2025
Why are you applying to Goodwin? (100 words)
I am applying to Goodwin because I am excited by the opportunity to work with innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors. At the Goodwin open afternoon, Associate Alex Nicoladis explained that his work with life sciences and tech clients means that he works with companies from their inception to their IPO. As Goodwin’s clients are constantly evolving, they require lawyers to advise on legal and commercial issues through their lifecycle. The prospect of forming collaborative and durable relationships with clients appeals to me due to my experience as Club Captain of LSE Boxing, where I nurtured new boxers into competition fighters.
What is your personal motivation for seeking a career in corporate/commercial law? (100 words)
I am seeking a career in corporate law because I believe it will provide me with the opportunity to work on incredible deals with incredible clients. I experienced this when I did work shadowing with a partner at Freshfields, where I witnessed the sale of a large European bank’s custody business. What struck me was the scale of the deal, as he was coordinating with numerous colleagues across countries. He also worked with the tax, IP, and competition teams, demonstrating the breadth of commercial law. The deal eventually made the headlines, showing me how exciting corporate law can be.
Discuss a commercial issue that has particularly interested you. Why did it capture your attention, and what impact could it have on the legal sector? (300 words)
A recent commercial issue that has attracted my attention is the intensifying antitrust scrutiny of major technology companies. This year has seen significant applications of antitrust regulation in the UK, US, and the EU, as governments aim to curb the strength of large technology companies. In the US, the Department of Justice is pursuing a high-profile case against Google over its alleged search monopoly, which could lead to the potential break-up of key parts of its business. This is mirrored in the UK, where the Competition and Markets Authority is currently investigating cloud computing services offered by Amazon's AWS, Microsoft's Azure, and Google Cloud. Furthermore, the EU Commission has levied an €800 million fine against Meta for unfairly integrating its Marketplace service with Facebook. These cases interested me because they signify the growing confidence of governments in applying competition law to large tech companies.
As antitrust regulators have taken more aggressive enforcement approaches globally, the demand for antitrust expertise will increase. Specifically, the demand for Antitrust Litigation and Enforcement expertise will increase, as tech clients seek advice on complex civil litigation relating to allegations of anti-competitive conduct. Similarly, this expertise will be necessary to defend against government investigations by bodies such as the FTC, CMA, and European Commission. This trend will also increase the importance of strategic office locations such as Washington DC and Brussels, which serve as hubs for regulatory decision-making. This trend will also affect strategies that lawyers use during M&A transactions. Lawyers will need to pay closer attention to the structure of deals to address competition concerns, as well as considering remedies, divestitures, and behavioural commitments to secure regulatory approval. A recent example of commitments used to secure a merger was the commitments made in the Vodafone-Three merger, which included investments into 5G infrastructure and price freezing.
What do you believe are two key qualities of a successful solicitor? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your education and/or experience to date? (300 words)
One key quality of a successful solicitor is commercially aware thinking, which is the ability to grasp how businesses work as well as the salient economic and political factors that affect them. Especially in the context of heavily regulated industries like tech, life sciences, and financial services, solicitors need to understand the implications of regulatory decisions on their clients’ businesses. This aspect of commercial law resonates with me due to my experience as a Parliamentary Assistant to a UK Government minister. In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders, such as EDF and Lloyds, and I have observed how regulatory decisions shape industries. At the Goodwin Insight Day, I learned the importance of solicitors’ commercial awareness when advising clients operating in the life sciences sector in relation to Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation, clinical trials, and patents.
Another key quality of a successful solicitor is having strong analytical skills, especially in the context of litigation. This skill is critical for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a case. Strong analytical skills also relate to the ability to assess complex information, identify key issues, and develop logical arguments. During my time at LSE, my course focused on argumentation, particularly in my history modules. I often evaluated the validity of historical evidence and used analytical thinking to assess the merits of arguments. I excelled in this area, achieving the highest marks in my year across two modules and first-class honours in my degree. I gained an understanding of how these skills are transferable to a legal career at the Herbert Smith Freehills open evening while speaking to a litigator. She emphasised her use of lateral thinking skills when evaluating opposing counsel’s arguments and developing her own.
Which other firms are you applying to and why? (200 words)
My application strategy has been to target firms with exposure to industries that are in the process of rapid change and disruption. Industries such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and financial services fascinate me because they present novel legal challenges and exciting issues related to regulation and competition. I’ve also had proximity to these industries while working in parliament and interacting with stakeholders such as EDF and Lloyds.
As a result, I’ve targeted firms with strong exposure to these heavily regulated industries. I have applied to BCLP and Herbert Smith Freehills because of their work in Energy and Infrastructure projects as well as their presence at the forefront of the green energy transition. I have also applied to Weil and Freshfields due to their antitrust and competition expertise as well as their strength in financial services and technology. I also attended insight days at all these firms which provided me with knowledge about levels of trainee responsibility, working cultures, and development opportunities.
These factors also drew me to Goodwin. Goodwin’s expertise in life sciences, technology, and financial services particularly stood out to me as these are rapidly changing and highly regulated industries.
Further Information
Please briefly summarise anything else that you would like to add which you think is relevant to your application. This can be positions of responsibility, extra-curricular activities and achievements or academic awards or scholarships. (200 words)
In my final year of university, I was elected as the Education Officer of LSE Students’ Union. In a campus-wide ballot in March 2023 I was elected with 750+ votes, demonstrating my influencing skills. I was responsible for directing the Union’s lobbying on academic issues and acted as the main representative of students to the University's executive committee, representing 13,500 students from over 140 different countries. I also served as a trustee of the Union, responsible for directing over 50 staff and overseeing a multi-million-pound budget.
At university, I participated in the British Universities and Colleges Sports’ Boxing Championships, reaching the semi-final of the competition. I trained 5 times a week, balancing training alongside my studies. Pursuing this achievement demonstrates my ability to thrive under pressure which is essential for meeting tight deadlines and handling demanding projects as a solicitor.
In May 2023, I ran as a Local Council Candidate in my home constituency of Hertsmere. Selected by a panel to contest the 2023 local elections, I gained valuable experience canvassing and speaking to the public about pressing local issues. Engaging with the public enhanced my communication skills- a skill I will use as a solicitor when interacting with clients.
2025
Why are you applying to Goodwin (100 words)
I am applying to Goodwin because of its leading expertise in private equity, life sciences, and real estate, and its unique ability to combine these sectors. Speaking with Jack Davies during the open day, I learned about his work advising a PE real estate fund on a transaction involving a laboratory—a clear example of the diverse, cutting-edge matters Goodwin handles. Goodwin's recent work with OQC on the UK’s largest quantum computing Series B financing and advising tech innovators like Raspberry Pi further highlights its involvement in high-profile, innovative transactions, aligning with my ambition to work on impactful, sector-defining deals.
What is your personal motivation for seeking a career in corporate/commercial law? (100 words)
My motivation for corporate/commercial law lies in its unique ability to influence economies and shape industries. I am drawn to the intellectual challenge of navigating complex transactions and regulatory frameworks that directly impact markets. With a particular interest in private equity and life sciences, I am captivated by the potential to support businesses driving innovation and growth. This field offers the opportunity to work with diverse sectors, from finance to technology, enabling me to build meaningful client relationships and make tangible contributions. Ultimately, I am motivated by the blend of strategy, variety, and impactful outcomes that commercial law offers.
The recent debate surrounding the taxation of carried interest for private equity (PE) executives has captured my attention as it illustrates how tax policy can impact investment patterns and, by extension, the UK economy. Carried interest—a performance-based reward taxed at the lower capital gains rate—has been a favourable incentive for PE dealmakers. However, with the Autumn Budget 2024 raising the rate from 28% to 32% (effective April 2025) and setting further reforms in motion to tax carried interest as trading income by 2026, the UK government has signalled a shift toward more equitable taxation while attempting to maintain the country’s competitive edge.
This issue holds particular relevance for the legal sector, especially for firms with significant private equity and financial services practices. The UK legal market benefits extensively from the city’s PE activity, with high volumes of M&A, leveraged finance, and related advisory work tied to this sector. If the carried interest tax rate were raised to match the income tax rate, PE firms might relocate to tax-favourable jurisdictions, resulting in a contraction of London’s legal market and a potential exodus of associated transactional work.
The government’s approach—incrementally increasing the tax rate while implementing a consultation period—seems aimed at striking a middle ground, reducing the risk of a drastic shift in PE firm operations. I find it interesting how the government allowed speculation to build, which may have softened the impact of the actual increase by managing public expectations. Given the gradual reforms, it will be fascinating to observe how PE firms respond and whether this policy will indeed retain investment in the UK or prompt a redirection of funds to more favourable markets. This outcome could have lasting consequences for the legal sector, particularly in areas where PE work drives substantial revenue.
What do you believe are two key qualities of a successful solicitor? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your education and/or experience to date? (300 words)
Commercial awareness enables solicitors to provide insightful, business-aligned advice, enhancing the value of their legal solutions. Through multiple insight schemes at top firms, including Freshfields, Kirkland & Ellis, and Goodwin, I’ve developed a solid understanding of sectors like private equity and life sciences, appreciating how legal decisions impact business outcomes. As a Brand Ambassador for the Commercial Law Academy (CLA), I regularly share key commercial concepts with students, deepening my understanding of trends and challenges facing different industries. This role has sharpened my commercial perspective, preparing me to anticipate client needs and understand the business context of legal advice.
Equally important is the ability to build strong relationships, essential for both client trust and effective teamwork. A successful solicitor must connect with clients to understand their objectives and establish a foundation for ongoing trust. In my role as a [redacted] Brand Ambassador, I have honed this skill by fostering relationships with students and representing [redacted] in an approachable and relatable manner. By planning events, managing social media, and promoting the firm’s opportunities, I’ve demonstrated the ability to engage meaningfully with audiences, creating lasting connections that align with [redacted] culture. Building relationships is equally crucial for collaborating with colleagues to deliver cohesive client solutions. My role as a [redacted] for [redacted] has reinforced this aspect, as I regularly collaborate with office staff to coordinate viewings and ensure seamless processes. I liaise with team members to resolve issues, adapting quickly to changing schedules, which has refined my teamwork and communication abilities.
Combining commercial insight with strong relationship-building skills enables me to engage with clients and colleagues alike. At Goodwin, where collaboration and client understanding are key, these qualities will allow me to contribute effectively to both client and team success.
I have an interest in “U.S. firms” due to their lean teams, high-profile, multi-jurisdictional work, and on-the-job training style that allows junior lawyers to gain early responsibility. Specifically, I am focused on firms with strengths in private equity and life sciences, such as Kirkland & Ellis, Paul Weiss, and Covington & Burling. These firms are renowned for their expertise in these sectors and provide junior lawyers with the opportunity to work on complex, high-stakes transactions that appeal to my career aspirations.
In the interest of transparency, Goodwin is my top choice and aspiration. This preference was solidified during the open day, where I gained insight into Goodwin’s market-leading private equity practice, its work in life sciences and technology, and its collaborative culture. Goodwin’s approach, combining technical expertise with a forward-thinking mindset, aligns closely with my career goals and interests in supporting clients at the forefront of industry innovation.
To build a comprehensive foundation in commercial law, I am keen to continue gaining diverse experiences, as I have through my participation in various insight schemes and open days. Exploring a range of firm cultures and practices will allow me to refine my skills and contribute meaningfully to a firm like Goodwin.
Please briefly summarise anything else that you would like to add which you think is relevant to your application. This can be positions of responsibility, extra-curricular activities and achievements or academic awards or scholarships. (200 words)
My experiences have equipped me with a range of skills that will allow me to excel at Goodwin. As a mentor with Zero Gravity, I guide students through competitive university applications, tailoring advice on personal statements, interview skills, and career pathways. This role has strengthened my leadership, adaptability, and interpersonal skills—qualities essential for Goodwin’s collaborative and client-focused environment.
In my role as [redacted] at [redacted], I implemented purpose-driven strategies and fostered a community-oriented culture for users, many of whom are legal professionals at top firms. This experience sharpened my strategic thinking and commitment to high standards, aligning with Goodwin’s focus on excellence in client service. Additionally, as a [redacted], I worked with lawyers on communication skills, enhancing my ability to engage with diverse professionals—vital for navigating Goodwin’s global client base.
My work experience across the UK and Australia, coupled with travel in Southeast Asia, has broadened my international mindset and cultural awareness, enabling me to connect with a wide range of clients. These combined experiences have prepared me to thrive in Goodwin’s market leading, high-performing teams and contribute meaningfully to its global practice.
2021
I am writing to apply for the above-captioned role, as advertised on your website. I am a penultimate year student studying Law (LLB), at University College London.
I initially decided to pursue a legal career while I was at school, mainly because the industry provides varied opportunities and roles in which a person with my academic, analytical and communication potential and skills could successfully apply them to resolve challenging issues in a dynamic, real life context. Since then, I have enjoyed a series of fantastic legal internship experiences and I am drawn to the dynamism and opportunity for direct and holistic client engagement at every stage of clients’ business life cycle that pursuing a career as a commercial solicitor would offer. I particularly enjoyed shadowing the in-house legal team at the Private Equity (PE) firm, [redacted]. I learnt about the versatility and huge potential of PE as a tool for achieving not just investors’ commercial objectives particularly within challenging markets but also by its potential impact as a tool for economic development. This subsequently prompted me to join the organising committee for the UCL Alternative Investments Conference, the largest annual student conference in the world focused on PE, hedge funds, and venture capital. It is my interest in, and exposure to PE that has drawn me to pursue a career at Goodwin Procter. The firm’s global expertise in private equity is exemplified by the Legal 500 UK’s recognition of the firm for its excellence in private equity in 2017 and Merger Market’s recognition of the firm as a Top 2 Private Equity Legal Advisor for Global by deal count in Q1-Q3 2018. Whilst the London office’s PE practice only started in 2015, it is already seen as an excellent and trustworthy PE legal adviser and has advised leading companies such as Waterstones, Bridgepoint and Mergermarket (now known as Acuris). A vacation scheme at Goodwin thus excites me as it would be a privilege to work in an environment where exceptional results are consistently achieved.
My conversation with Kristina Wahidullah, an associate at the firm further heightened my excitement about the prospect of working at Goodwin, as she gave me an insight into the firm’s work and culture. To elaborate, she highlighted the firm’s supportiveness of its lawyers through continuous training sessions during the training contract and weekly corporate training session for associates. The firm’s small trainee intake of 6 would also provide me with multiple long-term career benefits as it would give me more responsibility, client exposure and the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with the other trainees in my intake, as well as being mentored by senior lawyers at the firm. I am particularly interested in transactional work and as such Goodwin’s training programme which is mainly focused on that will allow me to focus on this kind of work whilst still being exposed to new exciting industries such as real estate, life sciences and technology in a way which training programmes at other law firms will not. This is a very exciting time to join Goodwin, during this period of expansion and profitable growth in London as the firm strives to increase its industry focus in areas such as oil and gas, private equity, and financial institutions. The arrival of leading private equity lawyers from KMW such as Michael Halford and Ajay Pathak as well as the London office’s 132% year-over-year headcount increase further indicates the firm’s rapid growth in London. I would value the opportunity to be part of the firm’s expansion in London, as this would provide me with further exposure to more varied work and clients.
My previous experiences have enabled me to develop multiple skills which I believe will ensure that I am an excellent vacation schemer and future Goodwin Procter trainee. My intellectual curiosity and hard work ethic are evidenced by my completion of a 15-week Islamic Law, Finance and Business Ethics course at Harvard University in 3 weeks during the summer holidays. I had no previous experience in this subject but my interest and drive to succeed resulted in me achieving a 95% grade in my final research paper. Likewise, in 2016, I also received a ‘commended’ essay award from [redacted] on whether positive discrimination should be used when appointing justices to the UK Supreme Court. My commitment to achieving consistent excellence is illustrated by my provision of researched client-specific advice to walk-in clients at Toynbee Advice Centre, who have commended me on my ability to provide them with good advice. I have undertaken multiple mentoring roles which have enabled me to develop my interpersonal skills, as well as my ability and determination to always provide the best advice and support to people whom I assist. For instance, I mentored a year 11 student who had been left with disabilities following a car accident. My co-mentor and I provided our mentee with tailored revision material and wellbeing support in order to ensure that she was able to pass her required GCSEs, as well as providing motivation for her to fulfil her aspiration to be a chef. As well as being awarded a ‘distinction’ for my LAMDA Grade 8 Drama Exams, I am a member of the ‘Poet in the City’ organization and a writer for the UCL Lacuna Literary Magazine. This has developed my writing skills and understanding of various poetry forms and has provided me with the skills to write my first poetry anthology which I plan on publishing online next year.
I believe that there would be no better place to begin my career and develop as a commercial lawyer than at Goodwin Procter.
Thank you very much for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.
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