By Estiaan Conradie & Tharina Hartman
Your articles… a daunting yet crucial part of your journey towards becoming an admitted attorney. It is a common misconception that once you have your LLB degree, it will be smooth sailing from there. The harsh reality is that with over 5,000 law graduates entering the system each year, one can end up feeling like a small fish in a very large pond, trying to swim one’s way to securing articles after graduation.
This article intends to provide law students with a few strategies that can improve their chances of ensuring their application for Practical Vocational Training stands out above the rest.
Completely Ignore the “Nobody Cares About Your Grades After You Graduate” Rumour That You’re Told
Although there are law firms that only consider your university marks as one factor when reviewing your application, in a saturated market, it can only benefit you if your marks are one of the factors that set you apart from other candidates.
A very important consideration is that certain law firms set a minimum grade-average requirement before they will even consider your application. You definitely don’t want to be disqualified from the race before it has even begun.
Ensure that you obtain the best possible marks. Working hard during your studies and performing to the best of YOUR academic capabilities shows grit and perseverance. These qualities will make your candidate attorney application stand out. Simple as that.
Many candidate attorney applications require the submission of one or two reference letters. You may submit a reference letter to prospective employers, even when it is not mandatory. Performing well academically can also pave the way to an impressive reference letter. Lecturers and academic staff are certainly more inclined to write a reference letter if you excelled in their module. Remember to approach your request with respect and friendliness.
Boosting Your CV with Vacation Programmes and Extracurricular Activities
Les Brown once made the statement that, “You must be willing to do the things today others won’t do in order to have the things tomorrow others won’t have.”
In this scenario, that means attending vacation programmes at various law firms during your holiday breaks. Even if you are unable to attend a structured vacation programme, any type of vacation work at a law firm will aid your application. Students with practical experience tend to stand out, as their interest in the law and willingness to learn stretches far beyond only their studies. This is also the perfect opportunity for law students to experience real-life practice while improving their CVs.
These vacation programmes and vacation work also provide you with valuable insights into what real-life practice looks like, while exposing you to various aspects and fields of law to help you determine what might be the best fit for you.
Be on the lookout for firms that advertise such programmes. Alternatively, send a professional email to firms you are interested in, enquiring about vacation work or programmes they may offer.
In many instances, this is classified as job shadowing, but some firms host official vacation programmes with a formal agenda for students during their time there.
While every firm looks for different qualities in their candidate attorneys, most firms prefer a “well-rounded” type of candidate. A fantastic way to inform law firms and recruiters of your well-roundedness is to include your most impressive extracurricular activities and achievements in your CV. Many of the qualities that make a good candidate attorney may not have anything to do with law, but are gained by participating in sports, arts, volunteering, university clubs, and other part-time jobs. Therefore, some extracurricular activities merely showcase one’s passions, commitment, and grit, but you can certainly include them in your CV.
The Early Bird Philosophy
The earlier you start your search for candidate attorney positions, the better.
Many firms start scouting and initiating their candidate attorney selections well before the thought has even crossed most law students’ minds. In some cases, recruiting can start as early as two years in advance. Do not miss your opportunity to apply for a position simply because you missed the cut-off date.
If there are specific firms you have had your eye on, be sure to regularly check whether their applications have opened. If no information is available, try sending an email to enquire if they will have any positions available.
Cast Your Net Out Far and Wide
Each law firm has its own unique criteria when selecting potential candidates for further consideration. They want to ensure that the candidates they interview not only have the necessary skills and qualifications but also a good cultural fit for the firm.
As a law student or new graduate, you can speculate about what that culture is, but there is no certain way to know. Likewise, you cannot determine whether the person responsible for shortlisting will view you as a match.
As such, it is of utmost importance that you send your application not only to your “dream” firm but to as many firms as possible to improve your odds of securing articles. You don’t want to be in a position where you did not secure any interviews since you only applied to a handful of firms.
Statistically, the more applications you send out, the better your chances are at landing an interview. You might be surprised… the firm you applied to as a backup might end up being your perfect match.
Today, most firms advertise candidate attorney positions on social media. We encourage you to create a LinkedIn profile. Connect with your fellow students and legal professionals and keep an eye out for positions.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive legal landscape, waiting until graduation to think about articles is not an option. By prioritising strong academic performance, building a standout CV, starting your search for candidate attorney positions early, and casting your net wide across many firms, you are taking control of your future and dramatically improving your chances of securing Practical Vocational Training.
The journey into the legal profession rewards those who are proactive and prepared. Use your time as an LLB student wisely to build a standout profile that reflects both your academic ability and practical initiative and skills.
Start today. With dedication and a proactive mindset during your studies, you won’t just be another graduate swimming in a large pond. You’ll be the candidate that firms are excited to bring on board. Your legal career is waiting; begin positioning yourself for success right away.
[Disclaimer: This article in no way guarantees that you will secure articles after completing your studies. It merely reflects the writers’ opinions and suggestions on how your application can be strengthened and your odds increased.]