2025
Why have you chosen a legal career in the City? Explain what motivates you. (250 Words)
My reasons for a legal career in the city are:
1. The City of London – attracts me as it has a reputation for being the leading financial centre. Comparatively to other cities around the UK, London has a more extensive and diverse talent pool, better connections to the world, and is home to the headquarters of many global businesses. For example, according to statistics from ‘Eventbrite’, there are twice as many networking events in London as compared to the UK’s second-largest city – Manchester. Therefore, for an aspiring commercial solicitor such as myself, London offers more networking opportunities.
Networking is essential as by building good relationships with individuals such as leaders in venture capital, you would receive the ‘inside scoop’ on deals before they are broadcasted. By receiving information earlier, as a solicitor, you would have a head start in proposing and bidding to act as legal counsel on the matter. Therefore, solicitors working in London will have a competitive edge as compared to others.
2. The square mile, which gives the City of London its name and reputation, is home to the largest financial and international companies in England. Akin Gump’s office is roughly a 20 minutes’ walk to the City of London, which is ideal for an international firm that has key clients in that area. Based on the geography and the efficiency that is required, the firm is ideally situated, which translate to trainees being exposed to highly reputable clients with an arguably never-ending pool of interesting cases.
What attracts you to Akin Gump and how do you consider you would add value as a trainee in the London office? (250 Words)
My attraction to Akin Gump’s London office stems from:
1. Akin Gump’s leading corporate restructuring practice (ranked tier 1 by the Legal 500). As an ‘ideas person’, restructuring appeals to me for its need of creative solutions. This perspective was reaffirmed during my internship at Chooi & Co where I creatively suggested the use of a mezzanine finance coupled with the issuance of high-yield bonds to save a company that was into administration. My creativity, coupled with commercial knowledge, will enable me to create bespoke solutions for Akin Gump’s premium client matters.
2. Akin Gump’s ‘immersive, hands-on experience’ training. Trainees at Akin Gump are expected to assist on high-profile transactions alongside senior practitioners from the start (according to Akin Gump’s graduate brochure). This means that trainees must be comfortable with high levels of responsibility and confidence to operate independently.
As a quick learner, who enjoys fast-paced environments, I am adept at multitasking. For example, I learned to code C++ and XML while simultaneously starting a company and procuring seed funding in six months. With my organisational ability, I will be able to simultaneously complete trainee tasks, such as drafting an NDA issues list, and assist in developing solutions for complex regulatory matters.
3. Akin Gump’s ‘collegiate’ culture. As the captain of my university’s football team, I have experience in using the pros and cons of each member to create an effective and strong team working environment. I intend to further the collegiate nature at Akin Gump by using this skill.
Describe a particularly challenging experience you have faced and the way you dealt with it. (250 Words)
At Slater & Gordon Lawyers, because it was the summer holiday period, the firm was having understaffing issues. Therefore, I was assigned to work on a large due diligence matter with just one other co-worker. Two weeks before the deadline, my co-worker resigned, which meant that I had to take up her part of the work. Other than the tight deadline approaching, I realised that my co-worker had barely completed her portion of the due diligence.
In order to determine the best possible outcome to finish the due diligence process on time, I consulted my manager. I presented her with the best possible options, and between us, we decided that it was best to put one of my minor projects on hold so that I could prioritise this one. To make sure that the quality of the work was not affected, I worked overtime every day for those two weeks, and my colleagues kindly took over some of my daily tasks that concerned other projects to help me concentrate on getting the due diligence process finished. Although I did feel pressured, the end result was very positive. The client was more than happy with what I delivered, and from this difficulty, I recognised my own capabilities and my ability to work well independently. I made great strides in learning and putting new organisational techniques to use. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of my colleagues and my manager; which emphasises the importance of teamwork.
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career? (250 Words)
The two main rewards that I’d expect are:
1. Passion fulfilment. I am passionate about corporate law as it is arguably one of the more fulfilling careers out there. As a corporate solicitor, I would have the power to help those who are merely innocent casualties of powerful adversaries. This makes the work meaningful, which, in turn, motivates me to do better. For example, the people of Croatia would have been negatively affected if not for Akin Gump’s solicitors’ restructuring agreement for Agrokor. Despite best efforts put forth by the government, it was ultimately the solicitors of Akin Gump that stopped the company that accounted for 11% of Croatia’s GDP from going insolvent.
2. Accomplishment. As a naturally competitive person, I am satisfied simply by accomplishing a task. I enjoy setting a goal and achieving it, and I am unaffected by any other benefits, including monetary benefits. For example, in 2016, I sold my company for a large sum of money, and I donated every cent of it. It was enough for me to accomplish my goal of setting up my own company successfully. Similarly, a career in law is enough for me. I am simply excited about being able to work on meaningful deals, as every decision has a significant effect on someone. Akin Gump’s reputation attracts continuous work that is interesting and meaningful. Therefore, by working at the firm, I would naturally go above and beyond my payroll because it offers more than just a job to me.
Identify a current commercial issue which has recently attracted your attention. Why do you consider it to be significant? Who are the key stakeholders in this situation and what are the implications for those concerned? (250 Words)
According to StreetInsider, Textron (Akin Gump’s clients) are in talks with Bombardier Inc regarding the acquisition of its ‘business-jet unit’. This acquisition is motivated by growth and synergy of adding the ‘[g]lobal series of large-cabin aircraft’ to Textron’s portfolio. This is significant as it would translate to more business for Textron and by extension Akin Gump.
Reports on acquisition talks increased Textron’s average share by 9% and Bombardier’s by 10%. However, this increase was prior to the U.S and Canada being affected by COVID-19. According to Business Wire, Textron’s first-quarter results of 2020 showed that its revenue decreased by 10.7%; a direct consequence of COVID-19, which has caused state implemented ‘home quarantine’ measures.
85% of Textron’s shares are owned by institutional investors. A high institutional investor stake holding typically indicates company stability as it suggests the usage of index-tracking. However, the latest results from CNN showed two of Textron’s key shareholders, the Vanguard Group and BlackRock, selling their shares.
With Textron’s share price dropping, the company based on its current financial standings, would be unable to fund the acquisition of Bombardier. They would have to consult Akin Gump on either debt restructuring, an acquisition loan or both should they proceed with the acquisition. However, an acquisition with the current market standing might be concerning for Textron’s main shareholders. As institutional investors, they must retain a certain level of revenue, otherwise, there would be a ‘run on the fund’ which could lead to dissolution and the loss of Akin Gump’s client.
Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, position of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 Words)
As an avid football player, I founded and trained the [redacted] Football neighbourhood team. During my university summer vacation, I returned to [redacted] to train the all-girls teams. My job as founder and trainer is actively working with people to plan training schedules and decide on practice locations before all tournaments. By collaborating and actively listening to my team, I developed a more robust skill set in organisation and team working.
While at university, I developed a key interest in commercial law. To keep up with trends, I created an online commercial law blog known as [redacted] after graduation, where I discussed both broader commercial issues and market trends that stem from them. My blog has seen over 6,000 views. I aim to have it up to 20,000 by the end of 2020. This blog has allowed me to harness better drafting skills, as well as, developing a good eye for detail as I have to proofread my articles at least a few times before uploading it to my blog.
Additionally, I have consistently been volunteering for ‘7 cups’ which is a site dedicated to helping at-risk suicidal individuals who I am passionate about helping. My role is to actively listen, ask questions, and advise individuals on how to tackle these problems. I have received a few awards such as the Active Listener award, Loyal Friend award and the Open-Door award. Through this experience, I have learned how to listen actively and influence them positively.
2025
What motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial Solicitor? Why do you want to start your legal career at Akin? (250 words)
I am motivated to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor because it sits at the intersection of law, economics, business, and politics; areas that deeply interest me. Commercial law offers the intellectual stimulation of high-stakes problem-solving, the complexity of navigating regulations, and the client-centred focus for relationship building. The stakes are immense; commercial transactions can have far-reaching consequences. When financial institutions overextend, it risks triggering economic recessions, while a stable economic environment leads to prosperity. The efficient allocation of capital drives growth, fostering investments that impact entire markets and societies. This intellectual challenge, paired with the opportunity to collaborate and serve clients, makes commercial law an exciting career path.
I am drawn to Akin because of its reputation in restructuring and insolvency, where the firm has handled landmark cases like Nordic Aviation Capital’s $6 billion restructuring and Seadrill’s bankruptcy. Akin’s expertise in high-profile deals, such as advising Apollo Global Management on the formation, fundraising and closing of its 10th flagship vehicle, apollo investment fund X, demonstrates its calibre in complex financial transactions. Akin’s collaborative culture, focus on diversity, and global footprint also resonate with me. I admire the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, from its resource groups to the Akin/Robert Strauss Diversity Scholarship. The small trainee intake, combined with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge matters, ensures I will gain hands-on experience early. Akin’s “always opportunity” philosophy highlights the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit, and I am eager to contribute to its success.
Describe a particularly challenging experience you have faced and the way you dealt with it. (250 words)
During my year abroad in Australia, I encountered a significant challenge when my partner and I broke down in the remote outback, 150 miles from the nearest town, without any signal in the intense midday heat. Stranded in such a hostile environment, the task was daunting: we needed to find a way back to civilization.
The key to overcoming this challenge was maintaining composure under pressure. We assessed our resources, ensuring we had enough food and water to sustain us, and formulated a plan. Recognising that our options were limited without a phone signal, we decided our best course of action was to flag down the intermittent passing vehicles. Each interaction required clear, concise communication to convey the urgency of our situation. When the first car we stopped failed to call the police as promised, we had to remain resilient. We flagged down another vehicle and, after hours of waiting, the police eventually arrived, calling for a tow truck that brought us to safety.
This experience underscored the importance of resilience—continuing to push forward despite setbacks. It also taught me the value of calm decision-making and effective communication under pressure. These are the same traits that are critical in the legal profession, where quick thinking, clear communication, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges are essential for delivering results to clients, no matter how complex or high-pressure the situation may be.
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career? (250 words)
The most important rewards I expect in my career centre around intellectual challenge, collaboration, responsibility, and a sense of fulfilment—key elements I see reflected in a commercial solicitor role at Akin.
First, I seek intellectual stimulation through complex work. At Akin, the high-value matters, such as international restructurings and intricate cross-border transactions, offer exactly that. The chance to engage with challenging legal issues while navigating evolving global markets is intellectually fulfilling and a core motivator for me.
Collaboration is another vital reward. Akin’s culture emphasises teamwork across its global offices, which allows for a diverse range of perspectives to shape solutions. I thrive in environments where ideas are shared, and Akin’s strong commitment to collaboration ensures that I can contribute to and learn from those around me, building lasting relationships with both colleagues and clients.
Taking on responsibility and ownership from an early stage would be hugely rewarding and crucial for my professional growth. With Akin’s small trainee intake and emphasis on giving trainees meaningful roles in sophisticated client matters, I know I would be entrusted with real responsibility, enabling me to make a direct impact.
Finally, I find fulfilment in being part of a diverse and inclusive community. Akin’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures a workplace where all voices are heard and valued. This provides opportunities to learn from diverse opinions which is critical to my personal and professional growth and satisfaction. The combination of these rewards makes Akin the ideal environment for my career development.
Identify a current commercial issue which has recently attracted your attention. Why do you consider it to be significant? Who are the key stakeholders in this situation and what are the implications for those concerned? (250 words)
A commercial issue that has recently captured my attention is the debate surrounding the taxation of carried interest for private equity (PE) dealmakers in the UK. Currently, carried interest—profits PE executives earn on successful deals—is taxed at the lower capital gains rate of 28%, compared to the 45% rate applied with income tax. This tax treatment has sparked controversy, with Labour proposing a £440 million tax increase should they come to power. In the 2020-21 tax year, 255 of the top PE dealmakers earned £2.7 billion in carried interest, a figure that has intensified the debate.
The significance of this issue lies in its potential economic consequences. Advocates for increasing the tax argue it would close a loophole and generate much-needed revenue, with estimates suggesting the UK could collect an additional £600 million annually. However, opponents warn that increasing the tax rate on carried interest could prompt top PE firms and executives to relocate to more tax-friendly jurisdictions.
The key stakeholders in this situation are the UK government, private equity firms, investors, and the broader economy. The removal of the carried interest “loophole” would be considerably damaging as it would cause PE firms to divest or move operations, causing the UK to lose significant investment, which would impact job creation and overall economic growth. This would also damage the reputation of the current Labour government. This debate underscores the delicate balance between fair taxation and maintaining the UK’s attractiveness as a global financial hub.
Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 words)
As the [redacted] Campus Ambassador at the University of [redacted], I hold a position of responsibility, acting as the on-campus representative to drive engagement through events, social media management, and networking initiatives. This role has allowed me to develop leadership, communication, and organisational skills while actively promoting [redacted] values and opportunities to fellow students. It has also sharpened my ability to engage with diverse audiences and deliver results in a highly professional environment.
My role as a mentor at Zero Gravity has deepened my commitment to inclusion and social mobility. I provide guidance to aspiring university students, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, helping them navigate academic and career opportunities. This experience has enhanced my ability to collaborate with and support others, instilling a strong sense of responsibility to make a meaningful impact on their futures.
At [redacted], as [redacted], I developed and implemented strategies to align the company’s mission with its business goals, demonstrating my ability to lead strategic projects in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, as a [redacted], I worked closely with lawyers from top international firms to improve their communication skills, further strengthening my interpersonal and coaching abilities.
Being selected for open days and insight schemes at elite US, Magic Circle, Silver Circle, and leading international firms, such as Skadden and Jones Day, reflects my drive, ambition, and the effort I have made to better my chances of achieving a career in commercial law.
2024
What motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial Solicitor? Explain how you would add value as a Trainee in the London office of Akin. (250 words)
My motivation for a career as a commercial solicitor stems from my internship at a [redacted]. I witnessed firsthand the impact that commercial solicitors can have on business by supporting clients throughout the process of rebuilding a financially distraught business to avoid immediate asset liquidation. The excitement of facilitating these strategic moves, which can be a game-changer for businesses, is a significant driving force behind my career choice.
I further value the client-focused nature of a solicitor’s role. As a legal assistant at [redacted], I worked on a complex contractual dispute where I was able to negotiate a favourable settlement that went beyond our client’s expectations. Maintaining open communication and a deep understanding of the commercial complexities surrounding the case beyond the legal matters played a crucial role in our success. Seeing the satisfaction on my client’s face was truly rewarding.
I believe my commercial mindset will add significant value as a commercial solicitor. Having created an online investment study club, [redacted], I looked beyond traditional growth attributes and focused on industries with a greater prospect of market development. By establishing a reporting system to hedge against managing a large amount of information during the target company’s earnings report seasons, I successfully identified a discounted valuation of the Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF, resulting in a projected profit of 260%. Such skills are important at a transactional-focused firm like Akin, where lawyers must not only understand the law but also have strong commercial acumen.
Describe a particularly challenging experience you have faced and the way you dealt with it. (250 words)
During the vacation scheme at [redacted], I had to complete three sets of assigned tasks while also actively seeking out live work tasks from partners and associates. Amidst this dynamic environment, I was presented with a live work task when a Real Estate Finance partner requested that I draft clauses for a facility agreement, referencing the newly introduced Fire Safety Act 2023. It was particularly challenging as I was given no precedent document and was asked to complete the task within two hours.
Recognising the urgency of the live work task and the flexibility of the set assigned tasks’ deadlines, I decided to prioritise the former. I embarked on a thorough research, delving deep into the intricacies of the Act and its potential implications on the agreement. To ensure my first draft contained no errors, I reached out to more experienced trainees for advice and guidance to ensure I completed the task with perfection. Despite not being asked to do so, I took the initiative to carefully review the entire agreement, spotting an error that the trainees had overlooked. Raising this issue led to improvements that otherwise might have been detrimental to the client. I was praised for my attention to detail and the initiative to take on extra work, even in high-pressure situations. Accordingly, by efficiently communicating and sharing my findings, I created an opportunity to return to my set assigned tasks with minimal disruption. My ability to persevere makes me well-suited to Akin’s collegiate office.
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career? (250 words)
The biggest reward in my career is creating and delivering exceptional work that benefits my clients but also has a positive impact on the international market. An illustration of this was when I found my technology start-up [redacted]. I aimed to create an all-in-one queue status management system to improve the waiting experience, which has become a significant issue in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. I often find myself immersed for hours, grappling with the market dynamics and financial complexities, seeking innovative solutions to advance the app. As a result, we were invited to engage in investment negotiations with venture capitalists and angel investors. This experience vividly illustrates my commitment to delivering innovation to the market, which I find it truly rewarding.
Overall, I view Akin as the perfect environment that will allow me to achieve such accomplishment. The sheer scale of commercial projects, the thousands of lives they impact, and the ability to instigate change invigorate my motivation to seek training at Akin. My profound interest in technology, coupled with my international perspective on Asian business, language, and culture, further positioned me uniquely to bring fresh opportunities to the table. Therefore, collaborating with lawyers who are frequently recognised as the ‘top dealmakers’ to create and deliver tangible value to the international market perfectly aligns with my career aspirations.
Identify a current commercial issue which has recently attracted your attention. Why do you consider it to be significant? Who are the key stakeholders in this situation and what are the implications for those concerned? (250 words)
The recent negotiations between industry giants Google and Universal Music Group (UMG), regarding the licensing of voices and melodies for AI-generated music compositions have drawn significant attention in the commercial world. AI-generated music refers to music created by artificial intelligence algorithms without human intervention. The goal of this negotiation is to legitimise the creation of these tracks and pay the owners of the copyrights for it.
UMG’s implication relates to the protection of their valuable music catalogue and ensuring artists are fairly compensated for AI-generated music that incorporates their work. This is a complex issue, raising concerns about copyright ownership and royalties.
For Google, the emergence of AI music would undoubtedly bring opportunities to explore new revenue streams. By licensing voices and melodies for AI compositions, they can generate additional income through creating music for commercials, videos, or games, thereby reducing the expenses associated with signing contracts with musicians and composers.
As an aspiring solicitor who is excited about the potential of AI to revolutionise the way we create and consume music, I value the implications it has on law firms. An international firm like Akin, with excellence in Mergers and Acquisitions, can boost its revenue by advising such tech giants. Specifically, given that Google is flushed with dry powder due to diminished deals resulting from macroeconomic uncertainties, they are likely to see the rise of the AI music industry as an opportunity to strengthen their portfolio by acquiring companies with cutting-edge technology at a discounted valuation.
Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 words)
I participated in the [redacted] Client Interviewing Competition, in which I emerged as the grand finalist, surpassing 60 contestants. From gathering critical information to using the correct emotional skills to make the client comfortable, the diverse skills would allow me to understand the intricacies found in a successful client interview.
I received a Career Changer Scholarship for the [redacted]. This was awarded for my demonstrated commitment to a career as a solicitor in commercial law.
I campaigned and was elected as the PGDL Course Representative at [redacted]. To improve remote learning students' engagement, I created an online communication space which was used as the primary communication channel more visible to each student. Through active participation in the student-staff liaison meeting, I learned to be assertive and strengthened my ability to challenge constructively.
During my undergraduate degree, I led the [redacted] Korean Culture Society, teaching the 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 [redacted] student ambassador. I assisted and organised over 20 career events and liaised with other schools, initiating an open day with LSE. Hence, I have developed impressive teamwork skills and have become a proficient public speaker.
2024
What motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial Solicitor? Explain how you would add value as a Trainee in the London office of Akin. (250 words)
My motivations for a career in commercial law can be reduced to three central factors. Firstly, the dynamic nature of a legal career has always appealed to me; as a commercial lawyer especially, there is a necessity to acquire a breadth of knowledge and to react to the ever-changing market landscape. My innovative spirit would allow me to approach my trainee seats with flexibility and eagerness.
A second factor is the skills which facilitate a legal career, both academic and non-academic. The importance of written and oral communication suits my analytical ability and attention to detail, as exemplified by my D1 English Pre-U grade and forecasted First Class Classics Degree. Also, the level of teamwork apparent in a full-service firm such as Akin fits my collaborative approach to tasks. The idea of integrating with other teams across the firm to provide for the client really appeals to me.
Finally, my experiences have only strengthened my motivations of becoming a commercial solicitor. Although my week at a smaller tech firm taught me valuable skills, I have found that my experiences within commercial law have offered me the complex, high-level work that fits my ambitions.
In terms of my personality, my proactive attitude would fit the small trainee intake apparent at Akin. The prospect of working on important client matters and taking responsibility from the off, as is the case at the firm, excites me. Similarly, my sociable nature would allow me to form a coherent, efficient trainee cohort alongside my peers.
Describe a particularly challenging experience you have faced and the way you dealt with it. (250 words)
During the pandemic, I began work as a sales associate for a sustainable food business. Having impressed with my leadership and interpersonal skills, the senior management team granted me the opportunity to run the sales effort at a trade fair alone at the age of just 18. I was very proud of this and was eager to meet their expectations. Just an hour before the clients were expected, I was informed that the anticipated stock would not arrive. This was very startling, especially as there was no senior colleague to ask for advice. I was required to take the initiative and act promptly to salvage the situation. Ultimately, I decided to pitch to the prospective clients, and I secured an exceptional number of online orders. It was a test of my self-confidence and resilience, but I grew more assured as I made more sales.
At this point, I was juggling my sales work on the weekends with my weekly job as a teaching assistant in a prep school. However, despite often gruelling weekends, this one being a notable example, I did not let this impact my teaching. I found that organising my time well and splitting tasks up into manageable components helped my durability. Such experience has taught me two key aspects of facing difficulty. Firstly, it is important to be flexible when things don’t go exactly as expected. Secondly, by using determination and trusting in one’s own skillset, you will always be able to deliver the best result possible.
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career? (250 words)
In my career, I anticipate a sense of purpose and contribution to a larger cause. In a legal career, the prospect of Pro Bono work would allow me to contribute towards a common sense of justice. The opportunity to aid the societal issues we face would provide me with the assurance that my career was making a meaningful difference to the world. My charity work for BookAid and volunteering for a Gender Equality initiative have already given me the satisfaction of helping others: I would find it difficult to pursue a career where I could not replicate such rewarding feelings. Beyond the fulfilling nature of Pro Bono work, it is also an opportunity to develop advocacy and leadership skills; development is another reward I expect from a successful career.
A feeling of progress, as a person and as a lawyer, will be crucial to me ensuring my career is rewarding. I place great importance on professional growth, through training processes and, arguably more importantly, through interaction with fellow lawyers. When I reach the end of my career, I want to have reached my upmost potential and to have fulfilled the passion which I hold today. It is also important that I am a valued member of a team and equally, that I am valued by clients. I want to work on challenging matters to receive the rewards that come alongside accomplishment and excellence. Ultimately, in my career, the relationships I can foster will gauge my professional and personal rewards.
Identify a current commercial issue which has recently attracted your attention. Why do you consider it to be significant? Who are the key stakeholders in this situation and what are the implications for those concerned? (250 words)
The commercial issue I will be focusing on is China’s decision to ban US chipmaker Micron Technologies. This action has had severe consequences not only for the company itself, but also for the balance of the global tech market. It is important to note that the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched an official review of Micron just hours after Japan had imposed restrictions on Chinese access to processor chip technology. When interpreting this in light of the US chip export controls placed on China last October, it becomes clear that the significance of this issue is geo-political as well as industry-centric.
Micron’s suffering is demonstrated by a half in their revenue for the 2023 financial year. One key group of stakeholders, the Micron shareholders, were hurt by a 5.3% drop in share prices following the ban. Another stakeholder, the Chinese Communist Party, will see this as a considerable step in their bid to create a self-reliant technology market. In terms of less evident stakeholders, the gap left in the Chinese chipmaker market has created an opportunity for Korean tech companies such as Samsung or SK Hynix to move in and improve their share of the market. Finally, from a legal perspective, lawyers will need to protect Micron’s intellectual property in China and renegotiate licensing agreements as it moves into the Japanese market. There is also a possibility of litigation, with the ensuing disputes from CAC’s decision leading to breaches of international trade laws.
Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 words)
During my English Pre-U, I achieved the highest Grade in my year in the mock English Personal Investigation, a 3000-word university style analytical essay. This was before going on to achieve a D1 the following year, marking me in the top 4% of students to take the course.
Other notable achievements include my 100% mark in an English essay on John Milton's Paradise Lost which earnt me a Headmaster’s Commendation and reaching the finals of the Queen's Silver Medal for Speech, a poetry recitation competition judged by a professional poet.
In terms of positions of responsibility, I was selected to act as the Student Lead for my departmental Gender Equality Initiative. This involved conducting meetings to prepare an application for the Silver Athena Swan Charter Award. I worked alongside a team largely made up off staff members and I was the only undergraduate student representative from my degree.
Also, I was voted to be the Vice-President of the Non-Law into Law Society for the 2023/24 year. In terms of my role, I work alongside brands and businesses to provide in-person and virtual events. Also, a key part of my manifesto was the introduction of a commercial awareness newsletter, something I will be taking the lead on editing and publishing.
Finally, my position on the Development Board at BookAid involves assisting with international fundraising projects from concept to completion. I have been working towards the Book Club initiative which began in April 2023 by participating in meetings and curating ideas.
2022
What motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial Solicitor? Explain how you would add value as a Trainee in the London office of Akin Gump.
My work experience has motivated me to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor. During work experience at [redacted regional firm], I enjoyed engaging with cases, researching points of law and merging this with commercial considerations. Subsequently, I confirmed my commitment to a career at a city law firm during vacation schemes at Hogan Lovells and Taylor Wessing. I particularly enjoyed sitting in corporate M&A at Hogan Lovells. The complexity involved in large multijurisdictional M&A transactions, including the variety of areas of law such as acquisition finance and competition, appeals to me. Moreover, I sat in restructuring and insolvency and found advising companies at such a critical juncture, as well as the impactful nature of the work, incredibly interesting. The variation in work in the practice area also appealed to me, spanning across transactional and contentious law.
As a trainee I would add value to the firm by applying my entrepreneurial, hardworking nature to the role. An example of this is when I worked at my father’s catering butchers and I spearheaded the development of a shop. I managed this Monday to Saturday in addition to generating marketing material and expanding the shop's product range to enhance the customer experience. This proactive attitude will push me to seek out work as a trainee and ensure that I am contributing as much as I can to Akin Gump. This will be further facilitated by my strong communication skills that have been honed in a variety of roles such as working at Refinitiv.
Describe a particularly challenging experience you have faced and the way you dealt with it.
When Refinitiv initially hired me as the first employee of a new project, I assisted with the migration of client accounts on the company's risk assessment software, World-Check One, to a new platform. As the first hire on the project I received little guidance and soon encountered unforeseen technical issues with the migration process. I was unable to migrate key clients' accounts to the new platform.
Although this was challenging, I demonstrated resilience by researching the situation further using information on the company's intranet and by discussing the issues with members of my team who had been involved in similar projects. I resolved the issues as best as I could and subsequently contacted the relevant product manager for World-Check One. I organised to meet him to go over the issues and together we worked to solve the remaining problems. I was given access to an additional program which could be used to clear the problems and migrate clients. Further to this, I also organised weekly meetings with the product manager so that we could review any further issues and report the project's progress.
Once I understood the issues, I used my initiative to write a manual of best practice. This manual explained the optimal workflow and how to deal with the issues. It was subsequently given to new hires and greatly increased the efficiency of the project. My manager was impressed with this and my performance later led to my involvement in an additional project.
What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
One of the most important rewards for me is having a tangible impact in creating or delivering high quality work. An example of this was when I took part in a group project in a module called Global Marketing Strategy which was based on recommending a mode of expansion to a multinational patisserie. I was elected group leader and worked to ensure that our project was as good as it possibly could be. Consequently, our project received 82% and was the highest result in the module. This illustrates that I believe that creating work that I can be proud of is a significant reward in itself. At Akin Gump, the opportunity to have an impact on high value transactions with a variety of stakeholders would undoubtedly be a rewarding prospect.
Additionally, I am motivated by the prospect of progression. This includes both formal promotions and being trusted with more responsibility and higher quality work. An example of this was my role as a transition mentor at [redacted university]. I mentored a group of eight students and due to my exceptional performance I was promoted to oversee the mentoring scheme for life science students. I oversaw 20 mentors, received weekly progress reports and organised workshops to support mentors based on any feedback I received. Progression is rewarding to me because this gives me the opportunity to become more involved in projects and have a more impactful role.
Identify a current commercial issue which has recently attracted your attention. Why do you consider it to be significant? Who are the key stakeholders in this situation and what are the implications for those concerned?
A current commercial issue that has attracted my attention is the transition of the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to the use of Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (SONIA). This is a significant transition as LIBOR rates underpin financial contracts worth trillions of pounds and companies are struggling to transition to the use of SONIA rates.
This transition is also significant because LIBOR is often used as a benchmark rate to underpin interest rates in floating rate debt instruments. Law firms, such as Akin Gump, must advise clients in what will happen to existing contracts once LIBOR is discontinued and the differences SONIA will bring once it is introduced. Clients could include stakeholders such as private equity houses, institutional investors or commercial companies looking to raise or purchase debt.
One key issue is that SONIA, unlike LIBOR, is backward looking which means that it cannot be calculated until the end of an agreed interest period. This can create uncertainty over how much interest is due. Firms will have to advise their clients on what is the best way to overcome this uncertainty and prepare the relevant contracts. This could be by using a lag period to reference the SONIA rate or the development of a forward-looking SONIA term rate.
Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application.
I received an academic scholarship for the PGDL at BPP. This was awarded for consistently excellent academic results. I also received a career commitment scholarship for my demonstrated commitment to a career as a solicitor in commercial law.
I was a finalist out of more than 400 competitors in the Linklaters’ 25 innovation pitch for my presentation on blockchain and smart contracts. Here I discussed the benefits of using blockchain for smart contracts, namely the security benefits and automated execution, and then explained how a smart contract for a call option would work. In the finals I worked in a team to produce a presentation on how law firms could use technology to further develop their client relationships.
I received an academic scholarship to my school. This was awarded for consistently strong academics.
I received a prize for best Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in my year. My project was based on the ethics, economics and science of a cure for ageing. I found this fascinating as this allowed me to examine industry trends, understand how smaller companies were often acquired by larger competitors and form a basic understanding of regulatory issues surrounding drug development. This helped develop my interest in commercial law.
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