As a hiring partner at MD Law, I review every application for work experience and training contracts that comes across my desk. Competition is fierce, and small details can make a significant difference. We look for candidates who demonstrate professionalism, genuine interest in the law, and a clear understanding of what makes MD Law different.
Here are my top ten tips to help you stand out when applying to MD Law or any other firm:
- Do Your Research Before Making Contact – One of the most common mistakes I see is candidates emailing with questions that are already answered on our website, such as whether we offer work experience or what our deadlines are. This doesn’t show initiative. What impresses us is when candidates can reference our practice areas, our recent cases, or our firm’s ethos—because it proves they’ve taken the time to understand who we are.
- Use the Correct Covering Letter Format – If we request a covering letter, present it in a proper business format. It’s surprising how many otherwise strong candidates let themselves down by submitting a block of text. Professional presentation tells me you understand the basics of business correspondence—something essential in practice.
- Check Spelling and Grammar Thoroughly- Attention to detail is a non-negotiable skill in law. If your application contains typos or grammar errors, it raises immediate concerns. I always advise candidates to proofread carefully and, ideally, have someone else review their application before submission.
- Include Academic Details Clearly- We want to see your grades, subjects, and modules—without having to search for them. Academic achievement is one of the benchmarks we use to assess whether you’re suited to the rigours of our work, so don’t leave gaps.
- Be Polite and Professional in Every Interaction- First impressions matter. Whether you’re speaking to me directly or chatting with a member of our support staff, courtesy and professionalism are vital. I can assure you: we notice, and rudeness is a guaranteed way to end your application journey.
- Showcase Your Skills and Interests- At MD Law, we value well-rounded people. We don’t just want legal knowledge—we want individuals who bring curiosity, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills to the table. Your extracurricular activities, volunteering, or leadership roles can all help paint a fuller picture of who you are and how you’d fit into our team.
- Avoid AI-Written Applications- We can spot applications written by AI tools such as ChatGPT. They tend to sound generic, unnatural, and disconnected from your own experiences. Authenticity is far more persuasive. Use your own voice—that’s what we want to hear.
- Be Honest About Gaps in Your CV- Gaps aren’t a problem, but unexplained gaps raise questions. A short, honest explanation is all that’s required. Transparency builds trust, and that matters to us.
- Prepare Thoughtfully for Interviews- If you’re invited to interview, preparation is key. I expect you to answer standard questions like “Why do you want to work at MD Law?” with thought and originality, not clichés. I have lost count of the number of candidates I have met who all share the same weakness of being ‘too much of a perfectionist’. The candidates who stand out are those who show insight into our work and give genuine, reflective answers.
- Show a Genuine Commitment to Developing Legal Experience- What impresses us most is candidates who go beyond the obvious route of applying for training contracts. At MD Law, we value applicants who seek out practical legal experience—whether that’s volunteering at advice clinics, taking on paralegal work, or joining university law societies. This shows real initiative and a commitment to the profession, which makes a significant difference when we’re choosing who to interview.
Conclusion
At MD Law, we’re not just looking for strong academics—we’re looking for individuals who are professional, proactive, and authentic. By following these tips, you’ll not only strengthen your application but also demonstrate the qualities we look for in future trainees.
If you’re considering applying, I encourage you to visit our Careers page and Work Placements page on our website. These contain full details of our opportunities, application deadlines, and what we look for in candidates. Taking the time to familiarise yourself with this information is the best first step towards making a strong application.
