2025

Why do you want to be a lawyer? (60 words)

During my internship at [family law firm], I helped research and draft a written submission that secured a favourable ruling in the [redacted] High Court. Seeing my work directly influence the case inspired me to pursue a legal career, where I can combine analytical problem-solving and advocacy to create transformative outcomes for individuals and communities.

Why are you applying to Withers? (60 words)

I am applying to Withers because of its blend of international expertise, personalised approach and excellence across private client and commercial services. Having lived in five countries and thrived in collaborative, close-knit teams, I admire how trainees gain direct involvement in high-quality cross-border matters, while benefiting from tailored opportunities for professional growth in a globally focused firm. 

What do you think makes a good trainee solicitor? (60 words)

A good trainee solicitor embraces feedback, viewing it as an opportunity to refine their skills rather than as a personal attack. By actively listening and adapting to feedback, trainees develop resilience, grit and open-mindedness. This mindset not only sharpens technical ability, but also ensures trainees continuously develop personally and professionally throughout their legal career. 

What has been your most significant non-academic achievement to date? (60 words)

My most significant non-academic achievement is founding [university’s] first International Students’ Committee. I currently lead a 11-person committee from over 10 countries that addresses the lack of cross-cultural connection and representation for international students. This lasting initiative has amplified diverse voices and fostered inclusivity, and also reflects my commitment to creating impactful, sustainable change in underrepresented communities. 

Please give details of your current interests and activities including the nature of your involvement. (60 words)

As a Commercial Law Academy Brand Ambassador, I engaged 300+ aspiring lawyers and conducted competitor analysis. At [university] Law Review, I edited 25+ legal articles and drove outreach initiatives. As a [university publication] editor and writer, I contributed to 10+ publications, won a writers’ award and recruited 30+ writers, strengthening my leadership, communication and organisational skills. 

If your favourite childhood toy suddenly came to life, what advice would you give it today? (60 words)

Everyone has their own journey, so focus on your growth and self-discovery. Challenges are often golden opportunities to grow and evolve, and the unexpected can positively transform your life. Embrace your unique path with an open mind and confidence in the possibilities ahead, while trusting that everything happens for a reason.

2023

Why do you want to be a lawyer? (60 words max)

I want to be a lawyer because I enjoy critical thinking and solving complex problems – it is exciting to research and create new solutions. I have found client engagement to be a strength of mine, and I enjoy collaborating with others to achieve group objectives. I am drawn to the fast-paced, creative, client-focused, and collaborative nature of commercial law.

Why are you applying to Withers? (60 words max)

I am applying to Withers because it is a truly ‘full-service’ firm offering private client services in addition to corporate and commercial. This unique offering would allow me to explore all my interests during my training. The firm size and limited trainee intake also appeal to me as it facilitates a collaborative, collegiate culture ideal for early exposure and responsibility.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? (60 words)

If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to teleport. This ability would allow me to travel anywhere instantly and would open up endless possibilities to explore various cultures and customs. The power of teleportation would be a unique and thrilling superpower that would allow me to experience more of the world from an entirely different perspective.

2023

1. Why do you want to be a lawyer? (60 words max) *

Studying a History degree, I enjoyed examining primary and secondary sources to find information and subsequently build an argument. I can practically apply my research and analytical skills as a lawyer: to provide client-focused solutions. Volunteering at [redacted legal charity] since [redacted month/year], I value empowering my client to secure a positive outcome for themselves by relying on my advice.

2. Why are you applying to Withers (60 words max)

I am keen to explore where my interests lie and to gain a more comprehensive insight into how various aspects of matters fit together, which Withers, a full-service firm, provides. My passion for sports law aligns with the firm’s expertise. Moreover, going on secondment to the Milan office, where I can apply my Italian, is an opportunity I would value.

3. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? (60 words max)

The ability to assimilate the knowledge and skills of the people with whom I interact. My motivation stems from my desire to constantly learn and develop to reach my full potential, which this superpower would facilitate. Drawing from the expertise of others and prioritising a growth mindset would enable me to manage the continual learning experience a lawyer faces

2023

Why are you applying to Withers?

I am applying to Withers because of my interest in HNW individuals, art, luxury assets and family offices, having worked with HNW individuals and luxury brands at a private wealth magazine and written articles about these topics. Moreover, Withers’ leading international private client practice and impressive client base appeal to me as a culturally aware individual with an international mindset.

Please name a person who inspires you and explain why?

JK Rowling is my inspiration. Despite combatting rejection, I admire her resilience and tenacity in becoming a world-renowned author. I am in awe of how she used her negative experiences to fuel her imagination. Growing up, I dealt with a debilitating health condition, and one of the few things that got me through this was the magical world of Harry Potter.

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

I want to become a lawyer because I am attracted to the intellectual and practical challenges involved in imparting accurate and strategic advice to commercial clients. Additionally, providing holistic whilst considering wider factors such as ESG and combining extensive legal knowledge, financial research and market considerations that could impact a client’s business also appeals to me.

2023

Why do you want to be a lawyer? (60 words) *

I want to be a lawyer because of the dynamic and problem-solving nature of the profession.

I am pragmatic and seek to provide effective solutions. Being a lawyer would be the most thought-provoking way to do so. Having developed client and project management skills in my professional services career, I wish to hone my legal skills at Withers.

Why are you applying to Withers? (60 words) *

I collaborated with Withers’ US team on a trust restructuring matter. I was impressed by the team’s excellent client care, especially the guidance on dealing with aggrieved parties.

I enjoy the personal element of private client work, which Withers is renowned for. I believe Withers is an excellent match for my interests and experience in this line of work.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? (60 words) *

My superpower would be X-ray vision so that I could see through barriers, allowing me to gain information that would otherwise be hidden.

In addition to a unique perspective on the world, X-ray vision allows me to identify details and analyse situations thoroughly and efficiently before making any decisions.

2022

Why do you want to be a lawyer? (60 words)

Initially, I decided to become a lawyer to stand up for someone in need. As time progressed, my experience at a regional law firm enabled me to become fascinated by the dynamic relationship between the business entity and the economic and social environment that surrounds it. Hence, I became deeply interested in working in an intellectually challenging legal environment. 

Why are you applying to Withers? (60 words)

I think the size of the firm is small enough to maintain close private-client contact relationships and big enough to boast their prestigious clientele globally. Hence, the genuine responsibilities given to the most junior lawyers and trainees at the firm to work on high calibre deals for the most active corporate teams at Withers is exciting. 

Describe a significant challenge you have overcome and explain how you responded to the situation (60 words) 

Due to COVID-19, I have been studying the [redacted] virtually in [redacted]. Therefore, I decided to create a Facebook group called ‘[redacted] Student’. To recruit, I advertised the group on a [redacted] Website. Therefore, three more colleagues joined, and we were able to effectively overcome physical barriers such as different time zones by having weekly offline meetings.  

What has been your most significant non-academic achievement to date? (60 words) 

As an amateur photographer, I was attracted to photography because it has the power to record situations in a single photograph which a thousand words cannot. My biggest achievement is to travel to rural areas, especially Shimoda in Japan, to capture moments of joy and also the moments of history, sorrow, and triumph that can be remembered for generations.  

INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES

If you had the opportunity to change a product that you currently use, what would it be and why? (60 words) 

My polaroid camera has been with me for seven years. The camera has limited resolutions which are opaque to capture the details of an image. Hence, I want to buy a new polaroid with megapixels for higher resolution pictures to capture the moments of people’s stories more vividly and lively. 

Please give details of your current interests and activities including the nature of your involvement (60 words) 

I enjoy studying the stock markets. I created an online group called [redacted] to share commercial updates and investment strategies. After Joe Biden’s unofficial pledge of a Green New Deal, I directed the team to research ESG-focused companies and we decided to invest in companies with low debt ratios, stability in stock performance and IPO returns to hedge our risks. 

Your Skills

Describe a specific situation in which you have demonstrated excellence in the following skills: 

Commercial awareness (60 words) 

During the negotiation workshop with [redacted] LLP, I was involved in a hypothetical business contract case. From the perspective of our client (Company), I considered the types of assets it can give as security to the other party (Bank). I suggested share security over fixed charges such as mortgages since this will ideally benefit the growth of both parties. 

Client focus (60 words)

As a representative of the [redacted] Student-Staff Liaison Committee, I continuously monitor our students for newly arising issues and initiated an online survey to improve satisfaction with the course. I provide feedback to the faculty and provide suggestions for improvements. This enabled me with the platform to sharpen negotiation skills and allowed me to build rapport with colleagues.  

Communication (60 words) 

During my experience at the [redacted] Legal Clinic, I realized that a colleague was struggling with her workload and has misplaced the client’s information. Therefore, I decided to first clarify the problem by calling the client directly and sent an urgent email to the colleague. I also guided her on how she can double-check client information using archives.  

Team work (60 words) 

When I participated in the government-funded Science project at the [redacted], I demonstrated the willingness to learn and respect the opinions of other colleagues rather than prioritizing my desires and egos. Hence, we successfully apportioned the tasks based on our expertise and as a result, finished the task faster than the deadline.  

Initiative (60 words)

When I served as a leader of the volunteering project, we were ineligible to receive funding from the school and had to self-fund to proceed. I decided to make contingency plans by making budgets from fundraising and contacting the local government to present our proposal. The proposal was granted and we won the best volunteering award from the local community.