2025

How has your understanding of the role of a commercial lawyer developed, and motivated you to pursue a career at Norton Rose Fulbright? (300 words)

Studying English at Oxford University I learnt to analyse text, make sound judgements and communicate clearly. Completing Norton Rose Fulbright’s Forage job simulation showed me that these skills are highly transferrable to commercial law and could allow me to work closely with the innovative businesses shaping our world. 

This was confirmed to me during my legal placement at eBay, which showed me how lawyers find agile solutions, allowing businesses to grow while complying with incoming regulations. 

As a presenter on ‘The Firm Rundown’ podcast and a writer for Legal Cheek, I have interviewed many experienced lawyers. These conversations have shown me the myriad paths a legal career can take, unified by being a trusted advisor to those navigating a challenging legal landscape. 

A large, full-service firm like Norton Rose Fulbright offers the opportunity to learn from leading experts in a broad range of practice areas. 

I have particularly enjoyed insight events on disputes law. Helping clients through difficult periods appeals to me, especially in the context of the tough hikes in interest rates over the last two years. With one of the world’s largest disputes practices, Norton Rose Fulbright would be the ideal environment to explore this. 

In today’s global world, I want to train at a firm supporting clients across jurisdictions. Norton Rose Fulbright’s ever-expanding international reach, bolstered most recently by alliances in Turkey, Uganda and Zimbabwe, impresses me. I am keen to complete an international secondment, connecting with international colleagues and expanding my legal experience. 

Tuning into your early careers podcast, I was impressed by the firm’s commitment to diversity. Having been a Gender Representative at university, I am eager to join the women’s network. The well-supported training programme, designating a trainee buddy and partner mentor to each trainee, convinced me I would thrive at Norton Rose Fulbright. 

Norton Rose Fulbright has a sector led approach. Which one of our sectors do you think has the most potential for growth over the next 12 months, and why, and what opportunities do you see for the firm to maximise this potential? (300 words) 

The sector with the most potential for growth over the next year is technology, largely due to the technological, commercial and regulatory developments in the field of AI. 

In September, Microsoft, Salesforce and Workday announced plans to develop AI agents which can act on behalf of users (where current AI assistants only suggest), extending commercial applications of AI tools. As AI tools become workplace staples, more businesses will need support navigating this technology. 

AI startups continue to emerge, with newcomer Sakana AI valued at $1.5bn this month and Microsoft entering into partnership with the then 10-month-old Mistral in February. These startups will need legal guidance through investment and acquisitions. 

In response to this ‘AI boom’, worldwide regulation is evolving. The EU’s AI Act is now law and California’s governor is considering the state’s divisive AI bill. 

Norton Rose Fulbright is well-positioned to advise businesses in this area, having formalised its AI practice in the USA this year with Chuck Hollis as practice group head. This position could be strengthened by formalising AI practice groups in jurisdictions like the UK or China, which follow the US in global AI investment. Norton Rose Fulbright’s multijurisdictional expertise will be vital as businesses fear the difficulties of navigating a “patchwork” of AI global regulations. 

Another developing field in the technology sector is space and satellites. I chaired Legal Cheek’s ‘Space and the law’ event and was struck by the growth of commercial space projects. With expertise in aviation and telecommunications law, as well as an international approach which aligns with the inherently international nature of space, Norton Rose Fulbright is exceptionally well placed to develop its offering here. The firm released a guide to the sector at the end of 2023; further investment into this area could really boost Norton Rose Fulbright’s technology sector.

2024

Please explain your motivations for pursuing a career as a commercial solicitor and why you think Norton Rose Fulbright would be a good match for you (Maximum 750 words).

My interest in commercial law began during my time at Schroders, when my team was leading the compliance process with new European sustainability regulations. After reviewing a 200-page consultation paper, the directors in my team were still uncertain about the regulatory implications for our funds. The project progressed much quicker because the City lawyers advising us effectively explained the specific changes impacting our firm. I was so impressed by the lawyers’ articulate nature and tailored advice that I explored the idea of becoming a solicitor myself.

I confirmed this interest upon attending insight events at Paul Hastings, Baker McKenzie and Vinson & Elkins. When I was working on a case study on an international joint venture, I found myself supplementing my legal arguments with my understanding of Russian foreign policy and private equity investments. As someone with a wide range of academic interests, I really enjoyed how topical and multidisciplinary the analysis is in commercial law, especially compared to the heavily quantitative work in my former role. I believe law allows me to develop my existing interest in business and finance while capitalising on my natural strengths as a History and International Relations graduate. 

Above all, Norton Rose Fulbright’s multicultural environment compelled me to apply. At the Energy Transition event, senior associate Melusi Dlamini shared that the firm’s wide international reach allowed them to explore their interest in African energy work. As a Hongkonger that attended an international school with over 80 nationalities represented, I am eager to work with people from different regions. My roommates were from Bulgaria, Timor-Leste, and Mauritius respectively, and I learnt a lot from hearing their different perspectives on global issues. My knowledge of and passion for different cultures would be well-utilised and further developed at such a global firm. I am confident in my ability to build rapport with international clients, particularly in the international secondment.

Secondly, I am drawn to Norton Rose Fulbright’s unique industry focus, particularly its strengths in energy. From engaging with energy-related case studies and speaking with project financing lawyers at the Vinson & Elkins, I really enjoyed the tangibility of energy work. Partner Amy Armitage echoed this, where she said seeing the physical sites she worked on felt highly rewarding. The industry-focused structure means trainees can learn from lawyers with deep sectoral expertise and see projects throughout the whole lifecycle. Also, the firm’s practice group has won not just accolades in their local markets, but also global Band 1 rankings for multi-jurisdictional work. This makes Norton Rose Fulbright the ideal place for me to explore potential areas I may specialise in upon qualification as a solicitor at an international law firm.

I believe I have the key competencies to succeed as a commercial lawyer. Firstly, I am capable of dissecting complex information and making insightful observations. I produced a monthly firmwide update on the cross-border retail fund market, which the CEO often engaged with. From large datasets, I extract relevant data points to highlight top-selling sectors and funds, explaining trends and outliers with macroeconomic analysis. This required a high standard of analytical rigour, which is foundational to legal work.

Secondly, I always take the initiative to learn and help others. My manager was on secondment and only worked Mondays and Fridays. I familiarised myself with the data and slides he regularly updates for the Sustainability ExCo in case queries come in mid-week. Later when there were urgent requests from the Chief Investment Officer, I was able to respond and support my manager and team. This shows that I am not afraid to challenge myself with greater responsibilities, and I proactively think of ways to support the team.

I am also a self-starter that remains resilient in difficult circumstances. During my internship at BlackRock (made virtual during Covid), there was an 8-hour time difference as I was home in Hong Kong. Despite these setbacks, I was determined to maximise my learning as I lacked prior knowledge of finance compared to the economics students in my cohort. I used all means available to me, ranging from having coffee chats with 30 people across geographies and functions to self-studying the Bloomberg Market Concepts certification. I believe I have the grit to thrive in the high-stakes environment of a global law firm like Norton Rose Fulbright. (712 words)

2023

Write a covering letter detailing why you would like to complete a vacation placement (750 words) 

Dear Graduate Recruitment Team, 

I am a penultimate year Law student at the University of [Redacted], writing to apply for a place on the 2023 Summer Vacation Scheme at Norton Rose Fulbright (‘NRF’).

My interest in commercial law developed during my participation in a virtual M&A internship with Latham & Watkins. This experience allowed me to gain a more insightful appreciation of the role of commercial lawyers and how they seamlessly integrate their legal knowledge with commercial acumen to advance their clients' objectives. I was impressed by the strategic and nuanced approach the lawyers demonstrated while working on a potential acquisition between two pharmaceutical companies, especially during the negotiation stage where they carefully evaluated and prioritized their clients' priorities.

This experience reinforced my conviction to embark on a career in commercial law, where I can leverage my business background to guide companies through complex business issues. My entrepreneurial experience as the founder of [Redacted], a digital marketing agency that offered support to small businesses across three continents during the COVID-19 pandemic, ignited my passion for supporting business growth and success. The client-focused and global nature of commercial law, therefore, aligns with my interests and aspirations, and I am eager to make a substantial impact on the success and growth of world-class companies as a commercial lawyer on a larger scale. Attending Open Days at prominent City firms, including Hogan Lovells and Weil, Gotshal and Manges, further strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in commercial law.

I am drawn to NRF due to its focused approach on key industries such as finance, energy, and technology. The firm's strategy of deeply understanding the industries its clients work in through its industry focus, motivates me to pursue a Vacation Scheme as a stepping stone towards a Training Contract at the firm. I believe that this approach will enable me to provide more informed, tailored and well-rounded advice to clients, adding greater value to their businesses compared to non-sector specific legal advice.

Furthermore, I am also drawn to NRF's innovative use of automation and legal technology, which has become increasingly relevant in recent years. Programs like NRF Transform, NT Analyzer, and LX Studio, demonstrate the firm's commitment to streamlining its workflow processes and engaging closely with clients in a highly digitalized society. These offerings set NRF apart from other firms, and enable them to effectively serve clients such as HSBC. For instance, tools like NT Analyzer, which helps companies catalogue disclosed data and avoid relevant risks, will be useful to financial giants like HSBC, who are exposed to privacy risks with open-banking offerings involving consumer data sharing with third-party vendors. This highlights NRF's commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients and their ability to adapt to evolving market trends and client needs. This forward-thinking business approach solidifies my interest in pursuing a Vacation Scheme at the firm.

I am confident that my background in digital marketing makes me an ideal fit for NRF. Through my experiences, I have developed a strong ability to approach problems from different angles, which will allow me to effectively handle any unexpected client issues that may arise. Additionally, my project management skills developed as a Course Representative where I led a team of 10 junior officers and successfully presented student concerns to key stakeholders at the Law School, will be valuable as a trainee. My dedication to contributing 30 hours per week to pro-bono projects and other leadership positions during term time has further strengthened my ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and effectively handle multiple responsibilities, preparing me for a career in commercial law.

Finally, my teamwork abilities make me well-suited for NRF. I honed these skills as a legal researcher for [Redacted] County Council's film project, where I collaborated with a small team, reviewing a high volume of legal documents within a tight deadline, ensuring legal accuracy in the final script. Collaborating with a diverse group of individuals was instrumental to the project’s success and fostersed intellectual exchange through varied perspectives. I am eager to join a firm like NRF that values diversity and a supportive team environment as crucial factors in driving success.

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

Yours faithfully, 

[Redacted]

If applicable, what do you do to keep up to date with your foreign language skills? (300 words max)

To keep up with my foreign language skills, I endeavor to work closely with native speakers from countries like France and Spain, during the summer. In these summer camps, I speak with the students to help them develop their natural speaking voice and they speak with me in return and help me to speak French more conversationally. Additionally, I use apps, such as Duolingo, daily to practice and maintain my knowledge of the language, as well as occasionally communicating with people on trips abroad, when I have the chance. As for developing my spoken Yoruba, I surround myself with people who only speak the language during breaks to brush up on my grammar and pronunciation and develop my speaking abilities further. 

2022

Dear Graduate Recruitment Team,

I am writing to apply for the 2022 Training Contract at Norton Rose Fulbright.

After completing a vacation scheme at the firm, I am confident that there would be no better place to begin my career and develop as a commercial lawyer than at Norton Rose Fulbright.

My previous experiences have exposed me to the multifaceted role which solicitors play when advising clients on complex transactions. While interning at [redacted], a leading law firm in [redacted country], I shadowed a lawyer in their Oil & Gas practice. I was intrigued by the fundamental role the lawyers played when advising clients on their operation in the [redacted country] oil & gas industry. I discovered that a lot of [redacted country]’s laws in this area were obsolete compared to other jurisdictions, requiring lawyers to be innovative when solving their clients’ problems. Thus, my motivation for pursuing a career in commercial law is the prospect of efficiently assisting clients with complex problems that are at the forefront of global issues.

My interest was confirmed during a vacation scheme at Norton Rose Fulbright where I sat in the project finance department focusing on Energy, Infrastructure and Natural Resources. I assisted my supervisor with a project which involved the termination of a Sinfin waste plant in the UK which aimed to use waste products to produce electricity in Derby. The project presented issues that had never occurred in similar projects and therefore had no precedents. Working on the project was intriguing as it demonstrated the firm’s innovation and pre-eminence when assisting clients with issues that are the first of their kind.

I am impressed by the firm’s work in Africa and its ability to help clients navigate through the most complex legal issues on the continent. Whilst on the vacation scheme, I assisted Andrew Buisson with a construction project in Malawi. I carried out several tasks for him, which exposed me to the complexities involved with construction projects in emerging economies. For example, I discovered the importance of placing the design risk on the construction company in Engineering, Procurement and Construction contracts which involve emerging markets to protect clients from future liability, given the unpredictability of projects in these economies. Norton Rose Fulbright’s global nature is especially advantageous in these types of projects as it allows the firm to provide deep local knowledge in developing economies where the projects are being built. Having lived in [redacted country], the firm’s ability to assist clients on complex projects in Africa appeals to me.

My desire to pursue a career at Norton Rose Fulbright is also as a result of its reputation and global exceptionalism.The firm’s industry focus allows lawyers to have a deep understanding of clients’ sectors in order to offer them tailored advice. Training at the firm would allow me to learn from lawyers who are specialists in their fields. I am also impressed by the firm’s commitment to tech innovation and its desire to deliver the best results for its clients. Through NRF Transform and the Newcastle Hub, the firm looks for effective ways to improve its internal processes and provide excellent technology-based solutions to clients. This means that as a trainee, I will be exposed to market-leading legal technologies at an early stage in my career.

My previous experiences have allowed me to develop skills that I believe will enable me to excel as a trainee solicitor at the firm. My commitment to achieving excellence is illustrated by my role as the marketing officer of the UCL Emerging Markets Forum where I pioneered creative strategies to increase our ticket sales. For example, I used interesting infographics on our social media pages and collaborated with the research team to produce informative articles to be published online. This increased engagement with our social media pages by 70%. As a result of these initiatives, we sold all the tickets available for the conference. This success led to my appointment as the Director of Delegate Affairs for the 2020 conference. I have also undertaken multiple mentoring roles which have allowed me to develop my communication and interpersonal skills. For instance, as a Pathways to law mentor, I led multiple skills sessions with five of my mentees which required me to explain complex commercial terms in a simple and concise way. I believe that Norton Rose Fulbright is the best place for me to begin and progress through a global career in commercial law.

I look forward to hearing from you.