2025

At RPC we work in a collaborative environment. Provide an example where you have demonstrated your ability to collaborate and explain your actions. You may want to make reference to your hobbies, interests and/or work experience to illustrate your answer. (300 words)

A time when I collaborated and explained my actions was when I trained 11 amateur boxers for their first-ever competition as Club Captain of my University Boxing Club. I coached a team for the annual Fight Night, an event attended by 1,200 spectators. Many of the boxers were nervous about performing in front of a crowd, and their skill levels varied significantly. 

I adopted a collaborative and tailored approach to my coaching. During training, I recorded every sparring session and spent time after practice analysing each fighter’s performance to identify areas for improvement. I then worked one-on-one with each individual to devise drills targeting their weaknesses. I also devised a weekly training regimen to incorporate these drills to comprehensively address the weaknesses I found. For example, one of my fighters had terrible footwork so I devised a drill for her to practise where she would practise stepping in and out of squares on the floor. 

Communicating clearly was essential for my coaching to be successful. I focused on positive reinforcement, balancing corrections with encouragement, using phrases like “That jab was sharp—now add a bit more snap.” For my coaching to be successful, I also needed to break down complex moves into their constituent parts and explain them slowly. I would often provide physical demonstrations with a partner to outline complex footwork and combos. 

The fight night was a resounding success. Six of the 11 fighters won their bouts, two drew, and the event itself sold out, generating £32,000 in revenue. Beyond the numbers, the most rewarding outcome was seeing nervous fighters grow into confident champions through teamwork and mutual support. As a trainee, communication skills will be crucial when explaining the findings of legal research as well as organising and contributing in meetings with colleagues. 

Describe why a career in commercial law appeals to you. What skills do you think are needed to be a successful commercial lawyer? (300 words) 

A career in commercial law appeals to me because of the proximity that solicitors have to regulation. As the burden of regulation increases and grows more complex, businesses will need solicitors more than ever to assist with compliance, investigations, and guidance. This aspect of commercial law resonates with me due to my experience as a Parliamentary Assistant to a UK Government minister. In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders, such as EDF and Lloyds, and have observed how regulatory decisions shape industries. This understanding is also essential for successful lawyers, as they need to understand the commercial implications of regulation on their clients’ businesses. I learned about this dynamic at the RPC Insight Day, where I was taught how RPC’s lawyers advise Channel 4 on regulatory compliance with Ofcom, as well as tech clients like Google and Meta. 

I am also keen on a career in commercial law because of the prospect of engaging in litigious work. Successful litigators need strong analytical thinking skills to evaluate evidence, anticipate opposing arguments, and craft persuasive arguments themselves to present their cases effectively. During my time at university, my course focused on argumentation, particularly in my history modules. I often evaluated the validity of historical evidence and used analytical thinking to assess the merits of arguments. I excelled in this area, achieving the highest marks in my year across two modules and a first in my overall degree result. I gained an understanding of how these skills are transferable to a legal career at the RPC Insight Day, where I spoke to a senior associate. They emphasized the importance of creative problem-solving in developing strategies to address novel issues, such as tracing assets on blockchain technology and pursuing remedies against anonymous fraudsters.

Why are you applying to RPC? (300 words)

I am applying to RPC because I am excited by the work that the firm does for its clients. When I attended an Insight Day at RPC’s London office, I had the opportunity to learn about the work the firm does within the TMT sector. I was excited by the firm’s work with Meta, especially on projects related to legal implications of products like virtual reality headsets and immersive experiences. I was also interested in the firm’s work with Channel 4, assisting them with litigation and advisory work. This work resonates with my experience at a German media and production company. I was tasked with cataloguing the company’s English language content rights for international distribution, as well as with carrying out research tasks on NFTs and the Metaverse. RPC is the right firm for me because it is the best place to leverage my experience in working with media rights, emerging technologies, and content distribution, which are areas that RPC excels in. 

I am also applying to RPC because I was extremely impressed by what I learned about the firm’s culture. From speaking to trainees, associates and partners, I learnt that trainees at RPC are trusted for their insights, as well as for their energy and excitement. Furthermore, through conversations with trainees such as [redacted], I’ve learnt about how RPC fosters an environment where inclusion and collaboration is valued. As a British Jew with a long-term auto-immune disease, I was thrilled to learn about how the firm supports diversity and inclusivity through the ENABLE and Ethnicity networks at the firm. Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I’ve been fortunate to thrive in environments that celebrate my identity and health challenges. I believe RPC has the right supportive culture that can help me succeed as a commercial lawyer.

Identify a current commercial issue which is relevant to RPC. Please explain why you consider it to be significant to the stakeholders involved. (300 words)

A commercial issue that is relevant to RPC are the risks associated with influencer businesses. The influencer economy is an increasingly important aspect of RPC’s TMT practice, especially in relation to clients such as Google and Meta. 

A striking example of the risks associated with influencer businesses are influencer-driven cosmetic lines, such as Jeffree Star Cosmetics and Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Skin. Jeffree Star Cosmetics saw its success falter due to controversies surrounding its founder, which led to cancelled partnerships and declining sales. Similarly, Kylie Skin was criticised for poor product quality and misleading marketing, eroding consumer trust. 

These examples highlight the fragility of influencer-led businesses. Market saturation and intense competition leads to poorly executed business plans. Furthermore, the success of these businesses is often inseparably tied to the influencer’s personal brand. Negative publicity surrounding an influencer can have a direct and devastating impact on their products. Additionally, influencers frequently have limited control over their businesses, relying on corporate partners for product development, marketing, and distribution. This dependency can lead to conflicts when companies make decisions that harm an influencer’s image, leaving them contractually obligated to promote products they may no longer support.

Influencer businesses represent significant commercial risks for RPC’s clients, such as Google and Meta, who host, promote and monetise influencer content. For example, platforms risk being held accountable when influencer content violates the Advertising Standards Authority’s regulations. This occurred in March 2020, when the ASA banned an Instagram post by Katie Price promoting a diet product. Furthermore, when a platform demonetises an influencer’s content due to controversy, potential litigation could occur over claims of lost revenue or breach of contract. In 2020, the UK High Court ruled that YouTube's decisions to remove or demonetize content are subject to judicial review, allowing creators to challenge demonetisation in court.

2024

At RPC we work in a collaborative environment. Provide an example where you have demonstrated your ability to collaborate and explain your actions. You may want to make reference to your hobbies, interests and/or work experience to illustrate your answer. (300 words)

Working as a sales advisor and keyholder at [redacted] during the bustling Christmas season gave me invaluable experience fostering collaboration and teamwork. This period was about meeting sales targets and creating a seamless customer experience amidst the holiday rush. During my month-long break from university, I took on the responsibility of a key holder, managing store operations during peak hours and ensuring a smooth closure. 

Building upon existing relationships while forming new ones was crucial. I joined later than other temporary staff, necessitating quick rapport-building. I made concerted efforts to connect with new colleagues, sharing insights from my previous Christmas stints and aiding in their training. I invested time during breaks to develop personal connections to strengthen these bonds. This approach facilitated an environment where colleagues felt comfortable seeking my assistance, fostering a cohesive team dynamic. 

My proactive involvement in mentoring new hires and offering support when challenges arose contributed significantly to our collective success during the holiday season. We were successful in delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring satisfaction even during the busiest times. Moreover, these connections didn't dissipate once I returned to university; the relationships endured, underscoring the depth of our collaboration beyond the workplace. 

Reflecting on this experience, I recognise the importance of cultivating relationships and leveraging these bonds to create a supportive and productive work environment. This tenure honed my ability to seamlessly integrate into teams, offering assistance and guidance, ultimately leading to a rewarding and fruitful Christmas season. 

My appreciation extends to the enduring relationships formed, illustrating the significance of genuine connections beyond the confines of the workplace. This experience has equipped me with a deeper understanding of the pivotal role of teamwork and camaraderie in achieving shared goals.  

Describe why a career in commercial law appeals to you. What skills do you think are needed to be a successful commercial lawyer? (300 words)

I am attracted to commercial law due to my experiences attending legal events and exposure to the work and culture at RPC. In addition, I believe I possess a broad spectrum of skills crucial to being a successful commercial lawyer. 

Recently, I attended the Legal Cheek Winter Virtual Vacation Scheme, which gave me an intricate look into a commercial lawyer's work and engaged me in case studies to demonstrate different legal scenarios. Furthermore, I have completed the RPC virtual work experience programme on the Forage platform, which provided excellent examples of a trainee's work within commercial law and the breadth of work that one may undertake. This cemented my interest in pursuing a career in commercial law as I obtained a more accurate understanding of the different work that RPC carries out and the skills required of a commercial lawyer. 

Integral to this role are robust oral and written communication skills honed at university and through work experience, indispensable for crafting legal documents, engaging with clients and being able to work within a team of lawyers. I also pride myself on my proficiency in legal research, diligence, and attention to detail. These are skills which I have been able to develop during my law degree and further through virtual work experience programmes on Forage. 

I understand that a successful commercial lawyer also requires problem-solving abilities, preemptively identifying potential legal issues and devising innovative strategies to resolve client disputes or challenges. Furthermore, I believe it is vital to have commercial awareness, an understanding of the business landscape, and of industry-specific hurdles to provide clients with practical and commercially viable legal counsel. Effectively managing time amidst a demanding workload and meeting deadlines are indispensable traits for a proficient commercial lawyer, which I believe I possess. 

Why are you applying to RPC? (300 words)

My initial attraction to RPC stemmed from the firm's reputation, which prompted me to participate in numerous legal events. The Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair, RPC Virtual Work Experience program, the 'Financial and Professional Risk' event hosted by Legal Cheek, and the 2023 London Insight Day were particularly enlightening. Throughout these engagements, RPC's commitment to diversity, collaboration, and fostering individuality stood out prominently, setting it apart from other firms I had encountered. 

The 'Financial and Professional Risk' event, led by partners proved especially intriguing. Before this, my understanding of risk within insurance law was limited. Exploring the broad spectrum of work within this practice area, especially the discussions on investigative work and essential skills, resonated deeply with my strengths in communication and research. This exposure prompted a keen interest in pursuing a career in insurance law, an area where RPC excels. 

RPC's core values—collaboration, commitment, and commercial acumen—were vividly exemplified during Insight Day. The welcoming atmosphere and the encouragement of collaborative interactions among strangers, coupled with [redacted] emphasis on the firm's unwavering commitment to its clients, left a lasting impression. Furthermore, learning about RPC's Tectonic programme, which aims to advise technology businesses making key developments in ESG, highlights that the firm is proactive towards sustainability and further demonstrates these fundamental values. The day's events underscored the firm's commercial orientation and the proactive cultivation of a growth mindset, aligning with my aspiration for continual learning and advancement within a nurturing cultural setting. 

Ultimately, I am drawn to RPC's continuous learning and personal development ethos in an environment fostering growth and excellence as well as the emphasis on individuality. I am confident that RPC provides the ideal platform to thrive and contribute meaningfully, driven by my passion and aligned values. 

Identify a current commercial issue which is relevant to RPC. Please explain why you consider it to be significant to the stakeholders involved. (300 words)

A commercial issue relevant to RPC is the impact of the cost of living crisis and inflation on the retail sector. The retail sector is a practice area for RPC and is extremely interesting as there has been a shift to online shopping, which was encouraged due to the pandemic. 

High street retail had struggled in the summer due to wet weather and train strikes, which minimised the projected boom in the sector when the summer holidays began. In September, high street retailer Wilko closed all its shops after its collapse in August due to pressures from inflation. These examples emphasise the struggle of retailers as a result of economic pressures. 

One of RPC's major retail clients is the Frasers Group, which bought House of Fraser when they suffered a similar fate. As a result of this purchase, House of Fraser stores have been gradually closing with a shift to online shopping. The founder of Frasers Group, Michael Ashley, increased the stake in Boohoo to 15.1% and ASOS to 22.8% following its online retail success and, in December, acquired the luxury online retailer Matchesfashion. Ultimately, this indicates that the group is moving towards online retail and developing itself in the online retail space to adapt to market demands. 

Frasers Group has seized this opportunity of rising inflation and businesses on the verge of collapse to acquire stakes in or add whole businesses to their growing portfolio. This has also allowed the group to target the broadest range of consumers rather than focus on one niche market area. This evidence of a shift in business strategy is important as it affects the way that RPC would potentially advise their clients in the retail sector for their businesses to remain profitable in the current economic climate.

2023

At RPC we work in a collaborative environment. Provide an example where you have demonstrated your ability to collaborate. You may want to make reference to your hobbies, interests and/or work experience to illustrate your answer. (300 words max) *

At university, I was a dedicated member of First Team Netball. As a team, we often had to advance strategies to utilise on the court to secure a victory against the opposition. Such collaborative problem-solving was necessary for closely fought games, as in the final fixture against [redacted university]. our biggest rival. [redacted university], familiar with our style of play, kept anticipating our moves, and at halftime, we were down by five goals.

When we assembled during the interval, some teammates started to complain. However, I did not see this as productive use of our time. I dealt with the conflict by acknowledging their frustrations. This fostered a supportive atmosphere, allowing me to gently re-direct the team’s focus towards explaining what we wanted to improve in our game. Subsequently, we combined our suggestions to develop a new strategy. Promoting a positive attitude encouraged my disheartened teammates to reframe their mindset, thus enabling a more constructive discussion. By building on each other’s contributions, we devised an innovative approach to the game, switching to shorter passes and driving away from the ball to clear more space. We drew level with [redacted university] and scored an additional two goals in the final push, securing a 33-31 victory for [redacted university].

Demonstrating a cooperative spirit and being proactive in promoting the overall progression of a team form part of RPC’s core values. Intrinsic to this is listening to others and communicating clearly, allowing you to formulate and effect a creative solution. As in team sports, adapting to different personalities and drawing on varied perspectives is fundamental in a law firm. It facilitates the kind of diverse thinking that RPC recognises to be integral to offering exceptional client service. It also fosters an environment where people genuinely champion the successes of others - contributing to this resonates with me.

Describe why a career in commercial law appeals to you. What skills do you think are needed to be a successful commercial lawyer? (300 words max) *

Commercial law appeals to me because of how integral lawyers are in the complexities of business. Law firms enable businesses that drive the markets to operate. They are responsible for managing simple matters, such as writing up employment contracts, and more complex ones, such as facilitating corporate transactions. My interest stems from shadowing the General Counsel at the financial services company [redacted company] in 2018. I enjoyed accumulating an in-depth knowledge of the company’s activities and the market and industry in which it functions. Assisting with drafting a new GDPR-compliant privacy policy highlighted how heavily the company relies on the legal department for its effective operation.

Crucial skills include communication, negotiation, and creative thinking. For example, with less time to dedicate to Citizens Advice this year, I made my supervisor aware of my revised circumstances. Subsequently, I liaised with her to devise a more flexible framework that would allow me to continue offering my services. I now respond to client emails unsupervised whenever I have free time – an unconventional system for my office. Balancing this volunteering commitment with the PGDL and part-time waitressing also requires good organisation.

Moreover, advising clients experiencing difficult circumstances at Citizens Advice, I must be able to connect on a more human level with the client. This has allowed me to develop my emotional intelligence, which is valuable in a people-focused profession. Participating in team sports has further strengthened my interpersonal skills.

Finally, a career in law is a constant learning experience. Possessing a growth mindset is thus fundamental. I demonstrated this when I elected to undertake Intellectual Property Law. I struggled initially, scoring 56 in the formative assessment. However, I worked hard to strengthen my performance, attending office hours and completing an external legal writing skills course to obtain an overall grade of 64.

Why are you applying to RPC? (300 words max) *

Having enjoyed my exposure to contentious work during a Vacation Scheme in Employment, RPC’s expansive litigation offering attracted me initially. At the Insight Day, learning more about the market-leading Media team solidified the firm’s appeal. My participation in the Young Reporter scheme drew me to this sector, and RPC’s role in the Mirror Newspapers Hacking Litigation, for example, combines both interests. Moreover, the strength of the Sports and Entertainment Group appeals to me. At [redacted university], I was on the Sports Business Group committee, creating content and disseminating the latest industry updates. At RPC, I would be keen to contribute to “Sports Ticker”. Although these particular sectors stand out to me, I value the opportunity to explore where my interests lie. A broader experience provides a more holistic insight into how various aspects of matters fit together, which RPC, a full-service firm, provides.

As I am motivated by personal development, an environment that will push me intellectually is paramount. RPC trainees are afforded real responsibility, even participating in Business Development through the “Trainees Take on Business” blog. Moreover, my confidence stems from being valued for my hard work and commitment to promoting my team’s success, which is why I thrive in team sports. RPC actively maps talent across the board, and the internal ‘Springboard’ provides opportunities for my advancement. The culture of open feedback and collaboration ensures I will feel supported.

Finally, being appreciated for my personability is fundamental. RPC recognises how an open-plan office and flat hierarchy encourage camaraderie between co-workers, subsequently improving collaboration and productivity. The combination of high-quality work for impressive clients while retaining a culture that promotes individuality and champions your development is unparalleled. This aligns with my desire to pursue a stimulating career without sacrificing character and my passion for Netball, a social activity at RPC.

Identify a current commercial issue which is relevant to RPC. Please explain why you consider it to be significant to the stakeholders involved. (300 words max) *

The UK Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, confirmed in the Autumn Statement that the government intends to put the Digital Markets Unit (‘DMU’) on a statutory footing. Enacting legislation will afford the DMU augmented powers to target digital companies with “strategic market status”. Given that RPC represents Google, which controls around 92 per cent of the internet search market, and Meta, responding to this increased sector-specific scrutiny is imperative.

Two main points arise: firstly, it reflects increasing efforts to tackle Big Tech dominance that limits competition and stifles innovation to the detriment of consumers. The DMU will require technology companies to subscribe to a code of conduct imposing precise requirements for dealing with customers and businesses. Secondly, it exacerbates financial pressure on technology companies when the industry is already experiencing a severe slowdown. For example, Meta’s net income dropped 52 per cent in Q3 of 2022, and it recently laid off 13 per cent of its workforce to cut costs. An increase in compliance expenses is thus undesirable. The DMU will also have powers to impose financial penalties of up to 10 per cent of a firm’s global turnover for regulatory breaches.

Affected companies must undertake costly compliance exercises or risk significant fines. Recently, Meta was fined £230 million by the Irish Data Protection Commission for breaching the GDPR regime. Lawyers will subsequently attract more work advising clients on how to remain compliant under the DMU - keeping on top of these changes in the regulatory landscape is fundamental. Customers and other businesses will benefit from the increased competition in digital markets. Prices for shopping or advertising online will be lowered – favourable during this cost-of-living crisis. Moreover, it will be more difficult for large platforms to impose unfavourable terms and will alleviate restrictions on app developers and cloud gaming services, stimulating innovation.