Joshua Kear – LLB (Hons) Law, 2022

My name is Joshua and I graduated from The University of Lincoln in 2022. During my time studying at Lincoln, I was never set on a certain field of work that I wanted to enter into on completion of my degree. I was interested in teaching and in technology. In fact, I was offered jobs in both of these fields to begin in August 2022. Despite this, I was still questioning the idea of a future within law, and with the push of my Lecturer Sara, I decided to try to and gain a training contract in the aim of qualifying as a solicitor.

After searching through law firms that I thought stood out to me, I applied to Womble Bond Dickinson in February 2022, only 2 days before the deadline! The application process involved multiple layers, including pymetric testing, video interviews and a week in the office. The application process as a whole was very testing and I made mistakes throughout the process. For example, I submitted a video interview answer which existed of me staring at the screen for 2 minutes not saying a word! But despite all the hurdles and mistakes, I secured a training contract with WBD in August 2022.

Since then, I have begun the completion of my LPC with ULaw in Leeds on a part time basis. WBD are always in contact with me, and as an added bonus paid for my fees and even gave me a grant to fund my studies. I continually attend events held by WBD and this has now furthered my eagerness to get into the office and start my training contract!

A final point to note is that legal experience is not everything. I had none! The best thing to do in any job application is to pull on your experience from any job and use this to prove how you fit the role.

My 3 top tips for anyone who is struggling to know what they are wanting to do, or for anyone who has applied to training contracts but don’t seem to get anywhere are:

1. Volunteer! – Volunteering for work experience in any field of work is a great start to understanding if that career is right for you. Search for local jobs which may offer work experience and apply! 
2. Be Yourself! – Job adverts are not trying to trick you but trying to find out who you really are. Sell yourself and why your skills fit the role! This is especially important for TC applications – the firm are wanting to make sure you are competent AND fit into the team.
3. Be Organised! – Doing your homework on the firm you are applying to really helps! It shows that you have put effort into your application and actually want to stand out!