From History Graduate to Future Trainee: Natasha Parsons on Breaking into Commercial Law

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your legal journey so far?

Hey, I am Natasha. I recently graduated from the University of Manchester with a History degree. I am a trainee solicitor at White & Case and will start in March 2024.

I have always been interested in the intersection between economics and society, and I love current affairs. When I started exploring a legal career, I found it a brilliant match. My legal journey officially began through the Bright Network. I attended the Virtual Commercial Law Internship Experience last summer and loved absolutely everything about it. I cannot recommend the Bright Network enough. It was also here that I first interacted with White & Case.

Last summer, I completed a work experience placement at a high-street law firm to better understand what a solicitor actually does. I completed nearly every virtual internship on Forage I could, to learn more about commercial law.

Why have you decided to go into commercial law, particularly as a non‑law student?

I studied History, and I have always been very interested in current affairs. Having worked part‑time at a shoe shop for the last five years, I have also learnt how fulfilling customer relationships can be. I want an exciting career that lets me build long‑term relationships with colleagues and clients.

I chose a History degree because I am inquisitive and have always been interested in the mechanisms that make the world work. It naturally follows that I would be interested in law, as it is arguably one of the most influential forces shaping society. My interest in commercial law was solidified by attending presentations and events. I did a lot of research into what a commercial solicitor does before I knew it was the career I wanted to pursue. I cannot recommend the Legal Cheek presentations enough. They run weekly and give you a brilliant chance to learn about different firms and areas of law.

How did you show interest in law on applications, especially since you were studying a non‑law degree?

There are many ways to show interest in law in your application. No interviewer will expect you to have known you wanted to be a solicitor since childhood. They are more interested in how you, as a non‑law student, came to want to be a solicitor.

I cited things I had studied in my degree that sparked my interest in law and economics. However, interest in law alone is not enough to secure a training contract. You need to show you have thought through a legal career and are certain you want to be a solicitor. I don't think there is much difference between law students and non‑law students, because simply doing a law degree isn't enough to prove commitment.

The most obvious way to show interest is to attend open days, presentations and events. You can also show interest by staying up to date with developments in the legal world. I am really interested in sustainability, so I often mention in applications how the transition to a more sustainable world is affecting the legal industry. Showing genuine interest in the legal industry is a strong way to demonstrate commitment.

Why have you decided to complete your training contract with White & Case?

White & Case appeals to me for two main reasons.

First, the firm's international approach. This was apparent in every interaction I had with them. The work that White & Case do is extremely exciting. I have a personal interest in the growing renewable energy sector, and White & Case is effectively leading the transition.

The second reason is the culture. During my vacation scheme, I interacted with many lovely, welcoming and inspiring individuals. Everyone was more than happy to chat with me. Diversity is also important to me, and I spoke to wonderful people from the affinity groups, which confirmed that it was the right firm for me.

I attended many virtual presentations, and White & Case always stood out. Speaking to people at the firm is also important. Someone once told me that the worst that could happen is that they ignore you, so you may as well try. I had many great interactions, often on LinkedIn, with future trainees and current trainees. Everyone was genuine, friendly and willing to help. This proved the graduate recruitment team's claim that the culture is friendly and collaborative.

Do you have any advice for students applying to US law firms in particular?

There is a preconception that US firms are more inaccessible. In my experience, this is not true. Speaking to people at the firm is the best way to gain insight.

Like any law firm, US firms want to see commitment. The best way to show this is to reference useful conversations you have had with members of the firm.

White & Case is extremely focused on international work. Showing you are internationally minded matters. You do not need to have lived abroad. Genuine engagement with international affairs is enough.

US firms also love candidates with a range of experiences outside law. I recommend centralising things you are passionate about and linking them back to the firm. For example, if you care about social justice, you could highlight how a firm's diversity and inclusion initiatives align with your values.

For students with limited legal experience, how can they use part‑time jobs to show transferable skills?

Non‑legal work experience can be even more valuable than legal experience. Throughout the application process, I drew on my five-year part‑time job. It taught me interpersonal skills, teamwork, how to deal with difficult customers, and how to learn from mistakes. Recruiters also see long‑term part‑time work as a sign of commitment.

Tailoring non‑legal experience to a firm is something you improve at over time. My best advice is to compile a list of your strongest experiences. Ideally, have around six you can apply to different competencies. Write down experiences that show teamwork, perseverance and learning from mistakes. Match these to the competencies the firm is looking for.

Another tip is to be funny. If asked about a mistake, try to see the lighter side. A genuine story is more believable than pretending your only mistake is working too hard.

Did you find that completing the White & Case virtual learning programme was helpful before your vacation scheme?

Certainly, the learning programme gives useful insight into the kind of work White & Case does. If you are going to apply to a firm, you need to enjoy the work they do. The virtual programme helps you decide whether it is the right fit.

However, I recommend attending an open day even more. Open days let you talk with people at the firm, and you can refer to them in interviews and applications. The White & Case open day also gave me helpful application tips.

What did you find most difficult during the application process and how did you overcome it?

One of the most difficult parts is staying positive. Rejections can be tiring and can make you question your ability. It is important to build resilience. Everyone experiences rejection, but not everyone picks themselves back up. Always ask for feedback.

Treat applications like another university module. Spend time every few days reviewing them. Time management is essential for solicitors and equally important for success in the application process.

What advice would you give students about turning their vacation scheme into a training contract offer?

Get involved with as much as you can and manage your time effectively. You will be working hard, but speaking to different people is the best way to understand the culture. Firms do not appreciate candidates citing culture unless they can back it up. Open days and vacation schemes give you the evidence you need.

Speak to as many people as possible. Arrange chats with people across different practice areas. Before my vacation scheme, I researched areas I was not sitting in but was still interested in. Speaking to people gave me invaluable insight. If you are passionate about a diversity initiative, arrange a chat with people involved. This made me completely confident that White & Case was the right firm for me.

Finally, what is one piece of advice you wish you had known before beginning the application cycle?

Be yourself. At first, I tried too hard to appear professional and didn't let my personality show. I received feedback saying I was too uptight, which shocked me and encouraged me to be more natural.

Remember that you are being assessed on likeability. If someone had to work eight hours a day with you, would they enjoy it? Partners do not want to talk to a brick wall. Email everyone you interact with at a vacation scheme or open day to thank them. Start conversations. Do not take yourself too seriously. Be professional and ambitious, but also kind, caring, funny and friendly.