online fundraising page and distributed marketing material across all UK campuses. This achievement helped me to re-evaluate my time management skills, as during the autumnal period I have been studying, writing for The Legal Update and been successful in reaching the final of both the university's mooting and commercial awareness competitions.
Finally, I am a passionate hockey player, having played for the past ten years. At X University Hockey Club, I was elected by over 150-members, to captain the 4th team and be the club’s development officer. I aspired to improve the club's culture, created a new cohort of sustainable umpires and organised administrative tasks across a twenty-man squad. As the club’s leading qualified umpire, I organised the weekly umpire rota and instructed training sessions. By the end of the year, I had trebled the club’s qualified umpires, thereby saving it hundreds of pounds from external appointments.
I believe my previous experiences showcase my natural ability to lead, communicate and cater for my colleagues and clients. I am driven by the opportunity to join such a prestigious firm and hope that upon consideration of my academic achievements and demonstrated passion for the profession, you would be persuaded to progress my application.
Yours sincerely,
Work Experience
The Legal Update
I formally applied for and was selected to report for The Legal Update, a subscription-based legal and commercial awareness platform for over 150 paying students and aspiring lawyers. In this role, I research and select a current commercial topic and write a 300-word article each week. Within the articles, I divide the content into sections; ‘Story in Brief’, ‘Key Takeaways’, and ‘Interview Essentials’. This allows for easily readable content and it ensures I go beyond the material facts, to assess the wider legal and commercial implications for law firms and businesses. My articles also engage with previous cases, trends and future developments across the sector, to help students understand the importance of comparative legal analysis. Some of my previous articles have covered themes such as SPAC regulation, the rebound of global M&A, litigation funders, the UK's autumnal Budget and the shift to dynamic working practices.
Ultimately, this position has starkly elevated my writing skills, analytical mindset and commercial awareness. My constant engagement with commercial and financial developments alongside law firms’ updates, has allowed me to understand the different functions of firms and their lawyers within commercial transactions. I am attracted to a career in law due to its intellectual provision of service, client-facing model and the reputation of the profession. I now want to implement this knowledge and these interests at a firm that would enable me to engage with clients, across a broad range of leading global industries.
Regional Law Firm [Vacation Scheme]
After being successful at application and interview stage, I was selected to attend a vacation scheme at X, a leading regional firm. During the scheme, I rotated across the firm’s six practice areas, including corporate, dispute resolution and family. Although this experience confirmed my aspirations to become a qualified solicitor, it also helped me to realise my desire to work at a far larger, global city firm. The culture and personable environment at X also confirmed my ambition to be part of a slightly smaller trainee intake, with access to higher quality legal exposure from the outset.
Throughout this experience, I carried out due diligence using articles of association and reviewed a guarantee and indemnity agreement. These tasks enabled me to understand the obligations of a guarantor within a commercial agreement and the risks that arise with personal liability. In the property team, I assisted with the drafting of a commercial lease agreement, acting for the tenant. During this task I compiled a table, noting the details, obligations and deadlines for the client, which allowed me to grasp a key understanding of the structure and conditions of a commercial lease. I was later delighted to learn that my work was being sent to the client, as part of a wider advice document. Finally, I sat in numerous virtual client meetings on family and criminal matters and was entrusted to take and then upload multiple attendance notes.
City Law Firm [Work Experience]
I was successful in securing a week with the firm’s corporate M&A team. During this experience, I attended team briefings relating to current activity, including mid-upper market M&A deals and warranties and indemnities insurance projects. I was tasked with assisting in the drafting of due diligence reports, sales and purchase agreements and board minutes transactional documents. For notation and research, I used Companies House and Practical Law resources.
This experience provided me with an insight into the work of transactional lawyers at a global law firm. By sitting in an office alongside a partner and associate, I had the opportunity to learn through osmosis and witness how fee-earners engaged with their clients. The seamless interdepartmental collaboration enabled me to analyse the functions and interactions of a full-service law firm, whilst also understanding the roles of commercial lawyers within transactions. I was attracted to the level of communication and applied intellect beneath cross-border deals, as it outlined the integrity and resourcefulness of the profession. I was also fortunate to attend senior board meetings between the departmental leads. This exposure allowed me to understand how law firms pivot their business around client demand, to maximise their services and caseload. This insight into the challenging yet engaging atmosphere of a commercial law firm has engendered my desire to become a solicitor.
‘X’ Pub
During university holidays, I managed the front of house and food services areas at X Pub. This institution was taken over in 2018 and since then I have worked alongside the new ownership to increase the portfolio of the restaurant. I have assisted with the recruitment and professional training of junior staff, enhanced the pub’s social media presence and improved the number of customer reviews online. On shift, I was in-charge of people management, role delegation and opening and closing the restaurant. I believe this part-time job has greatly improved my leadership and time management skills, as I balanced this role alongside winter and spring university revision and my weekly agenda.
Moreover, my constant communication with clients and team-members, of all ages, portrays my ability to cater for and resolve diverging consumer needs. This experience has strongly improved my personable nature and adaptability, given the importance of enthusiasm and responsibility when dealing with customers' issues. As manager, it was essential that I was alert to the decisions of the team and the timely needs of paying customers, to ensure they received the best experience possible.
Ultimately, this exposure has provided me with a critical insight into the operation of businesses and the significance of client service within the food services industry. I am now looking to enhance this commercial awareness as I enter the legal profession.
2019
Please write a cover letter. You should include some of the following areas: what attracts you to Gibson Dunn; why you want to become a solicitor; an outstanding personal achievement which added value to either your academic or working environment; details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (650 WORDS)
Dear Mrs. Kathryn Edwards,
I am a penultimate year student studying Law (LLB) at University College London and I am writing to apply for the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher 2019 Summer Vacation Scheme.
I have enjoyed my open days at city law firms and legal internships, where I assisted with various tasks: merger, and investment transaction research, and proofreading Islamic finance agreements. I am drawn by the potential for holistic client engagement at different stages of a business’s life cycle and the skilful application of knowledge, negotiation and problem-solving skills to transactions that commercial legal practice would require.
Interning at the private equity firm, [redacted], exposed me to the versatility and huge potential of private equity for achieving investment objectives and potentially, for economic development. This prompted me to join the organising committee for the 2019 [redacted] Alternative Investments Conference - the largest annual student conference in the world focused on private equity, hedge funds, and venture capital. Such specialist and exciting work is only available at a top city law firm such as Gibson Dunn. The fully-integrated nature of the firm’s highly ranked global private equity practice would expose me to the firm’s other leading practices such as the US Regulatory Practice, its London Restructuring and Real Estate Practices. This would enable me to support private equity firms at all phases of their investment cycle. This also gives the firm’s private equity team a competitive advantage against other firms.
Gibson Dunn’s small trainee intake of 8 would provide me with greater opportunity for on-the-job training and responsibility, client exposure and the opportunity to develop strong relationships with other trainees in my cohort. Sharing an office with a partner or senior associate would also provide me with direct access to senior lawyer mentorship. The firm’s unique provision of client development and professional development allowances will also immensely facilitate the progression of my legal career. All these factors indicate to me that the firm has a committed long-term plan in investing in its employees. This fits in especially well with my goal of being a well-rounded, world-class lawyer.
As a ‘Pathways to Law’ mentor, I have developed my interpersonal skills through my work with mentees from different backgrounds with varying needs. The ability to communicate with a diverse range of colleagues and clients is vital for Gibson Dunn lawyers, particularly given that the completer cross-border transactions across its 20 global offices. Problem-solving, and providing practical and commercially sound solutions to client’s issues form an important aspect of a commercial lawyer’s role. As the current elected [redacted] African-Caribbean Society Sponsorship Officer, aside from raising £3550 in four months, I took the initiative to create a ‘Sponsor Guide’ which includes sponsor firm schemes and careers guidance to tackle the society’s members’ lack of awareness of sponsor opportunities. The Guide increased member applications for sponsor opportunities and has been described as ‘the best resource for first-year students.’
During the 2018 summer holidays, I completed a 15-week “Islamic Law, Finance and Business Ethics” course at Harvard University in 3 weeks. I am especially proud of this achievement as I had no previous experience in this subject, but my interest and drive to succeed resulted in me achieving a 95% grade in my final research paper on the potential legal and economic consequence of Brexit on Islamic Finance in the UK. I was also the highest achieving student for A Level Economics in my school cohort in 2017. In Year 12, I won the History Academic Prize as the best student in History. In 2016, I also received a ‘commended’ award from [redacted] on my essay on whether positive discrimination should be used when appointing justices to the UK Supreme Court.
I am confident that there would be no better place to begin my career as a commercial lawyer than at Gibson Dunn.