2025

We’d love to know why you are motivated to pursue a career in a commercial law firm, in particular SPB? (200 words)

I am motivated to pursue a career in commercial law because it offers the opportunity to advise clients across a broad spectrum of business operations and build long-term business relationships. The complexity and global impact of commercial law are particularly exciting to me, as they present challenges that require high-stakes problem-solving and strategic advising. I look forward to the high level of responsibility involved in the role and the chance to provide guidance in an ever-evolving landscape.

My reasons for choosing Squire Patton Boggs (‘SPB’) are two-fold: its unique blend of global reach and local connections, and its commitment to exceptional training. The 2014 merger and the firm’s expanding global influence provide access to a wider pool of work and clients, while its regional presence ensures a close-knit, collaborative culture. This balance is highly appealing, offering both a dynamic and supportive environment in which to grow professionally.

Another significant draw is SPB's approach to trainee development. The six-seat training contract structure, along with the firm’s dual-tier supervision, provides juniors with exposure to diverse practice areas and well-rounded training. SPB’s impressive 96% trainee retention rate further reflects its commitment to fostering long-term careers and providing exceptional support to its trainees.  

Please select a skill from the list below and provide an example of how you have developed this skill within your previous experience (200 words)

My work experience with the Barclays’ in-house legal team strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively with others. As part of the internship, I had the opportunity to negotiate in a mock landlord-tenant mediation, a task which required strong co-operation between both parties. 

Ahead of the exercise, my team and I worked together to define our ideal outcomes and set clear thresholds. We also assigned specific roles to each team member, ensuring a structured and efficient approach. Taking on an active role in the negotiation, I was responsible for finding common ground between the parties, balancing competing interests and steering the conversation away from irrelevant issues. 

During the mediation, I closely monitored the dynamics to ensure fair contributions from both sides. I also used open-ended questions to better understand the opposition’s priorities, helping guide the discussion towards a mutually beneficial outcome. 

The experience taught me the importance of effective delegation and the value of playing to individual strengths in collaborative settings, particularly when working under time pressure. I would love the opportunity to develop this skillset further at SPB, particularly in the context of working across the firm’s international offices or negotiating commercially sound outcomes for clients. 

Which of our practice areas are you most interested in, and what has influenced your interest in this area? (200 words)

I am particularly interested in Labour & Employment, one of the firm’s key strengths, as recognised by Chambers UK 2025. My passion began during my university studies, where I was drawn to the complexity and technical nature of the subject. To develop my interest, I volunteered with [redacted], working directly with vulnerable employees. The role exposed me to the diverse and intricate nature of workplace disputes and strengthened my understanding of employee-employer dynamics. 

I am eager to build on this experience at a firm with a strong reputation in the field. At a recent Careers Net Live Event, I had the opportunity to hear from Helen Adams, an Employment Director at the firm. I was intrigued by SPB’s work in investigations, an area that has expanded significantly following movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo. Trainee tasks such as developing questioning strategies for interviews or reviewing relevant documentation require inquisitiveness, an eye for detail and effective communication, qualities I have developed through my volunteer work. At [redacted], for instance, I played a key role in reviewing document bundles and first-hand accounts of workplace misconduct before delivering clear and well-reasoned advice to clients. 

2024

We’d love to know why you are motivated to pursue a career in a commercial law firm, in particular Squire Patton Boggs? (200 words)

I want to pursue a role that leaves an impact and where I am given early responsibility and autonomy to help clients’ businesses. 

During my in-house internship, I grasped transactional aspects of commercial law, refining skills in contract analysis, risk assessment, and positive client relations within complex international deals. Enjoying the alignment with my strengths in problem-solving and debating, this experience also fuelled my interest in business. Transitioning to Commercial Litigation as a paralegal, I now independently manage cases, negotiate confidently, and implement commercial client-centric strategies, combining my skills to thrive in a dynamic legal environment.

Due to these motivations, my goal is to develop my legal career at a firm like Squire Patton Boggs, where trainees are not simply just ‘background characters’ (Chambers Student).

Particularly, I am interested in the firm’s excellent expertise in Employment Law and Litigation, due to previously handling and investigating discrimination disputes at [redacted] from an employee perspective and have represented similar clients that the firm's Labour and Employment Team advised i.e. Tesco, Morrison and Burberry, albeit in different commercial contexts. Therefore, I’m eager to broaden my perspective within these reputable departments, leveraging my existing experience and skills within future client work. 

Please select a skill from the list below and provide an example of how you have developed this skill within your previous experience.

*Collaboration * Working independently * Taking responsibility * Showing initiative * Undertaking analysis and research * Problem solving * Self-improvement * Attention to detail * Creativity * Communication * Adaptability

Example of how you developed this skill within your previous experience. (200 words)

I developed my analysis and research skills by completing a research project during my internship at [redacted], with a particular focus on ESG concerns surrounding the dos and don’ts of greenwashing and how the client can avoid liability.  

I developed my analysis skills by firstly reading the brief, understanding the instructions and highlighting key aspects of the brief which assisted me in planning the content, requiring research, listing sources to explore and legislation to refer to and include. I was then able to have a draft structure for ease. 

I developed my research skills by using legal databases such as Lexis Nexis, and legislation and government web pages specialising in greenwashing. I used keywords to refine results and access relevant sources to supplement my content. I then reviewed the material and produced a summary to incorporate into a PowerPoint presentation efficiently. My research was sufficient as the team could engage in deeper discussions about greenwashing, upon presenting my findings.  

These skills will help me in a legal career as conducting research and analysis efficiently is integral. Clients will depend on my ability to delve into legislation, comprehensively understand its implications, and strategically utilise it in their favour.

With reference to a particular area of law, what do you find to be the most interesting about it? (200 words)

I have an interest in Employment Law due to previous direct interactions within the workplace before starting my degree. I recognised inequality and discrimination to individuals who experienced language barriers and were unable to not only defend themselves due to this but also were not knowledgeable of employment rights that affected them. 

As such, I drafted appeals with points of contention and created a signed petition that allowed for compromise and an amicable solution from HR. I witnessed first-hand the influence of poor management within a business, and how to handle such disputes professionally to maintain morale and productivity in a fast-paced working environment that relied on the trust and efficiency of employees.

I found this experience inspiring and undertook Employment Law as a module in my second year of university to develop my understanding of the foundational elements and the impact these have on both employees and employers. 

Squire Patton Boggs has a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional employment law advice, albeit from the employer’s perspective. As an advocate for reaching cordial agreements between employer and employee, I am excited to gain exposure to this area of law from a different angle, using the current experience I have undertaken.