Annabel’s motivation for pursuing law
Annabel explains that her interest in global issues sparked a curiosity about how law shapes societies, either by supporting development or enabling oppression. This led her to study law at university. Her decision to pursue commercial law emerged through work experience, where she discovered that contentious commercial work was both intellectually stimulating and aligned with her interests.
Considering other industries
Annabel did not seriously consider alternative career paths during her degree. She remained certain that she wanted to become a lawyer. However, she emphasises that unsure students should explore other industries to make an informed decision.
Choosing which firms to apply to
Work experience at several national commercial firms helped Annabel identify her preference for contentious work and her desire to train at an international firm in London. She focused her applications on firms that matched these criteria and researched their culture and values to determine whether they aligned with her own priorities.
The biggest challenge: developing commercial awareness
Annabel highlights commercial awareness as the most challenging aspect of her journey. She notes that the term is often used without clear explanation, leaving many students unsure how to develop it. Speaking to trainees and associates at networking events helped her understand that commercial awareness requires reading beyond headlines, considering the client’s perspective and recognising how legal issues intersect with business needs.
What she would do differently
Annabel found greater success in her third year because she had gained work experience and attended networking events, which helped her identify what she valued in a firm. She would have begun this research earlier, focusing on factors such as firm size, sectors of operation, organisational structure, core values and training contract format. This deeper understanding was integral to securing a place on Clyde and Co’s vacation scheme and ultimately her training contract.
Annabel’s top three tips for applicants
1. Follow your genuine interests
Annabel advises students to trust their instincts about which areas of commercial law appeal to them while remaining open to new experiences. She warns against being influenced solely by peers’ preferences, as a lack of genuine interest becomes apparent in applications.
2. Research firms thoroughly
She stresses that there is no correct number of firms to apply to. What matters is producing well‑researched applications that demonstrate a clear understanding of the firm and a genuine belief that it is the right fit. Quality outweighs quantity.
3. Stay informed about current affairs
Annabel encourages students to read widely and consider how legal issues intersect with business developments. This approach strengthens commercial awareness and helps applicants answer related questions more effectively. She also recommends choosing less obvious topics to help applications stand out.
Closing
Thank you to Annabel for sharing her experiences and offering thoughtful guidance to future applicants.
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