2025
Why do you think you will be suited to a career at TLT and how will you use these skills as a trainee solicitor? (250 words)
I am suited to TLT because I will integrate seamlessly into its culture. I am ambitious and go beyond expectation in pursuit of excellence. I recently ranked 84 in English female table tennis players and also ranked 27/232 students at university, for which I received a [redacted] Scholarship and other examination prizes. This shows my ability to balance competing demands, time-manage and work efficiently. As a trainee, I will use these skills to meet the demands of competing deadlines and strike an effective work-life balance. I am also supportive, inclusive and proactive. At sixth form, I co-founded a mental health support group after observing a decline in mental health following the pandemic. I worked closely with staff and students to foster an open and collaborative environment where everyone felt listened to and understood. As a trainee, I will use these skills to promote the wellbeing of my clients and colleagues and build strong relationships. I also challenge convention to create opportunities and drive growth. When acting as women’s captain for [redacted] University Table Tennis Club, I proposed a new membership scheme to increase participation and revenue. Previously, membership had been a fixed rate. I suggested that we create three memberships, each with a different price based on the level of commitment and skill required. Since implementing this, the club has consistently reached full capacity and generated record funding. As a trainee, I will use these skills to find innovative solutions for clients and promote the commercial growth of the firm.
The TLT values are at the core of everything we do. Which of TLT's 5 values resonates most with you and why? (250 words)
The value that resonates most with me is ‘work side by side’. I find working alongside others to be stimulating because it opens my eyes to new perspectives and ideas. Working with others is also personally fulfilling because I always come away feeling as though I have learnt new things, built enduring relationships and contributed positively to the development and wellbeing of others. A time when I have enjoyed working alongside others was during a group project whilst interning at [redacted] solicitors. To ensure our success, I established clear and regular channels of communication, enabling us to support, motivate and adapt to one another. As a result, our team was prepared to tackle setbacks because we had created an open and inclusive environment in which each member felt confident to share their ideas. This provided us with a diverse range of perspectives to help solve problems and reach better outcomes. I have also worked alongside others in service provider-client relationships. I formed my most significant service provider-client relationships whilst teaching English to native Spanish students. I work with my clients on a bespoke, one-on-one basis whereby I adapt my teaching and communication style to suit the unique abilities and goals of the individual. Their progression brings me a strong sense of personal fulfilment, which comes across to my students. My enthusiasm motivates them and has facilitated strong relationships of trust and confidence because it shows them that I am equally invested in their goals as they are.
What are the benefits to TLT of having a sector approach and why? (250 words)
A sector approach enables TLT to develop in-depth industry knowledge. This promotes quality, tailored legal advice. TLT can further its value of challenging convention by using its expertise to find innovative solutions for its clients. TLT’s ‘Future Energy’ sector is attractive for commercial clients whose interests are economic and future oriented. This can be seen from TLT’s work with Thrive Renewables PLC since the commercial geothermal power project was one of the UK’s first, making TLT, given its ‘Future energy’ sector, a good choice for exploring this unchartered and innovative territory.
TLT will also better understand its clients, owing to knowledge of common sector issues. TLT can therefore spend less time on initial research and analysis, saving time and costs for itself and its clients. In TLT’s ‘Retail and Consumer Goods’ sector, it is important to be familiar with common issues and focus on adapting to clients’ unique markets and business models. This furthers the values of going beyond expectation and working side by side because it entails working efficiently and shaping oneself around each individual challenge.
Finally, a sector approach offers commercial advantages. Specialisation differentiates TLT from its competitors and creates a target market from which it can attract and retain clients and legal talent. With increasing integration of AI into commercial processes, TLT’s ‘Digital’ sector demonstrates commitment to innovation and technology. This shows clients that the firm can tackle relevant challenges and work efficiently. It also shows recruits that the firm offers a productive, adaptable and forward-thinking culture.
The legal landscape is always changing and at TLT we value lawyers who are future ready. What do you perceive to be the biggest challenges facing trainee solicitors in the next 5 years and how will you manage this? (250 words)
I believe that the biggest challenge facing trainee solicitors in the next five years is the growing use of AI. This challenge is particularly relevant to trainees at TLT owing to the firm’s partnership with LegalTech and their recent award of Legal Technology Team of the Year 2024. Today, firms are increasingly using AI to complete routine tasks. This is particularly acute for those applying to TLT since the firm has innovated its own software such as TLT Concierge, TLT One and TLT LegalSifter for, amongst other things, the automation of data analysis, document management and contract review. Using AI for these tasks instead of trainees is more time and cost efficient, especially considering the long-term costs of solicitor training programmes, meaning there is less demand for trainees. To manage this, I will develop core skills that cannot be fulfilled by technology. These include client interaction and communication. To enhance these skills, I worked in client-facing roles, including an Assistant Manager in a café, a Student Ambassador liaising with prospective students at my university, and an English Tutor for native Spanish students. As an Assistant Manager, I learnt how to interact professionally with customers and colleagues and respond sensitively to customer needs. As a Student Ambassador, I learnt how to promote our institution based on consumer interests and work effectively within a team. As an English Tutor, I learnt how to adapt my communication style to the understanding of my tutee and to respond proactively to constructive feedback.
2024
The TLT values are at the core of everything we do. Which of TLT’s 5 values are most important when working with our clients? (250 words)
After close consideration into TLT’s 5 values, I would argue that challenging convention is the most important when working with clients. To think beyond the legal to find the right commercial solution, to understand that to remain competitive is to remain innovative, is crucial when working in an industry that is constantly evolving.
TLT challenges convention and remains competitive to clients through its commitment to strengthening the firm’s technological innovations, with initiatives such as the AI-powered TLT LegalSifter. Combining artificial intelligence with automated, on-screen legal advice from legal specialists, TLT LegalSifter analyses contracts to quickly find and resolve issues. Programs such as these can be translated into offerings for clients, thereby helping the firm to maintain long-lasting client relationships. To work with a firm with this innovative business approach and clear ability to deftly navigate the constantly-changing technological world is a huge draw to both existing and new clients.
Working with local, national and international clients, TLT challenges convention by thinking long-term and anticipating change to keep clients ahead of any challenges. With a strong focus on the sustainability of their actions, the firm also seeks to put the environment at the centre of their work. This has been recognised in The Times featuring TLT on the Best Law Firms list 2024, noting the firm’s work advising Enso Green Holdings Limited on the sale of a ready-to-build co-located solar and battery portfolio consisting of seven projects with a total capacity of 720 megawatts.
The legal landscape is always changing and at TLT we value lawyers who are future ready. (250 words)
A. What 3 skills do you consider essential for a lawyer to be future-ready and how you have developed those skills?
B. How will you apply them in the role of a trainee solicitor?
In order for a lawyer to be future-ready, I believe they have to have good problem-solving skills, be extremely flexible and innovative, especially in an increasingly digitalised society.
At school, I was co-president of the Model United Nations club. Representing my school at conferences around the country, I would often have to find immediate solutions to problems regarding international policy and mediation, encouraging me to learn how to work efficiently in constantly-changing circumstances. Additionally, working as a podcast editor has required me to constantly adapt and enhance my output and efficiency in accordance with recent changes to editing software in recent years. Learning to adapt and utilise new artificial intelligence editing tools such as Descript and Adobe Podcast has encouraged me to be more flexible and innovative in my work.
Having developed these skills, I believe I would apply them in the role of a trainee solicitor in the multitude of tasks undertaken to provide value for my clients. In regard to problem-solving, I would ensure that I always think critically when advising my client, providing solutions that demonstrate a strong understanding of what the client needs. Further still, a trainee solicitor needs to be flexible to respond quickly to changes to market conditions. It is therefore essential that a trainee also understands the importance of being innovative, as some tasks in the legal industry have been accelerated by automation, as it is crucial to keep up with these advancements in order to work at the most efficient level.
By having a sector approach, TLT is able to advise clients on the markets in which they operate as well as their own business needs. What recent work in one of our sectors have you found interesting and why? (250 words)
Undoubtedly spurred on by my extensive background working in the hospitality sector, I am particularly drawn to the firm’s recent work in the leisure, food and drink sector.
I was particularly interested in the firm’s recent work in advising LDC and the management team on the exit of Cakesmiths to Onore Food Group. Previously in 2022, the TLT team advised LDC on its investment in Cakesmiths in order to support the management’s growth strategy. The business secured high-profile client wins, significantly upgraded its digital platforms to almost treble its revenue and earnings before EBITDA, while also investing heavily in headcount and operations. Now, as of January 2024, the transaction of Cakesmiths exit to Onore is due to completed. TLT’s frequent partnership with LDC and Cakesmiths management team illustrates the firm’s ability to nurture long-lasting relationships with clients. Further still, the deal goes to show the strength of the firm’s corporate team – in the last twelve months, the team has completed over 70 UK-wide deals resulting in a 27% revenue growth.
Additionally, the firm responds quickly to changes to market conditions in the sector, showing the firm’s willingness to adapt and cater towards the needs of clients. As illustrated by Real Estate Partner Phil Moran’s video on how the leisure sector has changed in recent years, TLT is constantly adapting on how the pandemic has had long-lasting effects on the leisure, food & drink sector, forcing clients to adapt to new long-term ways of attracting and servicing customers.
2024
The TLT values are at the core of everything we do. Which of TLT’s 5 values are most important when working with our clients? (250 words)
TLT’s 5 values play an integral role in TLT’s business model when working with its clients. Working side-by-side is probably the most important value, allowing TLT to differentiate itself in a busy market, ensure business continuity and cater for its clients’ ever-changing requirements.
Attending the Manchester Open Evening, this value was emphasised by trainee Olympia Critchley, who commented on how easy it was to contact people in other departments. The sector-driven approach further reflects this, as it enables TLT’s legal professionals to develop their expertise in the firm’s 7 core sectors, offering tailored sector-specific solutions. When advising Biffa on its acquisition of Total Recycling Services, TLT demonstrated its working side-by-side value by providing full-service legal advice on the acquisition, alongside tax, pensions, and employment advice. By also assisting Biffa with a previous 2021 acquisition, TLT has created repeat work and a solid business foundation to best understand Biffa’s needs by working cross-department.
The FutureLaw approach further emphasises the working side-by-side value, as TLT teams work directly with clients to meet their legal and non-legal needs. This includes consultancy offerings and legal technology solutions, for example, LegalSifter, which sifts through contracts 30% faster than humans. These flexible solutions drive efficiencies, time and cost savings for clients. As a healthcare advisor at Boots, I work in the pharmacy, yet often work alongside colleagues in the ‘beauty’ department. Therefore, I would make an excellent TLT trainee embodying their working side-by-side value.
The legal landscape is always changing and at TLT we value lawyers who are future ready. (250 words)
A. What 3 skills do you consider essential for a lawyer to be future-ready and how you have developed those skills?
B. How will you apply them in the role of a trainee solicitor?
I believe 3 crucial ‘future-ready’ skills are an enthusiasm to learn, communication and creative problem-solving. These skills are essential for any lawyer to assist their clients in a fast-moving landscape.
Firstly, an enthusiasm to learn enables lawyers to understand the market and think of innovative, specific, commercial solutions. I have developed this skill by writing commercial updates for The Student Lawyer. An enthusiasm about sector developments is key to tackling client’s commercial issues. As a TLT trainee, I would demonstrate this by proactively asking to join BD events and webinars.
Secondly, being future-ready means being able to communicate complex, novel issues in a clear way so that the client can understand. My role at Boots has allowed me to advise customers on their illnesses in a clear and accessible manner, so they understand their health. Being able to communicate orally and in writing when advising and updating clients is crucial. As a TLT trainee, I would build on my communication skills by joining client calls and asking to produce first drafts.
Thirdly, creative problem-solving is crucial for solicitors to tackle unpredictable legal issues. Coming from a history background, I constantly think of innovative ways to understand the legal market. I regularly research key commercial topics, have obtained extensive work experience at local firms, completed forage programmes, and attended court. My non-law background means I can offer a different perspective as a TLT trainee and think of out-of-the-box solutions to evolving issues.
By having a sector approach, TLT is able to advise clients on the markets in which they operate as well as their own business needs. What recent work in one of our sectors have you found interesting and why? (250 words)
The recent work by TLT, in the future energy sector, to assist TagEnergy in funding its battery storage project has interested me. In early 2023, I wrote an article for The Student Lawyer on EVs and the issues over batteries. Recent announcements that more lithium-ion battery plants will open in the UK, such as Tata’s Somerset plant, indicate that battery storage innovation is increasingly prevalent, which is why TLT’s deal has struck me as it enables this progression.
The expertise of TLT in innovative financing, such as the Zenobē and Santander battery storage deal, meant they could assist TagEnergy in securing a suitable deal. Patrick Sheehan, partner at TLT, commented that the firm chooses its clients based on their ethos. Working with TagEnergy reflects this approach and, TLT’s value of driving sustainability, whilst demonstrating TLT’s authenticity to its core values when approaching business. This deal and prior work with TagEnergy convey TLT’s status on the Legal500 Green Guide.
Facilitating the expansion of UK energy projects, this deal could increase EV usage and the necessity for EV Charging Infrastructure (EVCI). This may lead to more work for TLT’s clean energy, property, corporate, banking and finance teams. The deal solidifies TagEnergy and TLT’s working relationship but also may lead to work from TagEnergy’s partners in the deal, Tesla, Habitat Energy and RES. It is significant for conveying TLT’s ethos and expertise, therefore, I am assured that I would receive impeccable training in interesting areas.
2021
Why have you chosen to apply to TLT? What differentiates TLT from our competitors? 250
TLT’s atmosphere, differentiates it, and attracts me. After engaging in ‘TLT live’, I understand the significance of the creative and driven culture which enables the firm and its employees to excel simultaneously. I admire the approach TLT takes to support its clients. By focusing on seven industry sectors, the firm prioritises understanding the markets that clients operate within. This strategy will increase the quality of TLT’s work, alongside instilling client confidence. As captain of the University of Bristol’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Club, I encouraged a similar approach by motivating different arms of the committee to collaborate. Moreover, I appreciate TLT not being restricted to a ‘best friend network’, but alternatively developing international relationships with many foreign firms. This enables TLT to best meet each client’s specific needs.
TLT differentiates itself, and appeals to me, by specialising in both the financial services and digital sectors. Having worked on a media contract at McMillan Williams, alongside also working as an editor at Jits Magazine, I appreciate problems posed by digital media from both commercial and legal perspectives. Moreover, I have developed an interest in financial law while undertaking work experience at the Royal Bank of Canada and an internship in the Finance department at Eversheds Sutherland. At TLT, I could pursue my interest in supporting both of these sectors from within prominent legal teams.
Finally, TLT’s professional development initiatives differentiate the firm. My ambition to hit the ground running aligns with TLT’s approach of creating an in-depth induction and personal development plans.
Required question: Please detail any positions of responsibility you have held. What are your extra-curricular activities and/or leisure interests? As a result, what relevant skills have you developed? 200
I was elected captain of the University of Bristol BJJ Club. Firstly, I increased membership numbers by 70% by creating a marketing pitch. Throughout this position, I fostered a sense of club camaraderie by collaborating with the committee to organise socials and team kit. Moreover, I organised a competition team to participate in the UK’s first inter-university BJJ tournament. Funding for the tournament was required to hire a bus. Thus, the secretary and I created and sold team kit. The treasurer and I also applied to the Students Union for a grant. I devised a competition-oriented class comprising specific techniques. Due to the lack of excess funds, I instructed this extra class. Club members were content and 85% of our competitors achieved medals. Through this role I developed resilience and learnt how to exercise dynamic leadership.
I was also an adviser at the University of Bristol Law Clinic, where I acted for vulnerable clients in litigious civil matters. Throughout cases I have developed analytical thinking and judgment skills when contacting bodies on clients’ behalves and advising clients regarding potential actions. Notably, I was able to successfully reduce one client’s alleged mobile bill by £2,615.
What qualities does a commercial organisation need to have in order to be successful in today's market? Please use an organisation you admire as an example. What can TLT learn from this organisation? 300
In order to be successful, a commercial organisation requires an understanding of the market which it operates within. A market understanding must be used to provide services to customers at competitive prices. In competitive markets, as Walmart and TLT operate within, competitive prices attract consumers and help to drive profitability. Walmart has been successful in achieving a competitive advantage through its ‘everyday low prices’. TLT can also learn to use its understanding of the legal market and client industries to set competitive and transparent prices. Furthermore, TLT can consider altering its pricing structure, by adopting certain fixed fee arrangements, to better appeal to clients.
Businesses must possess the initiative to attempt to provide specific goods and services requested by clients. Walmart met extensive customer demands for more fresh produce. Moreover, goods, services and customer service, should be provided to a high standard. The quality of Walmart’s customer service is prioritised by investing in employees and technology. This is evidenced through efforts to ensure excellent customer service, including offering employees 6-month training programmes and launching a Walmart app which ‘solves problems’. TLT could learn to constantly consider providing new services sought by clients. TLT should also continue ensuring a high quality of employee training, as it does through its culture of continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
A commercial organisation must be capable of marketing itself. Walmart effectively markets itself through its ‘promotional mix’, which uses advertisements, public relations, and personal selling. TLT can learn from Walmart, by continuing to diversify its marketing platform. TLT should continue highlighting its successful deals and awards on its website. Moreover, TLT could continue building its brand name through more frequent CSR initiatives. Finally, within TLT’s training programme it could incorporate a component to teach employees techniques to positively market TLT while working.
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