2025

Please provide your cover letter in the space below. Please address your cover letter to Germaine VanGeyzel. For more information on what we look for in an application, visit our website and/or attend one of our events. (1,000 words) 

Dear Germaine VanGeyzel, 

I am writing to apply for the Travers Smith Training Contract. My passion for commercial law with a strong drive to tackle complex and challenging work, makes me eager to join a firm such as Travers Smith with a renowned reputation for delivering market-leading corporate and commercial advice within a supportive, collaborative culture.  

My interest in commercial law is driven by the intersection of law with business strategy, where the role of a lawyer extends beyond traditional legal application to delivering strategic, commercially focused solutions. The rapidly evolving landscape of technology and associated regulations, such as the EU AI Act, highlights the role commercial lawyers play in helping clients navigate complex markets and mitigate risk while driving innovation. This intersection of law with aspects of business and technology excites me and motivates my ambition to become a commercial lawyer to guide clients effectively in these ever-evolving landscapes.

Through my in-house paralegal role, diverse retail experience, and constant engagement with commercial developments, I have developed a keen sense of commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset. As a paralegal, I have also become adept at tailoring legal advice to align with the company’s objectives and at finding innovative legal solutions to contribute to the company’s success. This has equipped me with the ability to deliver practical, commercially minded solutions; conducive to a successful career in commercial law at Travers Smith. Additionally, working in close-knit teams has shown me the immense value of collaboration in facilitating creative solutions, which resonates with Travers Smith’s unique horizontal structure and culture of idea-sharing.

Travers Smith’s dedication to providing market-leading, interdisciplinary expertise is greatly appealing. The firm’s excellence across key areas such as Private Equity, Corporate M&A, and Commercial Contracts, as well as its combined strengths in both transactional and dispute resolution work, exemplifies the comprehensive support provided to clients. Additionally, the firm’s adaptive ‘best friends’ approach to international work ensures the firm's flexibility to deliver exceptional, multi-jurisdictional legal service. This aligns with my desire to develop a varied and global skill set, sparked by my contributions to my company’s international expansion efforts, where I successfully project managed the opening of our new Philippine office. 

Travers Smith’s forward-thinking approach to innovation and dedication to harnessing technological developments also stands out. By working in a technology-driven business, I understand the critical role that cutting-edge tools and adaptive strategies play in delivering exceptional service. Travers Smith’s initiatives, like Tech Smart, the AI Academy, and the utilisation of AI tools such as Etatonna and Jylo, demonstrate Travers Smith’s commitment to keeping at the forefront of technological developments. This aligns with my ambition to work in a firm leveraging innovation and embracing technology to enhance legal services.

Moreover, Travers Smith demonstrates a unique emphasis on fostering collaboration. The absence of chargeable hours targets and the focus on cross-departmental teamwork and horizontal sharing of ideas creates a genuinely supportive and creative environment. This approach cultivates a diverse, inclusive culture allowing space for individuality and innovation. The firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing top-tier training is evident in its impressive trainee retention rate and by nearly half of its partners having trained at the firm. Coming from a close-knit legal team, I appreciate how a collaborative culture leads to inventive solutions and the best client outcomes. 

Additionally, Travers Smith’s commitment to pro bono work strongly resonates with me. The firm’s impactful partnerships with organisations like JUSTICE and Refugees at Home reflect the firm’s dedication to driving change. As Vice President of the Pro Bono Society and in my current role, where I initiated and coordinated my legal team’s involvement with a pro bono charity, I have developed a deep commitment to engaging with pro bono work. Travers Smith’s contributions to meaningful social impact initiatives, and internal recognition and support for trainee-led pro bono work, strongly align with my desire to use legal expertise to contribute to meaningful change. 

Travers Smith’s high retention rate of 75% in 2024, along with its commitment to providing trainees with significant responsibility and high-quality work, corresponds with my desire for intellectual challenge. I am confident in my ability to thrive in Travers Smith’s dynamic, collaborative environment while contributing meaningfully to the firm by leveraging my dedication, strong work ethic, and diverse skill set.

Thank you for taking the time to read my cover letter and application. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Yours sincerely,

X

Please provide details of your main extra-curricular activities and leisure interests (500 words)

My passion for fitness has cultivated the development of key traits and a mindset which aligns closely with those required in the legal profession. A notable achievement was running the Bristol half marathon during my final year at university, despite having no prior running experience. Training required self-discipline and organisation to balance my demanding academic workload, part-time job, and extracurricular activities with my training commitments. I quickly learned that breaking the challenge into smaller, manageable training blocks and sessions made it achievable, which parallels how I handle and break down complex legal projects in my paralegal role. 

I successfully completed the half marathon in just over 2 hours and raised £500 for Cancer Research. Through this experience, I discovered the importance of dedication and determination in tackling challenges outside my comfort zone. The traits I developed - resilience, discipline and strong organisational skills, are highly transferable to a legal career, where balancing competing priorities and overcoming obstacles are integral to success. 

Another of my favourite extracurricular activities is cooking and baking new recipes, especially those involving unique ingredients and creative techniques. Cooking and baking demand a high level of attention to detail and precision is key, whether it’s carefully measuring ingredients or maintaining precise cooking times. This focus on accuracy translates to the legal profession, where oversights in contractual drafting or composing legal arguments can have significant consequences. Much like in law, where precision is crucial for effective legal drafting or analysis, success in baking hinges on executing elements to high standards.

Moreover, both cooking and the practice of law require immense patience. In baking, allowing time for dough to rise or flavours to develop is often essential, and the results cannot be rushed if you want to achieve the best outcome. Similarly, in law, resolving a complex negotiation or working through a lengthy dispute demands perseverance and recognising that meaningful, lasting solutions take time.

Experimentation and creativity are also significant aspects of my love for cooking. I enjoy experimenting with unconventional flavour combinations and discovering inventive ways to use ingredients. This parallels how lawyers often approach complex legal challenges: with strategic thinking and inventive problem-solving skills. The process of experimenting and then succeeding with a new dish is incredibly rewarding, just as finding a creative legal solution and delivering results for a client can be deeply fulfilling. 

Overall, my hobbies have taught me the importance of precision, patience, and perseverance, which are qualities that are also vital in a legal career. 

Please provide details of any positions of responsibility that you have held and your key achievements (500 words) 

At university, I was Vice President of the Pro Bono Society which entailed securing sponsorship, organising events, and coordinating talks with leading pro bono lawyers to raise awareness of pro bono work. Despite facing multiple initial rejections from firms, I demonstrated persistence and adapted my communication approach to successfully secure sponsorship which enabled us to host successful events, like pizza and film nights. Additionally, by implementing creative ideas, such as collaborating with other societies, we doubled our membership compared to the previous year. This role allowed me to enhance my creativity, organisational skills, and networking abilities while strengthening my capacity to effectively communicate, build strong relationships with team members, and cultivate external partnerships.

Furthermore, I volunteered for the Student Action for Refugees Society where I tutored a refugee primary school pupil in English and Maths. This role required careful organisation and flexibility, especially during the pandemic where I adapted my tutoring to an online format. This experience also helped me develop the ability to break down and simplify complex ideas, a crucial skill for clearly and concisely explaining legal concepts to clients. 

In addition, I volunteered for the Student Action for Refugees Society where I tutored a refugee primary school child in English and Maths.  This role required careful organisation and flexibility, especially during the pandemic where I adapted my tutoring to an online format. I also took undertook the role as Social Media and Events Coordinator for the society, where I organised several events including a successful pub quiz that raised over £200 for local refugee charity. Through this experience, I developed strong organisational skills, along with the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances; competencies that will be crucial in my legal career.

2024

Please copy and paste your cover letter into the space provided below (there is no word limit). Please address your covering letter to Germaine VanGeyzel. Please copy and paste from a text editor like NotePad not MS Word as this can cause formatting issues. (no word limit)

Dear Germaine VanGeyzel, 

I am a first-class PGDL graduate at [redacted[, currently studying the LPC at [redacted]. I am writing to you to apply for Travers Smith's 2023 Winter Vacation Scheme. 

As a founder of a technology start-up, [redacted], experiencing the profound impact of the law on commercial transactions attracted me to a career in commercial law. I proactively devised solutions to circumvent copyright infringement risks across the EU and the US. With this business-savvy mindset, I created an online investment study club, [redacted], to share and develop investment strategies. By identifying a discounted valuation of the electric vehicle industry and relevant SPACs through monitoring rapid changes to multi-jurisdictional regulatory approvals, our profit projection reached 260%. I realised the importance of law to commercial transactions which sparked my interest in cross-border transactional work, particularly in equity fundraising and leverage finance. 

I am drawn to Travers Smith's strong expertise as a transactional firm. Initially astonished by awarding the Private Equity Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2022, talking to trainees during Travers Smith's recent Morning Presentation allowed me to glimpse into the comparatively fluid turnarounds periods in transactional work, which aligns with my skills and interests. My pursuit of creating a social media platform has given me extensive insight into the complexity of the commercial world through investment negotiations with venture capitalists. Having dealt with such innovative and high-profile work, I wish to get involved with intellectually stimulating deals that share similar standards. Hence, being a commercial solicitor at Travers Smith will provide me with an avenue to explore what possibilities the future holds for the firm. 

I am intrigued by Travers Smith's ambition to expand its range of expertise to contentious areas such as Dispute Resolution (especially Commercial and Corporate Disputes), instead of relying on their top-tier transactional work. The firm's broad expertise appeals to me as I enjoy gaining fresh perspectives and undertaking different activities through collaboration. Travers Smith provides this opportunity through the lack of departmental boundaries where lawyers are mixed around the office, regardless of their practice areas. Supported by having a unique room-sharing system where senior solicitors and trainees horizontally share ideas, this encourages the cross-pollination of ideas between lawyers. As a team person, this collegial and diverse environment differentiates Travers Smith from its competitors, ensuring not only profitability but also a true advantage in the global legal scene. 

As a full-service firm, Travers Smith further distinguishes itself by effectively utilising local collaboration. Just as Hannah Manning, a tax partner in Travers Smith mentioned during the Morning Presentation, the firm's best friend approach with overseas law firms allows for a degree of flexibility, helping the firm pick the best partner firms for each specific matter. I believe that this model, combined with Travers Smith's tight-knit culture facilitated by having only two offices, would provide me with a nuanced perspective on cross-border collaboration between Travers Smith and its clients.

My resilience will allow me to overcome various challenges as a lawyer at Travers Smith. Especially with increasing demands for efficiency alongside rapid technological development, lawyers will be expected to handle more work within less time. With this increased caseload, it will be important for lawyers to perform well under pressure, to persevere and overcome challenges when faced with adversity. When I took my customer service job despite having a mild stutter, I developed the ability to adapt my communication style to suit specific customers using my fluency in three languages. I also implemented a project management system to oversee the progress of my colleague's workload and efficiently delegate and collaborate during busy periods. At Travers Smith, my perseverance in the face of adversity will push me through unfamiliar and challenging environments. 

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

Yours faithfully, 

[redacted]

Please give details of your main extra-curricular activities and leisure interests. (250 words)

I am an amateur photographer. I love the fact that photographs act as a witness and proof of reality, thus creating a social impact. I travelled around Europe and Asia to take photographs and took classes in portraits and landscapes to sharpen my skills. I received a sponsorship offer from ‘Cosstores’ which has 2.8 million Instagram followers.

I also enjoy trading stocks. I trace both the short and long-term growth of the company by dissecting the company’s income statements and balance sheets. I currently monitor biotech firm ISU ABXIS, a company that focuses on engineered antibody-based immunotherapy to target tumours and rare diseases. Despite its poor quarterly performance, I focused on convertible bonds and their soon-ending maturity date. I believe this could provide good short-term investment profits and expect a 140% profit within this month. I also conduct extensive research by looking at the daily business press for any regulatory updates. My strong understanding of the business means that, as a Travers Smith lawyer, I can effectively identify business opportunities for both the firm and clients. I could also provide pragmatic business-minded legal advice and effectively market Traver Smith’s services to prospective/existing clients. 

I enjoy playing sports, particularly badminton. I joined the varsity badminton team in high school and am currently playing in the local sports team. Within the team, I was recognised as one of the strongest doubles players on the team.

Please give details of any positions of responsibility and achievements or awards at school, university or elsewhere (no word limit) 

Currently participating in the [redacted] Client Interviewing Competition, I emerged as the finalist after beating 60 contestants. Winning the final round would allow me to represent the institution at the national competition. From gathering critical information to using the correct emotional skills to make the client comfortable, the diverse skill sets would allow me to understand the intricacies found in a successful client interview.

I received a Career Changer Scholarship for the LPC at [redacted]. This was awarded for my demonstrated commitment to a career as a solicitor in commercial law. 

I am a proud recipient of “The Intern of the Year Award”. This was in recognition of the skills I attained as a summer intern at [redacted] and my outstanding work for participating in the projects with perseverance and endeavour. 

I was entitled the “Best-Selling Author of the Month” for my academic book concerning the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The book is currently sold at one of the most prestigious and popular Korean Bookstores, The Gyobo Bookstore, both online and offline. 

I campaigned and was elected by my peers as the PGDL Course Representative at [redacted]. During the pandemic, I created an online communication space, which was widely used as the primary communication channel more accessible to each student. Through active participation in staff-student liaison meetings, I learnt to be assertive and strengthened my ability to challenge constructively.

During my undergraduate degree, I led the [redacted] Korean Culture Society, teaching Korean language and culture. My tenure as a leader for three years significantly strengthened my ability to liaise with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds, as most of my constituents were international students. To tailor teaching methods to each student, I kept abreast of student feedback and actively sought the opinions of other tutors.

I also served as a student ambassador at [redacted]. I assisted and organised over 20 career events. I liaised with other schools, initiating an open day with LSE. Hence, I have developed impressive team working skills and have become a proficient public speaker.

2023

Cover letter (no word count)

We give you the freedom to get across whatever you feel is relevant in your cover letter. Generally, we want to hear why you are interested in a role as a commercial solicitor, why you are interested in Travers Smith and why you feel you are a strong candidate for the role. We also want to see that you have tailored your application to us and researched the firm in depth. Lastly, it needs to be addressed to Germaine VanGeyzel, our Graduate Recruitment Manager.

Dear Ms. Germaine VanGeyzel,

I am a [degree title] graduate from the [University name] and am writing to apply for a place on Travers Smith’s vacation scheme.

My interest in the commercial sector flourished since founding [x], a business specialising in the creation and supply of [x]. By focussing on providing exceptional client service, I increased profits by 17% and turnover by 15% for the year to June 2022. I am applying to Travers Smith as it too prioritises collaborative working to develop client relationships and provide excellent service, as demonstrated by the recent wins of Private Equity and Commercial Litigation Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2022.

During my legal internship at [x], I produced high quality work under pressure while drafting an Advisor Consultancy Agreement for a Private Equity client. Leveraging my attention to detail and research skills, I reviewed existing agreements and suggested additional clauses. I am motivated by the prospect of working in Travers Smith’s market leading Private Equity & Financial Sponsors Practice. I was impressed to hear from Vanessa Kitching how the Private Equity & Financial Sponsors team embedded a portfolio company resource into its existing private equity base enabling dedicated support during the full investment cycle; I am well used to a vertically integrated offering to clients through my own business and would be an asset in this environment.

As part of the [x], team, I have developed close client relationships and advanced my commercial awareness considerably. Our independence has allowed us to identify and collaborate with best in class, competitively priced suppliers, with values attuned to our ESG goals. I negotiated a monthly seasonal supply agreement, decreasing the unit price by £1.38 per kg, increasing margins by 8.3% and reducing carbon footprints. I was therefore able to appreciate from first-hand experience comments from Sophie Gayle-Farlow about the benefits of having “best friend” firms in Corporate and M&A team, to seamlessly deliver on cross-border transactions, such as the recent acquisition of the Construction Industry Solutions group by The Access Group.

I am impressed by the new and innovative ways Travers Smith adds value for its clients by providing informative podcasts, such as the global mobility series. I understand the value of exceptional communication and would relish the opportunity to contribute to such client-focussed resources in the future. Through tutoring students in English for several years, I have effectively communicated large amounts of complex information in easily, digestible ways. As a result, following 8 months of tuition, all my pupils have excelled in their subjects, and their scores have increased on average, by two grades.

I resonate with Travers Smith’s ethos of contributing to the community and was encouraged to hear about the pro bono opportunities from Nicole Alexander, especially the meaningful work with JUSTICE. Whilst volunteering in Spain, I used time management and organisational skills to lead a team in teaching English to large classes. Through efficient delegation and workstream management, the average attendance increased by 40%. Jagoda Kochan emphasised the importance of effective communication and proficiently managing deadlines and priorities as a trainee; something I would be confident doing as demonstrated above.

It was encouraging to speak to trainee Hamad Naeem about the unique ethos of Travers Smith. Hamad emphasised how the absence of chargeable hours targets and the room sharing system, cultivates a collaborative, supportive and close-knit culture. This type of arrangement appeals to me, having enjoyed a similar structure whilst working at [firm name]. Travers Smith’s 90% trainee retention rate and the fact that nearly half of partners trained at the firm, illustrates a true commitment to high quality training and further reinforces that this is where I envision my career.

I am certain that the competencies I have developed from my business, degree, work experience and other activities will provide a solid foundation to enable me to excel as a trainee at Travers Smith. 

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

Yours sincerely,

[name]

2023

Germaine VanGeyzel

Travers Smith LLP

10 Snow Hill

London

EC10 2AL

[Date of application]

Dear Germaine VanGeyzel,

I am writing to apply for a place on Travers Smith’s 2022 Winter Vacation Scheme. I am a final year law student at the University of [redacted] on track to obtain a First-Class degree. My ambition is to pursue a career as a transactional lawyer.

Three reasons have drawn me to a career in commercial law. The first is its focus on business.  Alongside my studies, I have frequently sought out experiences that encouraged me to grasp the complexities of the business world. I enjoyed exploring business trends and writing articles examining financial market developments at Watson's Daily. Moreover, as a Research Assistant at [online legal resource website] ("123"), I found it rewarding to create content on commercial topics such as equity financing and securitisation. During my time at TP ICAP's Insight Day, I also enjoyed learning more about complex OTC and exchange-traded derivative products from the perspective of a leading inter-dealer broker.

Secondly, commercial law's dynamic and intellectually intricate nature appeals to me.  Throughout my law degree, I often read beyond the subject material to ascertain how the modules apply in commercial settings. For instance, my study of Equity and Trusts led me to discover the practical use of Quistclose-style trusts in providing businesses with a vehicle to shield assets from insolvency. I am also drawn to how commercial lawyers respond to new challenges affecting their clients' business activities, such as the LIBOR transition and the emergence of ESG factors.

Finally, I want a client-oriented career. I have worked in various customer and client-facing roles during my academic studies. I enjoyed cultivating lasting relationships with clients as a painter and decorator. A career at Travers Smith will also offer me this opportunity to build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, such as investment banks and private equity firms. Further, I found handling customer requests and issues fulfilling as a waiter and customer assistant.

Likewise, I look forward to investing in understanding clients' businesses and the industries they operate in as a commercial lawyer to deliver appropriate legal advice.

Alongside this, two primary motivations have drawn me to Travers Smith. First, the firm's strength in capital markets appeals to me. Having created content on equity financing for 123, I enjoyed exploring the differences between the LSE's Main Market and AIM and the responsibilities of key parties in the IPO process. Furthermore, at Watson's Daily, I found the proliferation of SPAC listings during the pandemic intriguing and questioned whether the craze was sustainable. Chambers ranks Travers Smith's Equity Capital Markets: AIM department in Band 1. In addition, the firm advises high-calibre underwriters and nominated advisors, including HSBC, Investec and Peel Hunt. It is also home to prominent capital market lawyers such aas Adrian West and Andrew Gillen, who have both led several Main Market and AIM listings.  Accordingly, a career at Travers Smith will offer me the opportunity to work in a reputable department alongside market-leading lawyers to develop my understanding of this dynamic practice area.

My second motivation is Travers Smith's room-sharing system. Having worked as a painter and decorator during the summer of my first year of university, I quickly adjusted to the nature of the work by observing my employer prepare surfaces, interact with clients, and operate tools and machinery. Accordingly, this summer, I have taken on greater responsibility, managed projects independently and built connections with clients and tradespeople. Similarly, during my week's work experience at [local solicitors' firm], I shared an office with a Senior Conveyancing Solicitor. Such a system allowed me to confidently discuss points of law and process and engage in insightful tasks such as legal drafting and research. As such, sharing a room with a partner and an associate during my training contract at Travers Smith will ensure I better grasp the work in a contentious or corporate seat and unlock my potential during the early stages of my career at the firm.

Accordingly, three qualities make me an ideal candidate. The first is my interest in business affairs. My experiences with 123, Watson's Daily and TP ICAP demonstrate that I am inquisitive and can comprehend complex business concepts. Therefore, this will motivate me to read around the matter being worked on and monitor business trends relevant to clients during my training contract at Travers Smith.

Secondly, I possess strong interpersonal skills. Alongside my customer and client-facing roles, I frequently interacted with others during my time on the [redacted] University Law Society committee and Pro Bono projects. To ensure I facilitated streamlined work environments and maintained my service delivery, I worked around team preferences and strived to develop personal connections. Accordingly, as a trainee solicitor at Travers Smith, I will be able to work well in a team and connect with a range of individuals and external parties, including fee earners, clients and the firm's 'Best Friend' network.

Finally, I am resilient. Throughout my studies, I have regularly balanced my academic workload, multiple positions of responsibility and part-time work. As a result, I quickly acquired vital skills and developed self-discipline to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Therefore, I will be able to manage demanding workloads and weighted priorities to meet client expectations and deadlines throughout my training contract at Travers Smith.

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

Yours sincerely

[Redacted]

2022

Cover letter

Dear Ms VanGeyzel,

I am currently studying my Masters in [degree name] and working part-time as a paralegal, having recently graduated with a First-Class honours in Law. I am writing to apply for the Travers Smith Winter Vacation Scheme. I became interested in this opportunity following a positive networking experience with graduate recruitment at the [networking event] event in [city] earlier this year. Additionally, having spoken to trainee [trainee name] through the Aspiring Solicitors scheme, I have learned that Travers Smith has adopted a unique room-sharing system, where a partner shares the same room with juniors and a trainee, fostering a non-hierarchical work environment and guaranteeing contact with partners. As someone who is seeking a high level of guidance and supervision during my training contract, as well as the opportunity to work closely with some of the greatest minds in the legal industry, I am eager to apply.

My interest in commercial law began at university, whilst undertaking legal internships at two distinct organisations. The first internship, within the in-house legal team at [organisation name] in London, consisted of assisting HR with employment issues and drafting agreements. This allowed me to use my teamwork skills and offer general legal advice and an understanding of the law and its application, to the organisation. 

My second internship within a large commercial firm focused on M&A, private equity, financial services and litigation, practices which Travers Smith has demonstrated significant legal expertise, having secured Tier 1 and Tier 2 rankings in these areas. My most notable highlights during this internship include completing documentation required to allot shares between consumer brands and using analytical research to submit company reports to Companies House. I was also fortunate to gain first-hand experience in niche areas of law inside a commercial firm such as [practice area]. My ability to use initiative when solving complex problems, emotional intelligence such as resilience and my ability to adapt to new departments, enabled me to receive positive feedback from the Partners that I worked alongside during my internship, demonstrating that I am ready to start my Training Contract at Travers Smith.

The firm’s small trainee intake, 81% retention rate and high expectations of trainees corresponds with my desire to apply my dedicated work ethic to significant intellectual challenges and further my career progression upon qualification. The wide range of practice areas that Traver’s Smith offers to its clients allows for a fullservice, tailored client-experience. The firm’s distinct international approach consisting of a network of ‘best friends’ to meet the international needs of its clients – allowing Travers Smith access to market-leading expertise in multiple jurisdictions – attracts me as a culturally aware, multi-linguist. Having studied [language] in [city], I am working towards my intermediate language qualifications and I am excited at the opportunity to undertake an international secondment at the firm's [location] office. My international mindset and ability to work in multiple jurisdictions has encouraged me to deepen my knowledge of foreign law requirements and global markets, an aspect of my career which I can achieve whilst working at Travers Smith.

Thank you for taking the time to read my cover letter. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

2021

Dear Germaine VanGeyzel,

I graduated this year with a first class (hons) degree in Law from the University of [redacted]. I am writing to you to apply to Travers Smith's Winter Vacation Scheme.

I have spent some time deciding on corporate law as a career choice. Throughout university, I attended various legal networking events and heard from several types of lawyers, and, as my work experience shows, I have taken various legal careers into consideration. A crucial factor in my decision has been that, in my third year of university, I excelled in an optional unit: Corporate Law Simulation. My peers and I were split into buyer and seller teams, seeing an M&A transaction through from client instruction to exchange and completion. We were given the opportunity to use PLC online to draft earn-out agreements, manage data rooms, and consider the need for business lawyers to adopt the role of transaction cost engineers and adapt to changes in the legal market. The collaborative and business-orientated aspects of applying commercial legal knowledge to the hypothetical deal persuaded me to pursue a career in commercial law.

Travers Smith's stellar reputation for corporate work is what initially drew me to the firm. Having thoroughly enjoyed Company and Corporate Law at university, I sought out firms which would provide me with high quality training with some of the leading lawyers in the field. Its reputation brings in business with household names like Pret, Cafe Nero and Burger King, and I would enjoy the intellectual challenge of working on complex and multifaceted transactions in the large teams working to represent them. I am also interested in doing a seat in disputes, which is currently an area of growth at Travers. Having undertaken a mini pupillage at Queen Square’s Chambers, I can see myself enjoying liaising with barristers in the disputes department. I feel that the analytical and persuasive skills the LLB has helped me to develop will serve me well in this area. I note that Travers acted for Hewlett-Packard in the UK’s biggest civil fraud trial; working on complex and high-profile cases such as this, at a time where Travers is becoming more renowned for litigation is an exciting prospect. Travers’ international strategy also makes the firm stand out. I had a fascinating conversation with James Longster about what the model achieves for the firm. Most interesting to me was the fact that Travers can tailor certain aspects of a transaction to the leading firm in the region for a given practice area. This approach is far more cost-effective than opening other offices around the world and ensures a high level of quality for clients. Having been to an international school at sixth form, which fostered a sense of international mindedness, the prospect of networking with law firms and clients from all over the world is appealing.

I also feel that the training at Travers would suit my learning style. [Redacted trainee at Travers] spoke to me about his experience of sitting with a partner and an associate; this method of learning by osmosis sounds a lot like my experience of training as a Recruitment Resourcer. I have sat with my superiors and learned a lot about how they deal with difficult situations with clients and employees, and this has allowed me to mirror their professionalism. I also learn well in a team; I set up a study group for my Human Rights unit and consequently achieved a high first-class mark. The fact that Travers do not have chargeable hours indicates that collaboration and teamwork are truly important to the firm. Although I cannot claim to fully understand the culture of the firm without having spent time there on a vacation scheme, I can picture myself working well with the people I have met. The fact that a partner took an hour out of his day to call me and discuss the firm speaks volumes.

I am currently working in recruitment in order to save up to travel around South East Asia. I attend weekly Salsa classes and German lessons at the University of Surrey and in January, I will begin as a Paralegal at F-LEX to gain a greater insight into the legal profession. I feel that I would be an excellent fit for Travers because my academic record shows that I am determined and driven to achieve, and because of the skills and interests I have outlined throughout my application.

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

Yours Sincerely,

[redacted]

INTERESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Please give details of your main extra-curricular activities and leisure interests.*

My involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities at university required me to develop excellent time management skills which will be vital as a trainee lawyer. I played in the mixed lacrosse team for three years and enjoyed going on tour with them to Croatia. This has helped me develop my teamwork skills and was a great way to meet like-minded people. [Future trainee solicitor] mentioned that there are several sports teams at Travers, which I would certainly be interested in joining. Last year, I went travelling to Cuba and discovered salsa. On my return, I joined the University of Bristol Salsa Society and went to fantastic classes and socials throughout third year. I am not afraid to put myself in unfamiliar situations and give new things a go. I was also an active member of the Women in Law society, helping young girls from deprived schools with the LNAT and university applications. In a small way, I have begun to do my part in improving diversity in the legal profession, which, coming from a state school, is important to me. Diversity is important for law firms, as the diversity of a firm needs to reflect the diversity of its clients. It was therefore encouraging to read Travers’ piece on improving diversity and inclusion at City law firms.

I am currently attending evening German classes at the University of Surrey. I enjoy the intellectual challenge and social aspects of learning a language and would be interested in picking up French again at Travers. I am currently saving up to go travelling to South East Asia, as I love travelling and experiencing different cultures.

Please give details of any positions of responsibility and achievements or awards at school, university or elsewhere*

After I completed my GCSEs at my local state school, I moved to Germany and attended an international school in Düsseldorf. I am proud that within six months I was selected by my teachers and peers as Head Girl. In this position, I personally set up the school's first student council and student magazine. The Head Boy and I organised and presented at a fundraising evening for Friedensdorf, a charity housing and rehabilitating children from war-torn cities, raising over €5,000 in one evening. I have always been comfortable speaking in front of audiences and this skill will undoubtedly serve me well in my career. I balanced this position of responsibility with being the captain of the varsity volleyball team and with completing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. I was also awarded the leavers prize for attainment for the results I achieved in my IB diploma.

In second year of university, I completed a half-marathon for Syrian Relief, as I love to challenge myself. Additionally, having lived in Germany at the height of the Syrian Refugee crisis, it is a cause that I feel strongly about. Travers’ work with Refugees at Home caught my eye, and I would like to get involved the scheme.

Finally, an achievement I am incredibly proud of is attaining a first class in my law degree, especially as I did so without compromising my social life or extracurricular activities. This can be put down to my excellent time management skills, academic ability and my organisation of study groups. My ability to thrive when working in a group is vital because solicitors need to be able to work internally in a team and externally with clients and solicitors on the other side of a transaction or case.