2025

Grades

• Contract: 65
• Tort: 70
• Public: 65
• Introduction to Law and Legal Theory: 61

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300 words)

One of my key achievements is securing numerous insight schemes and open days through competitive applications, including the Mayer Brown Open Day. This experience provided me with a firsthand understanding of Mayer Brown’s global presence, client-centred approach, and commitment to innovation. The sessions on generative AI and client-facing tools like the Dawn Raid app highlighted the firm’s forward-thinking strategy and solidified my interest in joining a firm where technology and legal service intersect to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

My practical experience as a [redacted] at [redacted] has furthered my appreciation for client relationships and the intricacies of property management, aligning well with Mayer Brown’s market-leading real estate practice. Managing property viewings for the [redacted] branch, I coordinate schedules, ensure seamless client experiences, and handle challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset. This role has sharpened my skills in organisation, attention to detail, and client communication—qualities critical in high-value transactions.

I am also dedicated to fostering growth within the legal community. As a mentor with Zero Gravity and the University of [redacted] School of Law, I guide aspiring university and first-year law students through the competitive application processes for Oxbridge, top universities, and law firms. This mentorship has deepened my commitment to a supportive legal community, and Mayer Brown’s focus on pro bono and social impact resonates with my own values of giving back.

Beyond my UK-based experience, I have worked across two continents, gaining a global mindset and adaptability in fast-paced, client-focused environments. This international perspective aligns with Mayer Brown’s global strategy and positions me to contribute effectively within a dynamic and diverse team.

These experiences have equipped me with a robust foundation in client service, adaptability, and problem-solving, making me well-prepared to thrive in Mayer Brown’s dynamic and globally-minded team.

2024

Grades 

• GCSE: 10 A*s, 1 A 
• A levels: 1 A, 2B’s
• LLB: 2.1 

Languages: French & Arabic

Work Experience: 

Risk, Compliance & Legal intern (June 23- July 23) BGC Partners

• Undertook research tasks to help Senior Lawyers with current cases. 
• Proofreading contracts before they are sent to clients, developing my attention to detail. 
• Assisting with the litigation process, anticipating the plaintiffs response and preparing any counterarguments to possible responses. 
• Helped to maintain and monitor the firm’s Gift and Hospitality register and to escalate any potential breaches.  
• ‘Horizon Mapping’ and creating a log of recent regulatory breaches relating to financial crime to ensure that BGC’s AML & financial crime policies are adequate to mitigate any risk. 
• Used pivot tables, Bloomberg and company data to generate the ‘Daily Credit Report’ for the risk department, which was competent enough to be sent to senior management. 
• Financial training to learn about investments markets, financial services and the trade cycle.

Co-Founder (Aug 2020-June 23) [Redacted] Hair Care

• Managed the budget and incoming revenue.
• Sourced natural, organic ingredients for the product  
• Built a community on Instagram of about 200 people.  
• Scanning the horizon for problems and solutions, whether this be ensuring consumers consistently return or ensuring the consistency of the product is desirable every time.  
• Analysing website data, consumer buying habits as well as Instagram insights to try to increase our reach and loyal customer base.

Tutor (May 18 – June 23) [Redacted] Tutors

• Developing innovative/different teaching strategies to suit each child’s individual learning needs.  
• Strong oral communication skills allow me to explain complex mathematical concepts, in a concise way. Including instances where there is a language barrier. 
• Collaborating with the schools, teachers, and parents to create personalised plans for each student. 
• Creating long-standing relationships with students, parents and schools, tailoring my techniques to ensure that each unique need is satisfied. Evidenced by being personally ask to return, in consecutive years (parents and schools).

Intern (June 19- July 19) Squire Patton & Boggs 

• Worked with an associate in the International Dispute Resolution team for a week, shadowing her and helping her with her tasks.  
• This included carrying out administrative work, preparing complex cases for clients and attending meetings. It was a very stimulating and fast-paced environment as every day presented different challenges. 
• I was also invited to write a blog on the topic of illegal oil tankers for the White Collar and Government Investigations’ department.

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (No word count) 

I represented my county in Swimming and was selected for the university's varsity netball team.  I achieved my Grade 8 and Grade 7 in Piano and Violin respectively. I was the youngest member at the time to be selected for the Winchester Youth Orchestra at 10 years old. I received the Violin scholarship during school and the Choir award during college. Additionally, I was awarded half-colours for Music.  

During my time working on my small business, I landed a 2-page spread in 'Hampshire Life' magazine as well as being invited to speak on a local radio show.   

I have also taken an interest in technology, particularly as I come from a non-technical academic background. I recently attended a talk at the Southbank Centre called 'Is AI an existential threat to humanity' to gain insight from experts in the field as well as engage in topical debates. In addition, I am currently working towards a level 2 qualification called 'Understanding Coding' and a Harvard CS50x course entitled 'Computer Science for Lawyers' to deepen my computational thinking alongside allowing me to gain coding skills in Python and SQL.  

Job simulation motivation question

Note that this was a video interview, but I have included a write up of my answer below. From what I remember, I had 3-5 minutes to prepare my answer, then 2-3 minutes to record (I couldn't re-record).

Why Mayer Brown?

1. Banking & Finance

Drawn to MB’s strengths in the banking and finance practice areas, particularly as I enjoyed the finance, credit and security module in law school, where I was able to deepen my knowledge of capital markets and structured finance. I really enjoyed the cross-over of having to use my qualitative analytical skills with my numerical analytical skills and knew this was something I could pursue in a career.

Following on from that, I was grateful to secure an internship within the legal, compliance and risk team of an investment bank and brokerage. I particularly enjoyed helping clients such as banks navigate risks but also explore opportunities for growth. From advising in the first issuance of a sustainable bond in Japan, to representing Swiss bank Lobard Odier in a financial conduct case the opportunity to work on high calibre work within banking and finance is unmatched

Having said this, I appreciate Mayer Brown’s full-service capabilities. It is important to me to be exposed to a wide range of practice areas before choosing one to qualify into.

2. Pro bono

As someone who has spent time volunteering, for example teaching primary school children English and spending 2 weeks volunteering in South Africa continuing this in my career is extremely important. Mayer Brown was the first major law firm to implement a strategic pro-bono plan and is constantly recognised for its pro-bono work. I was particularly drawn to its work assisting minority owned small businesses. As an ethnic minority who ran her own small business, I would be excited to work on projects like this because I would be able to bring my first-hand experience to our clients and help with projects that I am passionate about

2023

The application form was pretty short and straightforward. I filled in my grades and work experience/ employment history, and was only asked one dedicated question (see below).

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non-academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300 words)

At university, I was elected Vice President and Publicity Officer of [redacted] Law Society. As Vice President, I worked together with 11 executive members to oversee the society’s programmes and events. The role strengthened my collaborative working skills, as I supported members who struggled to meet their commitments. I worked with them to come up with a plan that enabled them to deliver their commitments, and I took on additional tasks where necessary. 

I am passionate about giving back and during university, I received an award for exceptional commitment to voluntary work. I have also been a Community Mentor and Senior Mentor. Mentoring has developed my resilience and interpersonal skills because sometimes the young people would be hostile. I resolved this difficult behaviour by talking to the young people, listening to their concerns, empathising and suggesting amenable solutions. Winning their trust was a huge accomplishment because the young people previously did not believe in role models. I inspired the young people to have the confidence to change the world and ten of them are on youth boards. 

I am interested in sustainable fashion and strive to reduce clothing waste. Consequently, in my spare time, I run my own business recycling, upcycling and thrifting clothes. I use my communication skills to engage buyers, explain promotional offers and develop relationships with customers to understand their needs. I understand the importance of providing a professional quality service and this is one of the reasons why I applied to Mayer Brown, because I resonate with the firm’s value of delivering excellent client service. 

One of my favourite hobbies is yoga and I am always looking for ways to challenge my practice. I take every opportunity to further my development and I have recently started aerial yoga. 

2021

Dear Ms. Danielle White,

I am a penultimate year student studying Law (LLB) at University College London. I am writing to apply for the Mayer Brown 2019 Summer Vacation Scheme.

I am interested in a career in commercial law because I have enjoyed my open days at city law firms and legal internships. Through these experiences, I assisted with various tasks: merger, and investment transaction research, litigation case report search 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.

I enjoyed interning at the private equity firm, [redacted], which exposed me to the versatility and huge potential of private equity for achieving investment objectives and potentially, for economic development. I subsequently joined the organising committee for the 2019 UCL Alternative Investments Conference - the largest annual student conference in the world focused on private equity, hedge funds, and venture capital. I would greatly value the opportunity to be part of Mayer Brown’s expansion of its London office’s Private Equity Practice, as illustrated by the addition of leading lawyers in this field such as Neil Evans. The fully-integrated nature of the firm’s renowned global private equity practice would provide me with exposure to the firm’s other leading practices such as its Regulatory Enforcement and Real Estate Practices. This gives the firm’s private equity team a competitive advantage against other firms and would enable me to support global private equity firms at all phases of their investment cycle.

Mayer Brown’s training programme highlights the firm’s unparalleled long-term investment in its lawyers. The firm’s small trainee intake of 15 would provide me with greater opportunity for responsibility, client exposure and the chance to develop strong relationships with other trainees. The firm’s unique provision of an internal Training Development Centre and the Professional Skills Course for its trainees would immensely facilitate the progression of my professional development.

My previous experiences have equipped me with key skills which will ensure that I am a fantastic trainee solicitor at Mayer Brown who can make valuable contributions to the firm. In July 2018, I completed a 15-week “Islamic Law, Finance and Business Ethics” course at Harvard University in 3 weeks. I had no previous experience in this subject but my drive to succeed resulted in me achieving a 95% grade in my final research paper.

My commitment to achieving consistent excellence is illustrated by my provision of researched customer-specific advice to walk-in clients at Toynbee Hall Advice Centre, who have commended me on my ability to provide them with good advice. The ability to communicate with a diverse range of colleagues and clients is vital for Mayer Brown lawyers, given that the firm is located in 26 cities across the world.

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