Getting your Guccis onto the first rung of the legal career ladder today is like twerking your way across a tightrope.
It can be terrifying and, no matter how many times you try, it never gets easier or makes you feel any less silly.
You may have that precious bit of paper to prove you’ve had your head in dusty texts for years but when it comes to acing a job interview, you must prove beyond reasonable doubt you’re a case worth taking on.
To make it easier, we’ve box-set binged Suits, The Good Wife and Law and Order to make a list of the skills recruiters look for in prospective lawyers and solicitors.
Knowledge
You have your law degree but recruiters like to see real evidence of intellectual, analytical and reasoning ability.
One way of doing this is to turn the interview around to discussing current affairs and how they might affect aspects of the legal profession.
Have a couple of recent news stories up your sleeve that you can discuss coherently and confidently.
Drive
This is a chance to prove you’ve done more than study but actually had a life and ambitions.
Mention part-time jobs you’ve had or that gap year teaching in Mongolia.
Anything that shows stamina and resilience is good: yes, even the giant spaceship you made out of matchsticks aged 14.
Commercial awareness
Being a lawyer isn’t just about providing good legal advice, it can be about understanding how the legal business works.
Today’s lawyers have to think of how to achieve goals, whether for a multi-national law firm or a high street outfit.
Recruiters want to see evidence of insight, so talk about any real-life business experience you’ve had.
Attention to detail
Legal eagles love detail. Check, check and check again is the mantra. By getting an interview you’ve passed the first test but proof is needed of your fine toothcombing abilities.
So if you’ve written a detailed thesis that needs an additional volume to list the references, this is your cue to show off.
Dream team
In law teamwork is everything. Even top advocates need people behind them, all working for the same goal. Demonstrate how you’ve been part of a team by talking about your grunge band or Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Communication skills
You’ll be showing these off during your interview, of course, but throw in any examples of additional comms work you’ve done, such as debating or blogging.
Dedication