01/09/2021
Law programs at IE University are guaranteed to provide you with the academic background and knowledge to flourish in a legal environment. But how do you get there?
We’ve curated our law school’s expert top tips, gathered from our close relationships with national and international law firms, to help you succeed in the law firm selection process.
It’s all part of the process: how to get there
Anticipate the testing process
Your resume is the first impression that the HR department will have of you. After revising your qualifications and professional experience, they’ll check for structure, clarity and concision, so make sure to put your best foot forward in order to pass the initial selection process.
Along with an in-person interview, you’ll be invited to complete some technical and psychotechnical tests which help recruiters to pick the best candidates out of many.
The technical tests will evaluate your capacity for analysis and measure the extent of your legal knowledge. The psychotechnical tests will analyze your flexibility and ability to learn, your emotional intelligence and your cognitive elasticity, among other skills.
This may sound daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can ace it. Research the tests that will be expected of you (they may differ from traditional testing methods) and prepare, prepare, prepare.
Don’t be afraid to reach out
When researching a law firm, connecting with employees is a proactive way to show your interest and get some insight into the selection process. Try sending a message through LinkedIn—you might be surprised by how many of our alumni will happily let you in on their wisdom and knowledge. And if you play your cards right, you could earn an invitation to participate in a selection process before it’s been made public—you never know.
Send in your application as soon as possible
This is especially important as law firms will often open and close applications earlier than you may expect—some even start the recruitment process a year in advance! Keeping up to date with the firm’s processes will allow you to stay ahead of the game and show off your great time-management skills. Remember—even if your application isn’t perfect, it’s better to send it than to leave it sitting in your drafts folder.
For even more tips, click here.
You made it! Here’s what to focus on once you’re in the process
Demonstrate your interest in global affairs
Keeping up to date with global affairs by constantly reading and digesting information is an excellent way to stay informed and well versed on international issues and legal matters. Try to read the Financial Times, the Economist as well as national newspapers on a regular basis.
Brush up on your languages Language skills are vital, especially if you’re hoping to work with international law firms. And in many cases, a high grasp of the English language is essential, even before you’ve been accepted. Some firms carry out the technical test in English, and others require candidates to attend an in-person interview with a native speaker in the industry.
Being able to navigate multiple languages is a valued asset that law firms hold in high esteem.
Showcase your time-management skills
To successfully juggle several deadlines and clients, you need to be able to organize effectively. Your future employers will be looking out for such skills throughout the selection process. Fortunately, studying a law program with IE University means you will have plenty of practice in the art of time management.
Show off your soft skills
Yes, law firms seek professional experience, language skills and legal knowledge when choosing between candidates, but it goes without saying that soft skills are equally as important. If you’ve got this far, it’s likely that you have a strong sense of critical vision. Make sure to communicate that you constantly strive to improve and that you question everything. You should also demonstrate that you’re able to accept criticism from your peers and that you’re humble. And while creativity may not be the first quality that comes to mind when focusing on what law firms are looking for, it is highly sought after. Creativity in this sense draws on being able to think quickly and come up with solutions, even in high pressure environments.
Being able to collaborate with others effectively while still being able to work autonomously is also crucial.
Above all, let your innate talent and personality shine through. Law firms are looking for personable candidates that meet their criteria of desirable qualities. To find out more, click here for additional insights provided to us through both international and national law firms.
Here’s what IE University law students have to say about their experience
Renée Gerbolés, having recently accepted an offer from Cuatrecasas, reflects on her experiences during the law selection process and encourages others “to analyze what it is that makes you a good worker and team member from a human point of view.” She credits her years at IE University for teaching her how to work with others, which in turn familiarized her with “both [her] positive and negative traits.” This has undoubtedly contributed to her successes.
When asked about his thoughts on the selection process which offered him a position at Uría Menéndez, Álvaro Martín Sierra recommends that you “truly follow current affairs, demonstrate a plurality of interests and […] have a solid education that extends beyond law.” He notes that being motivated and having cultural interests outside of the legal sphere shines through in the selection process and is highly regarded by recruiters, something all IE University law students can take advantage of through their law program.
Use your time as an IE University law student to reflect on who you are, what your key assets and qualities are, and where you have room for improvement. We’re here to help you feel confident and ready to take on the selection process. Check out our Law, International Affairs & Public Policy programs, and find out how we help our students through our careers services!
