2025

Covering Letter - this is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself; why you are interested in a career in law; the office location you are applying for and why (inc backups); and your reasons for applying to Penningtons Manches Cooper and why they resonate with you personally (500 words)

To whomever this may concern,

I am a third-year law student at the University of [redacted], and I am writing to you as part of my application to Penningtons Manches Cooper’s (PMC) summer vacation scheme, with the hope of securing a training contract.

I want to be a solicitor owing to the intellectually challenging, fast-paced and dynamic nature of the work. I will be a great fit for PMC owing to my appetite for knowledge, growth mindset and proactive approach. I have lots of experience in client-facing roles, where I developed my ability to collaborate, empathise, and communicate with others, and enjoyed building strong client relationships. I am drawn to Family Law owing to the strong sense of personal fulfilment that I felt when conducting work experience in the area, as I was able to listen to and understand clients, and help them to navigate difficult and sensitive circumstances. My sensitivity, kindness and tenacity in my desire to make a difference for others means that I will succeed in this role. My strong Family Law results at University contributed to my award of a [redacted] Scholarship and other examination prizes, after ranking 27/232 students in my year group.

I want to work for PMC owing to its excellent Family department. As a member of Resolution, the chairmanship of five of PMC’s partners of this association resonated with me. Strong links to Resolution demonstrates the firm’s commitment to its ‘stronger as one’ value because its promotion of a collaborative and non-confrontational approach to divorce mirrors its collaborative and supportive culture. This approach and culture contributes to better real-world outcomes, since they reduce the emotional and financial strain placed on clients in lengthy, confrontational litigation, and foster a holistic, comprehensive and supportive service.

I am particularly interested in relationship-generated disadvantage following divorce and how this can be mitigated. When I joined Resolution, I learnt the importance of balancing the mitigation of relationship-generated disadvantage with the risk of double-counting. PMC’s Private Wealth sector will enable me to explore this topic further, since double-counting is more often relevant in high-net-worth cases, where the parties’ assets exceed their needs. PMC’s expertise in this area will therefore enhance my professional development and legal understanding in areas of particular interest to me.

Finally, the four-seat structure of the training programme encourages in-depth knowledge and strong team bonds, which suits someone like myself, who has already decided into which area I would like to qualify, since these benefits facilitate a seamless transition upon qualification.

I am applying for a position in your London office since it offers family services and is based in a large, fast-paced city that will bring a level of energy and inspiration that my small, quiet hometown lacks.

Thank you for taking time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

[name redacted]

Tell us about a challenging situation, how you handled it and what you learnt from it (this can be in a work, personal or educational setting)? (250 words)

Last year I reached the top 100 in England senior female table tennis players. To achieve this, I faced the challenge of balancing the commitments of high-performance sport with those of my degree. To tackle this, I frequently reviewed my schedule, to ensure that I was working efficiently, and set personal deadlines in advance of official ones to ensure that all assignments were completed early. This meant that if any unexpected tasks arose, or a task took longer than I had anticipated, I could adapt quickly without having to sacrifice training often. In doing so, I learnt time-management, organisation and prioritisation skills.

Another challenge I faced during this process was failing to qualify for the national championships. To overcome this, I remained resilient and used the failure as an opportunity to learn from my mistakes. After the competition, I reflected on my weaknesses and communicated these with my coach. We worked together to create a training plan, which I have since followed diligently. To guarantee the best outcome, I frequently ask myself whether there is something that could be changed. If there is, I communicate this promptly with my coach, so that we can adapt my training plan accordingly, before my progress comes to a halt, rather than after. I also actively seek constructive feedback from a diverse range of players to gain different perspectives and ensure that I am always moving forwards. As a result, I have remained in the top 100 for the past year.

How would you leverage your skills and experiences to add value to Penningtons Manches Cooper? (250 words)

I will leverage my skills and experience to add value to PMC by promoting the firm’s values. Firstly, I will enhance the collaborative atmosphere. In August 2024, I interned at [redacted], where, as part of a team, I prepared and delivered a presentation promoting the firm to an imaginary client. I encouraged collaboration by creating clear and regular communication channels to share knowledge and offer support. I developed my ability to collaborate, communicate, and adapt to and motivate others. I will use these skills to integrate into and contribute to the success of PMC. I will also proactively seek to evolve and learn. My appetite for knowledge and commitment to learning reflects in my pro bono work. Over Christmas 2023, I completed a research project for IBJ Criminal Defence Wiki about the criminal justice system of Trinidad and Tobago, culminating in a written report. I also translated an existing report from English to Spanish. My motivation stemmed from my interest in Criminal Law, and my personal goals of working on cross-border cases and becoming fluent in Spanish. I received a Silver Pro Bono award from the University of [redacted] for my contribution. I developed time-management, research and professional writing skills, preparing me for the day-to-day tasks of a trainee. My commitment to these goals also reflects in my decision to undertake a year abroad at [redacted] University, where I have successfully integrated into and adapted to a new culture. This will aid a seamless transition into PMC’s culture.

If you were the CEO of Penningtons Manches Cooper, where would you look to open a new office and why? (250 words)

If I were the CEO of PMC, I would open a new office in Leicester. Leicester has a diverse economy that is home to a variety of sectors. This creates demand for a variety of legal services, mirroring the broad range of business services offered by PMC. The two most significant sectors in Leicester are Manufacturing and Logistics, aligning with PMC’s expertise in Technology and Shipping. Furthermore, Leicester is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the UK, creating demand for personal legal services such as family and immigration. Therefore, Leicester offers a suitable target market for PMC. With this in mind, opening an office in Leicester offers PMC the opportunity to increase its profitability, owing to the lower cost of living in this area, unlike that found in the firm’s southern locations. Leicester also has great transport links to PMC’s other office locations. For example, the M1 and train services provide direct routes to Cambridge, London and Birmingham. This encourages greater collaboration between offices, furthering PMC’s value of being ‘stronger as one’. Having a northern presence has the potential to attract clients and employees from a broader geographical area, enabling PMC to overcome competitive challenges of attracting customers and top talent. Furthermore, a northern presence will enable PMC to retain talented employees, who may otherwise feel inclined to leave PMC if they wish to move north. Finally, despite being a smaller city, this feature of Leicester offers PMC the opportunity to build a strong professional network by fostering strong relationships with its clients and other businesses in the area, furthering the firm’s value for care and collaboration with its clients and wider community.

2024

Tell us about a challenging situation, how you handled it and what you learnt from it (this can be in a work, personal or educational setting)? (250 words) 

Applying for a visa for my [nationality redacted] sister-in-law was challenging as her applications had twice been refused; internet connection was rare for her and my brother; there was an 8-hour time difference; we were all working full-time; and [personal reasons redacted]. I completed a medical visa application so she could give birth in England, but just before I submitted it, further complications meant she was induced and the baby survived just 2.5 hours. This was devastating and she asked that I instead apply for a visitor visa to mourn with family here. Then, the acting solicitors stopped responding, wasting £1,500 in costs and several hours trying to contact them. 

I handled this by taking on greater responsibility myself, thoroughly researching the relevant immigration rules, compiling detailed documentation of nine different stakeholder family members’ relationships and finances, including a self-employed business owner, and drafting well-tailored responses. I learnt more about commercial structures, assets, financial due diligence, and the inter-relationship between business and individual legal services, drawing me to PMC’s holistic specialism.

I adapted my approach to gather the alternative evidence required. Previous refusals stated lack of convincing proof of employment: bank transfer salary payments being unfeasible, I suggested her monthly cash salary should be deposited to the bank, with employer signing an official letter in English confirming her exact position and salary. I learnt enhanced creative problem-solving, maintaining ‘client’-focus and adapting my communication in highly emotive, challenging situations. The visa was approved.

What improvements would you make to Penningtons Manches Cooper as a Trainee and why? (250 words) 

Firstly, by constructively challenging PMC’s website and social media, I would work with the Marketing and Press teams implement modernisation, aligning closer with PMC’s offering as an innovative, high-quality legal powerhouse. I would update the colour scheme, and improve navigation – the website compresses too much on each page, alongside small writing and well-hidden new tab links. 

Secondly, I would support HR in pioneering initiatives for disabled PMC applicants and colleagues, by dedicated open days and team days, assisting Pennclusion and PMC’s active race, gender, social mobility and mental health commitment, expanding its DE&I offering. 

Having [redacted], I would utilise my skills and creativity to perfect PMC’s outwards-facing promotion and holistic fulfilment of its values. 

Thirdly, to bolster accessibility to PMC for those whose background, like mine, is socio-economically low, whilst improving PMC’s access to potential talent, I would encourage a pioneering means-adjusted SQE grant. £8,000 for 12+ months may suffice for those who can live rent-free with family, but prevents applications from those who cannot.

Fourthly, I would seek to differentiate PMC from its competitors by early legal tech adoption, championing AI use upwards through the firm as a Trainee. Embracing change is vital to forward-moving, and time is money: legal tech (such as Harvey) saving PMC time, without compromising on results or integrity, boosts revenue by increasing caseload capacity. 

Such improvements build rapport with applicants and colleagues, realise PMC’s value of proactively evolving, and outpace the current market. 

If you were the CEO of Penningtons Manches Cooper, where would you look to open a new office and why? (250 words)

As CEO, I would firstly look to open a Kuala Lumpur office, complementing PMC’s Singapore office whilst outcompeting, and diversifying PMC from, competitors by breaking new ground. Malaysia’s low tax-to-GDP ratio, stable political climate, growing economy and low crime rates make it a hotspot for potential PMC clients – local investors, business owners and high-net-worth individuals – which almost every UK law firm is yet to capitalise on. Malaysia, as a Commonwealth and predominantly common law country, complements PMC’s seven UK offices, and also has an excellent relationship with Singapore. 

Looking to diversify, Malaysia contrasts with Singapore by its predominantly Muslim population, allowing PMC to capitalise on its tailored specialisms: advising Muslim Housing Associations and Sharia law expertise, affecting Real Estate, Private Client and Family by differing law on leases, succession and relationships. 

Next, proactively evolving to Brexit fallout, with moving clients and commerce, I would open a German office. Germany offers a host of business and individual matters, with the EU’s largest economy, largest number of dual British-EU citizens, a huge proportion of companies using English law and language to draft contracts, and German-British marriage, divorce and inheritance “constant requests” for law firms in Germany. This plays to PMC’s strengths as an expertly full-service firm, fully established in the UK and three other EU countries.

These offices would provide enhanced opportunity for integrated and cross-referred legal advice, expanding PMC across the globe whilst boosting inter-office collaboration. Manchester would be my third choice, focusing first where UK firm commoditisation is rare.

2022

Cover Letter – Tell us about yourself, reasons for applying, why resonate with me (500)

Dear Ms. Helen Lewis, 

I am a graduate diploma in law student at the University of Law’s London Moorgate campus and I am writing to you as part of my formal application to Penningtons Manches Cooper’s (PMC) summer vacation scheme.

A career at PMC would provide an undeniably diverse and exciting growth opportunity. The firm’s full-service provision and balanced coverage of businesses and individuals would allow me to work on its industry-focused sectors and advise its geographic client base. By applying to the firm, I want to immerse myself within this model and collaborate with renowned fee-earners, on cases that drive precedence across global markets. I am particularly attracted to the firm’s close-knit deal teams, as they would provide me with a greater level of responsibility and a breadth of legal exposure, early in my career. 

Firstly, my significant interest in PMC relates to its principal rankings for both its commercial and private client practices. Through following international business news, I have developed a wider interest into how deals drive business opportunism, re-define global markets and impact individuals’ ambitions. Whilst I was initially interested in corporate M&A and commercial dispute resolution, my vacation scheme placement in September exposed me to some extremely interesting private client work. I believe that the duty to understand a client’s business objectives, on both a commercial and individual level, is an enthralling prospect, as it would demand an engaging and thorough provision of commercial advice.

Moreover, I am strongly attracted to PMC’s multi-jurisdictional approach. The firm’s establishment in Europe and Asia, intertwined with its connections to Multilaw, suggests that its work consistently incorporates an international focus. This attractive global lens would allow me to extend my client base, firm-wide network and industry knowledge. PMC’s elite Legal 500 rankings for mid-market commercial litigation and commodities disputes outlines its leading practices, in key areas of personal interest, and the engrossing potential for trainee-engagement on complex international work. 

Finally, I am attracted to the firm’s collaborative culture and acclaimed training programme. As a trainee, I hope to work within PMC’s philosophy of creating efficient and well-rounded lawyers, by undertaking a broad range of billable and pro bono work. The opportunity to rotate across both commercial and private client practices would ensure for an informed and broad insight, pre-qualification. I am attracted to the prospect of constant critique and review, as it would advance my personal skillset and encourage continuous reflection. I hope to be given early responsibility on client management, with the aim of bringing highly profitable and sustainable business into the firm. 

I believe my previous experience as a front of house manager and positions of responsibility within Exeter University Men’s Hockey Club showcase my natural ability to lead, communicate and cater for client demands. 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,

What Qualities are PMC looking for in a solicitor – why do I match those requirements? (250)

Firstly, as service providers, lawyers are largely driven by their clients’ demands. I believe that PMC looks for lawyers that can successfully build strong and sustainable relationships with stakeholders. A solicitor at PMC must listen to their clients’ ambitions and assist with the incorporation of new commercial strategies. Having captained hockey teams for ten years and worked as a front of house manager, I have developed the ability to create and sustain successful relations, with people of all ages and experiences. In these positions, I have shown that when faced with adversity, I can adapt my approach and effectively communicate with my colleagues. 

Secondly, I believe that PMC demands its lawyers to have an innate attention to detail. When conducting legal research, drafting documentation or providing advice, solicitors at PMC are entrusted to produce work of the highest quality and protect their clients’ interests. I believe that my history degree portrays my ability to consume and process information efficiently, to the standard required. During my previous legal experience, I was entrusted with drafting attendance notes, a commercial lease agreement and board minutes, all of which were sent to the client. 

Finally, I think PMC looks for lawyers with an unrivalled commercial awareness. By understanding a client’s strategy and market position, lawyers can inspire business growth and provide advice on lateral growth areas, alongside the black letter law. Through writing a legal article weekly and reading the FT and Watson’s Daily, I have refined my understanding of commercial developments and trends.  

Why am I interested in a career in law? (250)

My desire to be a 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 and private client work across numerous sectors. In addition, legal exposure at corporate-focussed city firms, alongside the attendance of virtual webinars, has informed my career ambitions and desire to provide a comprehensive client service at an international firm. 

Through engaging with sector developments, I have established an interest into the function of lawyers beneath transactions and disputes. My previous legal exposure, work and sporting experience has informed a personal desire to advise and work as part of a successful team and ensure that clients achieve their ambitions. I am inspired by the opportunity to research and apply my legal and business knowledge to new circumstances, alongside a collaborative team. I ultimately believe that a career in law will continuously challenge my own intellectual capacity. 

Finally, my interest in law was captivated by the reputation of the profession and the prospect of resolving current and future global challenges. As a lawyer, I would be working alongside some of the most knowledgeable fee-earners in the profession. The complex and essential nature of legal work, alongside its fast-paced timelines, emphasises that a career in law would offer a constantly exciting, yet intellectually challenging prospect. The opportunity to engage and assist with clients on, profiled takeovers or personal matters, across a range of industries, underlines the potential for an enjoyable and fulfilling career.

Tell us about an outstanding personal achievement which added value to your academic or work environment? (250)

During the month of November, I implemented a Movember fundraising campaign at the University of Law. In collaboration with the Students’ Union, I ran the campaign, to raise awareness for men’s mental and sexual health. I am extremely proud of the initiative, as it was first time the Students’ Union tried to run a Movember campaign across all the University of Law’s UK campuses. 

This achievement was particularly difficult because of the campaign’s novelty. Initially, I found it challenging to generate and implement my ideas, because of the limited support from the Students’ Union. Only through my consistent emails and prior organisation of a fundraising page and memo, did the Students’ Union support my aspirations. Upon receiving backing, I encouraged campuses to communicate with all students, to increase the potential to hit our £500 target. 

Furthermore, this achievement was challenging because it forced me to revaluate my time management skills, during an extremely busy autumnal schedule. Alongside this campaign, I have been studying for my graduate diploma in law, writing a legal article each week, applying for vacation schemes and been successful in getting through to the semi-finals of the internal mooting and commercial awareness competitions. Finding the time to attend meetings with Movember and Students’ Union representatives forced me to adapt my weekly agenda and communication skills. 

Ultimately, this campaign has raised money for an extremely important cause and continued the hugely topical debates on mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession and wider society. 

Please describe your hobbies, interests, extra-curricular activities – highlight positions of responsibility (250)

Firstly, I am currently a Legal Cheek Campus Ambassador for the University of Law’s Moorgate campus. In this role, I market the brand weekly through the library and employability newsletters, to increase student engagement with the website. 

Moreover, I am a passionate hockey player, having played for the past ten years. At Exeter University Men’s Hockey Club, I was elected by over 150-members, to be captain of the 4^th team and the club’s development officer. In these roles, I aspired to improve the club's culture on and off the pitch, create a new cohort of sustainable umpires and assist with administrative tasks for the first team. As captain, I was responsible for organising weekly team sheets, hire cars and kit across a twenty-man squad. As the club’s leading qualified umpire, I organised the club’s weekly umpire rota and instructed numerous umpire training sessions. By the end of the year, I had trebled the number of qualified umpires at the club, thereby saving it hundreds of pounds through preventing external appointments. 

Finally, during my sixth form studies I was selected as one of six House Captains, on an 18-man student senior leadership team, within a year group of 250 pupils. Throughout this role, I delivered monthly presentations to over 180 pupils across all years, visited form groups weekly and organised teams for house events across the year.

Ultimately, these experiences portray a refinement of an extensive range of competencies, which I now want to implement into a career in commercial law. 

Explain why I am applying to the location you have chosen? (250)

I am applying to the firm’s London training programme for numerous reasons. 

Firstly, London is the centre of the UK market, which, alongside the US and Chinese exchanges, is one of the largest in the world. A training programme and career in London would allow me to immerse myself within international business, given most of the world’s biggest and well-respected corporations, banks and law firms are headquartered in the city. By working in London, I would have direct access to this commercially efficient market and the elite clientele that it accommodates. As the centre of the UK economy, I am inspired by the fact that historically, most UK-qualified lawyers have trained or practiced in London. Thus, I am attracted to the possibility of working alongside industry-leaders and networking with sector specialists, to improve and consolidate my legal skillset and professional development.

Moreover, London is incredibly well connected on a national and international level. Whilst a training programme in London would facilitate access to the firm’s UK offices, it would also enable for direct travel to the PMC’s international offices, across Europe and Asia. Although the firm’s national offices are positioned strategically in the UK, it is only the London office that would provide direct international contact, given its transport links. 

Finally, having grown up in and around London, I enjoy the fast-paced nature of city life. As the political, economic and cultural hub of the UK, a career in London would offer both an exciting and exuberant legal career. 

What year do I intend to start on trainee programme? (250)

I intend to start on the training programme in September 2024. 

I am currently a graduate diploma in law student at the University of Law’s Moorgate campus and I am due to finish the course in May 2022, subject to successfully attaining the required exam results. 

I will then commence the Legal Practitioners Course in September 2022, at either BPP University, Waterloo or the University of Law’s Moorgate campus. Whilst I have not yet confirmed my place, my LPC studies will finish in June 2023, giving me some time off prior to starting the training programme. 

If I do not receive a training contract in this application cycle, I aim to paralegal for six months to a year and then undertake the SQE route, which I will self-fund. I will then be available to start on the training programme in September 2025. 

2022

Covering letter - please use this opportunity to tell us about yourself and your reasons for applying to Penningtons Manches (including the relevant location). (Max 500 words)

Dear Ms Vine,

I wish to apply to the Penningtons Manches 2020 Vacation Scheme, as advertised on its website.

I believe that I have both the experience and skills to become a successful solicitor at your firm. I have acquired extensive work experience in legal commercial firms, such as Ashurst and Addleshaw Goddard. Seeing the type of work completed there makes me aware of what a solicitor's job entails. I possess significant skills of legal research and analysis, shown by my high grades in Law modules and my good performance in research tasks at commercial law firms or at York Community Consulting. Having achieved a strong 2:1 in my Law degree, I have proven that I can achieve results at the top of my class. I have also proven that, among my peers, my skills of commercial awareness are excellent, by participating in the Commercial Awareness Competition and progressing to the next round, having beaten 750 other competitors. By regularly reading up on commercial news in my spare time, such as the AT&T & Time Warner merger deal, I stand out as possessing the commitment to follow the ever-changing commercial world affairs. Finally, I have demonstrated drive and resilience to achieve my goals by taking on large projects such as organising the Global Week event for 400 people. My frequent involvement in student groups involved thinking of creative solutions to common problems, which was recognised in many awards, such as the [redacted] Awards or the Societies That Achieve Recognition (STARs). Not only have these positions exhibited that I am capable of finalising large-scale projects, but that I can maintain a productive work-life balance. As the job of a solicitor involves commitment and time management, this shows that I could be a successful employee for the firm.

I wish to apply to Penningtons Manches Cambridge office as the firm is a strong competitor in this area. As I have serious plans for moving to Cambridge after graduation in order to join my partner there, I am looking for the provider of the best Training Contract in the city. The office is consistently ranked in the top tiers of Legal 500 in the area across all its departments, which promises challenging and impactful work. I am most interested in the Corporate & Commercial Department as I have experience in the subject from working in Traple and Ashurst. I have also received strong grades in the subjects of commercial and contract law, which has sparked my interest in the topic, having received a 75% in an essay on consideration. The Cambridge office also has a very strong Employment team, ranked highly in Legal 500, which is an area that I am keen on working in after handling papers in an unfair dismissal case at Addleshaw Goddard. Lastly, I am keen on working at the firm due to its small trainee intake, as I excel in smaller teams (e.g. in YCC).

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

[redacted name]

Word count (max. 500 words):

ADDITIONAL 1

Please tell us about an outstanding personal achievement which added value to your academic or working environment or to you personally.

My greatest personal achievement was overcoming the dual function of my role as the International Students Officer. This inspired me to establish the International Students Network. When fulfilling the role, I noticed that the scope of my position was not only unclear but also inefficient.

By looking at other officer positions and how they function, I realised that other officers had networks made up of college representatives, with each being elected by their college community. My role was to preside over the International Students' Association, which mainly focused on organising events, as well as being the International Students Officer. In contrast to other Student Union networks, the ISA committee was elected by its members and was far less popular than the college elections. Although the ISA was apolitical, other networks allowed its representatives to have a say on matters of welfare and academic policy. Thus I created a forum for college representatives to improve the situation of international students.

The emergence of the Network proved to be a basis for the Provost of the university to meet with international student representatives once a term. During these meetings, I persuaded the Provost to rectify the unfair situation of the visiting students, who were not given a choice in the type of accommodation offered. As a result, I received positive feedback from international students and the President of the Student Union cited this initiative in his farewell speech as one of the most important achievements of the Union in 2018.

Word count (max. 250 words):

Please tell us about a challenging situation you have found yourself in and what you learnt from it.

I had encountered a challenging situation when taking on the role of the [redacted] Society Chair. The society had always been small, with few members attending sporadic events. With more active members, I knew I could make larger and more successful events that would fuel the growth and reputation of the society. But I had to obtain promotional materials to do that first, with no money in the account.

Obtaining a sponsorship deal for £500 with the Embassy of [redacted] in London was ground-breaking. The money was used to buy a variety of high-quality promotional materials, such as banners and hoodies. In order to secure the deal, I had to use an array of skills to produce a high quality sponsorship proposal. I improved my commercial awareness when negotiating the amount of money needed and arguing my case for promoting [redacted] culture. It required a meticulous attention to detail with compiling dozens of evidential documents, including invoices and bank statements. The task also involved a professional demeanour when communicating with the Embassy.

Resilience was a key skill I learnt to overcome the challenge when the process of producing a contract and collecting evidence for reimbursement lasted for three months. By pressing on and not giving up when new requirements were added, I managed to complete the deal. As a result, the reputation of the society grew, as was clear when the Society won third place at the Food Fiesta and was nominated for the Society of the Year award.

Word count (max. 250 words):

From the research you have done, what do you think Penningtons Manches LLP will need to do to stay competitive in the legal market?

When it comes to the local market, Pennington Manches needs to stay ahead of the other Cambridge firms, especially as Cambridge is an important office. Focusing on areas where the branch does well among other East Anglia firms, namely the Employment department, which was awarded Band 2 on Chambers and Partners. This should be the top priority of the firm, in order to gain even more reputable clients in the area, such as Ocado Retail. Employment may be an area of growing demand for legal advice, as the status of non-disclosure agreements and their impact on harassment in the workplace has been scrutinised, as recently debated in relation to the Phillip Green scandal.

As to its national strategy, Penningtons Manches, as a corporate firm with branches in six locations in the UK, needs to strengthen its position as a regional firm. Its impressive reputation in the Real Estate sector (Band 2 on Chambers & Partners), with high-profile clients such as Jimmy Choo and Ikea, suggests the firm should make the department its unique selling point. As the firm primarily deals with institutional investors and developers, these clients are more prone to be impacted by recent technology trends in the real estate sector, as they attract larger capital. The firm faces a potential outburst of work, as the emergence of technologies, mainly the combination of blockchain and big data, creates opportunities for large scale acquisitions of property, as confirmed by a recent study conducted by PwC.

Word count (max. 250 words):

Please describe your hobbies, interests and extra-curricular activities, highlighting any positions of responsibility held.

I was elected twice as the Chair of the [redacted] Society and in my spare time I organised and attended fortnightly social meetings. The small size of the society and its irregularly attending members was most challenging. Learning from feedback forms, I increased the regularity of events, tried new outdoor activities and encouraged participation by inviting the most engaged members to the committee. The latter helped with the delegation of tasks and flow of new ideas. I organised a successful Independence Day and paintball events, with more than 20 people attending each event. The number of active members increased from 15 to 30 members, as I enhanced skills of leadership and planning ahead. I have also successfully applied for funding to the [redacted] embassy, in order to gain promotional materials. This experience helped me in convincing my peers that I have the skills required to become a Student Union officer. Moreover, at the [redacted] Awards 2018, the [redacted] Society was nominated as the Society of the Year.

I was also the Director of Competitions in the newly-founded Negotiation Society. As I was partly responsible for creating the society and with few prior examples, I had to think of a format of the competitions. I devised a format of two teams comprised of two people against each other, which proved efficient when a large number of teams applied for the Competition. Overall the competition was a successful event, with the final round taking place in Clifford Chance's office.

Word count (max. 250 words):

In which location would you like to be based for your training contract?

I would like to be based in Cambridge, as I have personal connections to the area and wish to join my partner, who is living in that city, after my graduation. I have also previously lived in Cambridge for three months in the summer of 2017, when I worked for the Maison Clement Bakery. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I am confident that my choice to live there will be satisfactory. As to the work itself, Penningtons Manches has an office that has a reputation for making impactful deals across all its practice areas, as Legal 500 ranks the firm consistently as a top tier competitor in the area. Moreover, having talked to Jenny Vines, the graduate recruitment manager, I have found that the working culture in the Cambridge office promises a friendly atmosphere among motivated individuals, which convinced me to apply to the firm. I am also interested in this particular location, as the branch excels in the corporate and employment departments, which are key sectors that I look forward to work in, having gained an interest through my academic and vocational experience. Lastly, I wish to work in Cambridge, due to its reputation as the Silicon Fen, due to the existence of a hub of scientific firms. As I am keen on reading news about latest technologies, it would be fascinating to work with firms that create disruptive technologies.