2023

Dear X,

I’m a recent LLM graduate from [redacted London university], having completed my LLB at [redacted London university] and I am writing to apply for a [redacted year] training contract at Dorsey & Whitney in London.

Firstly, I’m interested in a training contract at Dorsey because of the firm's organisational structure that grants trainees a lot of exposure and responsibility. Dorsey takes on a very small intake of trainees each year, meaning everyone is encouraged to take on more responsibility. I previously undertook a vacation scheme at [redacted international law firm] where I observed the exciting multi-jurisdictional, client-facing deals prestigious firms get involved in, and I found it incredibly exciting. However, I was discouraged by the level of responsibility that their trainees received. In contrast, I believe at Dorsey I would be given an unparalleled opportunity to have real responsibility and learn from senior lawyers early on in my career.

I’m further motivated toward a career at Dorsey because of the firm’s international mergers & acquisitions expertise. Dorsey has ranked in the top 10 among all firms for the number of US M&A deals completed. Furthermore, Dorsey’s client base includes one-third of Fortune 100 companies. I had the opportunity to undertake a module on [redacted private equity module] during my [redacted law subject] LLM at [redacted London university], which I found incredibly interesting. Furthermore, I have previously really enjoyed a seat in corporate during a vacation scheme at [redacted law firm]. I strongly believe at Dorsey I would get better exposure to excellent transactional work.

I’m also really interested in the firm's commercial litigation team that deals with complex international cases. The team recently represented Watchstone Group during its £63 million claim against accountancy powerhouse PwC for breach of contract and fiduciary duty among other allegations. I find this particularly interesting having worked on a shareholders’ dispute during a vacation scheme at [redacted law firm]. Furthermore, coming from an international background and having completed my LLM in [redacted LLM subject] I believe I’m well placed to take advantage of Dorsey’s international credentials.

Lastly, I’m interested in a training contract at Dorsey because of the forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset instilled in the firm’s trainees. Having previously completed a finance internship at start-up [redacted company], I know how business works and how to apply it in real life. During this internship, I produced legal documents and financial spreadsheets that helped the company secure a £6 million investment for US expansion. My work experience means I’m able to better understand the legal and commercial ramifications of clients’ problems. Dorsey emphasises the importance of trainees building long-lasting client relations. Therefore, I believe Dorsey is the firm I can grow with throughout my legal career.

I would add value as a trainee at Dorsey because I’m entrepreneurial, commercially aware and a good team player. Taking part in the prestigious [redacted mock trial competition] was a big personal achievement. Here, I had to present a case in the most persuasive manner in a high-pressure environment in front of a real judge, a skill I would leverage as a trainee at Dorsey. I’m also keen to take on a leadership role, in College I was the President of the Debating Society. I took responsibility for organising events, attended by over 150 people each time. My work was acknowledged by the Dean; I was given the ‘Law Student of the Year Award’. Furthermore, I received a £4,500 Excellence Scholarship. As a result of all these achievements, Dorsey can have confidence that I will consistently rise to the occasion.

Thank you for your time considering my application, I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

X