2024

After conducting research, you have made the decision to apply for a training contract at Fladgate. Please tell us what attracts you to Fladgate, and how you think qualifying at our firm would differentiate you from other junior lawyers. (350 words) 

I believe that Fladgate represents the balance I consider most important in the firm that I wish to progress with in my legal career. The rare combination of intellectually stimulating and high-quality work, paired with a genuine focus on its people and building for the future, is something that really stood out to me through my research into the firm.   

I have been particularly drawn to Fladgate as I understand that it prioritises deep relationships and true partnerships with clients, allied to the fact that it accepts only a select trainee intake. This echoes the welcoming culture at the firm, but also highlights the early responsibility that trainees are exposed to. I have always thrived in taking initiative and committing to responsibility, including the challenge that I especially enjoyed during my internship at XXXX, where I communicated directly with clients, drafted shareholder agreements and conducted research tasks, within days of starting. 

This, along with being selected as XXXX of the XXXX, where my role is to create meeting agendas, draft meeting minutes and organise networking events for the community of members it is aiming to build, demonstrates my confidence to take on responsibility. The early opportunities that are available at Fladgate sets the firm’s trainee cohort apart. 

Through more targeted research, the firm’s strategy interests me greatly. I identify with the focus on entrepreneurialism and continuous networking, and to hiring innovative trainees to keep up with the constantly changing legal landscape – which stands out for a firm with such an enviable reputation.

Whilst open-minded and excited at the prospect of learning about less-familiar areas of law, I am drawn to the firm’s Intellectual Property department, and especially IP Disputes. The firm’s recent work with streetwear brand Amiri in protecting their trademarks in the UK and EU, as well as interesting insights into the future implications of copyright in the music industry, that focus on the fine line of the Intellectual Property rights of the performer, compared to those of the songwriter or record label, contribute to my desire to train at Fladgate. 

Fladgate’s client base is excitingly broad with a mix of institutional and entrepreneurial clients. What qualities do you believe are pivotal to forging and maintaining strong relationships across such a varied client base? (350 words) 

Integrity is a value that goes beyond sector-specific requirements and is a pillar in sustaining strong client relationships. As someone who prides myself on honesty, reliability, and loyalty in my personal life, demonstrating integrity professionally will form the foundation of trusting relationships with both colleagues and clients. This is specifically encouraged by Fladgate. Whilst keen to build for the future, coupled with the desire to expand in various sectors, the firm has made it clear that potential growth will not compromise the firm’s distinctive culture. As a result, Fladgate consistently maintains its core identity, and it is this integrity that I believe allows the firm to thrive in developing and strengthening client relationships. 

I have demonstrated dedication and reliability in being selected as Assistant Manager for the XXXX for the XXXX tournament. To maintain a balance between my final year of studies and co-managing an international football team, I have also had to prioritise my time, to ensure that I complete all necessary tasks on time. Throughout the year, I will lead training sessions and provide pastoral care to the players. This reflects my willingness to accept responsibility and to create professional, yet strongly-founded relationships with the players and coaching staff, vital skills to bring to a firm with such an emphasis on client contact. 

In co-founding an events company in my final year at school, XXXX - derived from my passion for live DJing, I have learnt invaluable lessons of collaboration, how to overcome professional obstacles and to communicate directly with clients. This innovative spirit will prove useful in a career at Fladgate with such a range of entrepreneurial clients. To work with individuals and large corporations, it is imperative that a Fladgate lawyer is versatile in their market awareness. Through completing a research project assisting the XXXX investigating the recent success of XXXXX, I have developed my understanding of the current legal climate - and therefore would learn from this knowledge and instil trust in clients from different disciplines. 

At Fladgate we are all about people. We ensure we get the best out of our employees by providing them with the tools to succeed. Tell us why you have chosen a career in law, and how Fladgate can support you in reaching your full potential as a lawyer. (350 words)

I believe that as a collaborative and determined languages student, a career at Fladgate aligns with the qualities I have worked hard to develop.  

My language skills will provide a strong foundation to my legal career. I now speak three languages fluently and plan to start a fourth. I enjoy thinking on my feet in high pressure situations. Working for XXXX in XXX, and at an XXXX, I have learned the importance of clear communication and have developed confidence in unfamiliar situations outside of my native tongue. Professional proficiency in Spanish and Italian will help to form relationships with international clients and has vastly improved my attention to detail. In an intellectually stimulating, yet welcoming and open environment, Fladgate would be the ideal firm to progress my legal career.  

In addition, I was elected by both staff and students as XXXX of my school of XXX. Through this role, and separately when speaking at the age of fifteen at a XXXX to over 400 people, I learnt the skills to both speak publicly with confidence, and the appropriate balance needed between personalism and professionalism, both relevant to the skills of a solicitor.  

I also believe that I have the resilience required to be a solicitor in a fast-paced and sometimes emotionally-taxing environment. Two weeks before my GCSEs, XXXX. I had XXXXXX, support my other affected friends, and complete my preparation for exams that I had spent two years working towards. I demonstrated the ability to compartmentalise, to persevere, and to obtain the grades which I knew I could achieve. I have since been involved with the XXXX, which funds teenage mental health charities, through helping organise fundraisers and coordinating regularly with the founder. These organisational skills will stand me in good stead as a trainee solicitor. Fladgate’s commitment to social responsibility in annually selecting a national and local charity to support, means that I would be able to learn from people with shared values.