How to make a successful training contract application

Following Conor Maher’s recent presentation on the subject of training contract applications at Bournemouth University, here are some key tips to help your application stand out.

Creating a professional and impactful CV

Your CV is often the first impression a firm will have of you. It should communicate both your professional capabilities and your potential to contribute effectively to the company.

• Be concise and relevant – aim to present all key information within one page, or two at most. Every section should serve a purpose. If you have experience outside the legal sector, highlight the transferable skills you developed and explain how these are relevant to a legal environment.
• Focus on recent experience – where possible, prioritise experience gained within the past five years. Earlier experiences, such as those during school or college, can be included if they remain relevant and demonstrate the progression of your interest in law.
• Prioritise presentation – a well-structured and visually clear CV reflects professionalism and attention to detail. Use a clean, readable font, consistent formatting, and a logical layout. If incorporating colour, do so subtly. The way you present your CV is the firms first impression of you.
• Proofread thoroughly!

What Ellis Jones looks for in a candidate

While strong academic results are important, at Ellis Jones, we look beyond grades. We want to understand the individual behind the application your values, your interests, and how you would contribute to the firm’s culture and client service.

Here are several ways to reflect this in your CV and personal statement:

• Showcase transferable skills – experience from part-time employment or internships, even outside of law, can demonstrate essential qualities such as teamwork, initiative, commercial awareness, and resilience. These skills translate directly into the demands of legal practice.
• Highlight relevant legal experience – include vacation schemes, placements, or mini pupillages that have helped shape your understanding of the legal profession. Describe the skills you developed and how these experiences have strengthened your commitment to pursuing a training contract. If you do not yet have legal experience, Ellis Jones offers Vacation Schemes and Legal Placements which are both a great way to show interest in the firm and gain hands on experience. If you are interested in either you can take a look at the following blogs: My experience as a Legal Placement at Ellis Jones  and A Vacation Scheme at Ellis Jones – Ellis Jones
• Show commercial awareness – law firms operate as businesses. A strong applicant understands the commercial context in which legal services are delivered and can discuss current issues affecting the industry.
• Include non-academic achievements – While academic excellence remains important, we also value well-rounded candidates. Involvement in societies, sports, or leadership roles illustrates commitment, time management, and the ability to balance multiple priorities, all key attributes of a trainee solicitor.

Tailoring your application

A well-tailored application reflects diligence and genuine interest. Avoid generic submissions; instead, research each firm thoroughly and align your application with its practice areas, culture, and strategic priorities.

Explain how your skills, experiences, and values complement what the firm does and how you would add value as a trainee. The most compelling applications are those that combine professionalism, authenticity, and precision, presenting a coherent narrative of your journey and aspirations.

A strong training contract application is more than a list of qualifications; it is a reflection of your potential as a future solicitor. Present yourself with clarity, confidence, and purpose. By combining attention to detail, commercial awareness, and genuine enthusiasm for the profession, you will create an application that not only stands out but truly resonates with the firms you apply to.

Begin your legal career with Ellis Jones

If you are interested in applying for a training contract at Ellis Jones, you can take a look at an article written by Matt Rushent which offers an insight into his experience Becoming a Contentious Trusts & Probate Trainee – Ellis Jones. If you would like to apply and think that you would fit into our culture, please send your CV and Covering letter to recruitment@ellisjones.co.uk. Please note that applications close on the 1^st of May 2026.