KCL LAW SOCIETY LAW GUIDE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

KCL LAW SOCIETY

    LAW GUIDE
       FOR
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

Contents:

 Introduction to Herbert Smith Freehills
       • Applications: Deadlines and Opportunities

Introduction to KCL Law Society
       • Prestigious Vocational Opportunities
       • Regular Competitions and Debates
       • What is New?

Commercial Awareness
       • What is Commercial Awareness?
       • Resources and Tips to Improve Commercial Awareness
       • FAQs

Getting to Know London

      • Exciting Places: Food and Shopping
      • Meeting People
      • How to Save Money in London

 Well- being
       • Mental Health Resources
       • Tips: Lowering Stress & Anxiety
       • Advice

Herbert Smith Freehills

With 26 offices around the world, Herbert Smith Freehills (“HSF”) is an outstanding in-

ternational firm. A rich client history consisting of industry leading clients, such as Goldman
Sachs, HSBC and Amcor, exemplifies the firm’s prestigious reputation.

HSF covers over 100 legal services including but not limited to: dispute resolution, finance
and investigation. In addition, they maintain their position at the cutting edge of the industry
by providing legal services in over 40 sectors.

HSF’s vision beyond 2020 encompasses striving to perform and work intensely to achieve
outstanding results for their clients. HSF ensures quality for clients by selecting the most dri-
ven, collaborative and successful employees.

HSF has proven their flexibility as they continue to evolve and improve their practice as tech-
nology and innovation develops. They have many podcasts that cover a range of topics and
sectors.

HSF takes great pride in its diversity and inclusion as the CEO, Justin D’Agostino comments:
“At Herbert Smith Freehills, we don’t expect our people to be or think the same - indeed, di-
versity and inclusion drive our success and the innovative solutions we deliver with our
clients. That’s why fostering an inclusive culture where our people can be themselves, con-
tribute their perspectives and perform roles which are meaningful and aligned to our shared
values is a core business priority”

In addition to committing themselves to confronting racial and gender inequalities, new ini-
tiatives have been introduced to support their global commitment to health and well-being –
in June 2020 HSF joined other leading organisations to support ‘Speak Your Mind’ – a call on
governments to take mental health into all Covid-19 responses.

Apply here:

Vacation Schemes:
    Winter
  • For finalists and graduates

          •    Applications open: 14 September–2 October 2020

          •    Scheme: 30 November–11 December 2020

       Spring
     • For penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates

          •    Applications open: 14 September–4 December 2020

          •    Scheme: 6-16 April 2021

      Summer
 •    For penultimate-year students, finalists and graduates

          •    Applications open: 14 September–4 December 2020

          •    Schemes: 14 June–2 July 2021 and 5–23 July 2021

First Year Students Opportunities:

Roger Leyland Memorial Scholarship
          (First-year Rare Candidates)

          •    Applications open: 1 October 2020–31 January 2021

First Year Workshops
     (First-year students)

          •    Applications open: 1–31 January 2021

          •    Workshops: 29–30 March 2021 and 12–13 April 2021

Campus Ambassadors
   (First-year students)

      •       Applications open: 1–31 January 2021

Open Days:

 LGBT+ Open Day

       •    12 October 2020
       •    Applications open 1–27 September 2020

MYPLUS Students’ Club Open Day
   •       20 October 2020
   •       Applications open 14 September–2 October 2020

Innovation Open Day

   •       Applications open 14 September-11 October 2020
   •       Open day: 11 November 2020

IP, Cyber and Technology Open Day
   •       Applications open 14 September–25 October 2020
   •       Open day: 18 November 2020

Disputes Open Day
   •       Applications open 14 September–11 October 2020
   •       Open day: 25 November 2020

For more information on the firm’s latest developments, visit their website.

Introduction to KCL Law Society
                        Facebook             Instagram              Website

KCL Law Society is the largest and official law society of King’s College London and the largest
independent student society in the country. As the largest legal society at King’s, we also have
30% Non-Law members, reflecting the appetite in the professional market for future lawyers
with varied degree backgrounds.

Having long-standing and outstanding partners such as HSF amongst others, the KCL Law So-
ciety hosts unrivalled events for our members, providing you with an unparalleled opportuni-
ty at the start of your career to help you succeed.

Prestigious Vocational Opportunities
We organise a variety of vocational events, from prestigious workshops, a range of the high-
est quality panels on industry hot topics, networking sessions, as well as other virtual oppor-
tunities. To name a few:
   • We host large multi-firm panel events such as the Magic Circle Panel Event, US Law Firms Panel
         Event and BAME Panel Event with distinguished law firm partners and associates, giving
         you an exclusive insight into their firms and their work

   • Some previous events have included Breakfast and Commercial Awareness Workshops, Net-
         working Drinks with law firms in their office, and Application Tips (over pizza!)

   • Despite the virtual circumstances, our events calendar remains more jam-packed than ever,
         with several events per week:

   • From Tailored Workshops with top Law firms as well as our new In Focus Series (delving into

         topics such as Capital Markets, Arbitration and Litigation)

   • Virtual networking sessions, workshops and speed mentoring sessions with elite law firms to
         boost your commercial awareness and confidence.

Regular Competitions and Debates for all levels

As well as this, provide the opportunity to get involved in a variety of debating and negotiation
competitions to kickstart your careers. These give you the opportunity to learn new skills,
meet fellow aspirational students looking for a career in the city as well as have the opportuni-
ty to network with firms at finales and demonstrate your commercial knowledge.

Examples include our Annual Show Debate, featuring our most prominent debaters giving
you an insight into a topical commercial issue (useful for applications, interviews and general
commercial awareness for networking situations) as well as Commercial Awareness Competi-
tions, Negotiations as well as more informal competitions on our instagram!

We also have online resources such as our “Debates with KCLLS” series, featuring previous
debate winners, to help you feel more confident in your first competitions!

Community

Our famous socials include our Boat Party and Club Bus Crawl. Our Annual Law Balls are spec-
tacular - being held at venues such as the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and
the Dorchester Hotel!

While our in-person socials are on hold due to government regulations, we hold weekly Tea
Talks which are drop in sessions for Law and Non-Law students to have a chat with our com-
mittee and gain advice/friends.

What is New?
 This year, we are introducing our three core pillars of Accessibility, Community and Success.

Accessibility

This year, we are launching a scheme that provides free membership and goodwill grants to
those on the King’s Living Bursary and giving individuals from low socio-economic back-
grounds priority on our new Mentoring Scheme.

The KCLLS Accessibility Mentorship Scheme 2020/21 includes 50+ mentees and 30+ men-

tors from elite law firms. The Scheme gives you the unparalleled opportunity to form mean-
ingful connections with future lawyers, trainee solicitors and associates at top-tier law firms.

This exclusive KCLLS programme is a central part of our Accessibility Pillar, kickstarting ca-
reers in law no matter your socio-economic background. Our mentors consist primarily of
KCL Alumni who have been in your position and are happy to help guide you through your
journey in their personal capacity! Mentor Sessions will last 20-30 minutes and take place
every 3-4 weeks discussing topics such as CV advice, Journey into Law etc.

Community
Despite the circumstances, we want our members to be more connected than ever, from pro-
viding virtual and in-person socials (where possible) as well as the opportunity to produce
group projects on key industry topics for our new Virtual Hub.

We also host regular Tea Talks and are partnered with a number of Wellbeing Apps such as the
Mindfulness App (one of our ways of supporting our members and bringing them ultimate
value for their membership)

Success
The Virtual Hub is a brand new platform featuring video content from top Law firms and legal
professionals as well as member exclusive content so you get the most from your member-
ship.

Why should I get a membership during COVID-19?
Our memberships hold more value than ever before! We have introduced new schemes and
discount bundles with our partners to propel your career, turning the virtual circumstances
into a fantastic opportunity to make the most of your time here at KCL Law Society.

[by James Yang (President) and Saba Nasrolahi (Vice-President)]

Commercial Awareness
Commercial awareness means many different things to different people. You don’t have to be
commercially aware of everything that is going on in the business world – just a few major
topics, and ones that you’re interested in.

Commercial awareness, fore-mostly, is a state of mind – to be able to relate to and empathise
with others in a business and commercial sense.

Commercial awareness, simply put, is being conscious of the developments in the business
world and current events – understanding how and why businesses act the way they do in dif-
ferent times. It could be internal – about the businesses of a law firm, or external, relating to a
firm’s clients.

In short, commercial awareness includes, but is not limited to, understanding:
          1. Your client’s business; the industry in which your client operates
          3. How your client performs and competes with its competitors; and
          4. The law, and how it applies to your business and clients.

If you are interested in being a commercial solicitor, it is important to be aware of this.

It is important because law firms are looking not just for lawyers who know the law, but know
how to use it from a commercial perspective – this is where true value for them lies. Solicitors
not only need to solve problems as they arise, but be able to anticipate them and circumnavi-
gate these issues before they arise. Solicitors are no longer just required to know and inter-
pret the law, they need to give sound business advice to their clients.

Commercial awareness shows that you are more than just grades. Achieving a 2:1 is, and al-
ways has been required, but you need Commercial Awareness to set you apart from the oth-
ers.

To better understand Commercial Awareness, you can use the FLI technique: Fluency means
knowing the industry’s terms, Logic means knowing how and in what context to use them,
and the starting point, your own Interest.

To further break down information and process information, you can use the PESTLE tech-
nique. As seen above, start with your interest. What genuinely interests you? Research that
topic in depth and make sure to know what you’re talking about! Then move on to analyse the
Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal/legislative and Environmental issues
in which that event poses to the firm and its clients.

Commercial awareness is not just built in a day. It has to be built up over time, to get a wide
picture and understanding of the economic, political, social, and legal landscape of that par-
ticular industry.

Fret not, these are a few recommendations on how to build your commercial awareness:

   1. General Press - News
           • The Financial Times, BBC, Channel News Asia, etc.

  2. Publications – Both legal and non legal. From specialist organisations and law firm web-
           sites.
       ◦    “The Grid” by Matt Watkinson

  3. Podcasts – find them online! There are many out there
       ◦    15 Podcasts all law students should listen to

  4. Law Soc Membership Discounts
       ◦    Finimize – A Financial newsletter with a mission to empower everyone to become
                their own financial advisor, providing you with the information and tools you
                need to invest with confidence.
       ◦    The Corporate Law Academy - The largest dedicated forum for aspiring lawyers – It

                is an online law school that prepares students for a career in commercial law.

Remember, don’t just use these sources – digest and understand them.

FAQs:

Q: How to wade through masses of information?

A: Firstly, filter out the low quality ‘noise’ by focusing on 2-3 sources that are well reputed and are of

good quality. Then you can approach building your knowledge based on:
•   Things you should understand, which you could categorise into themes using the PESTLE model
          technique.
•   Topics you want to impress on. Try to approach topics from an interesting angle by analysing
          the topic and developing your own opinion.

Q: Apart from commercial awareness, is there anything else which may aid entering into corporate

law practice which is not typically taught at LLM/LPC level that you found crucially important for im-
proving your prospects? If so do you have any recommendations for books or other such resources?
A: Don’t underestimate rapport, emotional connection, referrals etc. They want someone interest-

ing, someone they can work with and someone they can trust.

Q: What is some advice on cover letters?

A: There is no magic recipe. However, having 3-5 paragraphs that make thematic/coherent sense

will be more engaging/flowing. Typically, an A4 page length is enough as long as you convincingly
answer:
    1. Why Commercial Law?
    2. Why a certain firm?
    3. Why should you be chosen? What makes you different?

Q: What would you say to your previous self in hindsight of securing a training contract?

A: Focus on the most important things first: grades and developing your skills. Then apply to as

many places as you can whilst maintaining specificity/quality.

Q: What kind of character weaknesses/mistakes are acceptable to write in the application form?

A: No matter the weakness or mistake you write down, the key is to show that you’re self aware,

demonstrate how you are working on it and that you have improved but there is room to grow.

Q: How to prepare for law firm assessments?

A: Get your application reviewed, KNOW your application inside out, prepare with a successful can-

didate and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

[by Bernie Rivard (Careers Officer) and Ryan Low (Treasurer)]

Getting to know London

Moving to London can be very overwhelming - from the transport, to the constant noise, and
the sheer size of the city! However, with it comes some of the best entertainment, most excel-
lent foods, and ample opportunity to make life-long memories.

Exciting places to get food:
    •    Mercato Metropolitano, Borough
    •    Kingsley Court, Oxford Circus
    •    BOXPARK, Shoreditch

Great places for shopping:

    •    Oxford Street
    •    Westfield (Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford)
    •    Carnaby Street
    •    Knightsbridge

Top tips on meeting people in London:
    •    Everyone wants to make friends, so don’t be afraid to contact someone out of the blue!
    •    Try to build friendships in your accommodation.
    •    Join societies and be as involved as possible!
    •    Initiate conversations with people in your classes and try and hold separate Zoom calls
             with them to get to know them better.

Top tips to save money in London:
•       Download UniDays and make the most of all their deals in various shops.
•       Always ask for student discounts in restaurants e.g. Itsu, Byron, YoSushi!
•       If you take public transport make sure to get an 18+ Student Oyster card.
•       Get a savings account/Monzo/Revolut to manage your money better and know exactly
           how much you are spending.

[by Sophie Piaget (Community Officer)]

Well- being

Studying at university level can be an unfamiliar leap, filled with an overwhelming workload
and a competitive environment, even without the unusual circumstances of a global pandem-
ic.

At KCL Law Society, we recognise the stress that comes with being on a difficult course and
want to provide you with resources and advice on how to combat it and make the best out of
it.

This year, we have launched new initiatives to give a greater focus on the importance of well-
being. Launching a new member-exclusive virtual hub, with insight, resources and videos

from experts in the legal arena.

We have also launched a weekly session called ‘Tea Talks’ on Friday afternoons; where we
have weekly topics designed, all of which have been picked to help you interact with the KCL
Law Society committee, talk freely and pick up some advice.

To ease some of your stress, we have partnered with applications which are focused on lower-
ing anxiety and providing resources to improve your mental well being.

The Mindfulness App is focused on guided meditation, having timed sessions to get you
started. Through the daily meditations, a major advantage is the ability to improve your con-
centration.

Especially in these circumstances, where it is harder to see friends, it could be a great idea to
take a few minutes of the day to track your mental health. The application ‘JOI diary and track-
er’ allows you to keep track of your mood and mental state.

When working towards your goals, it can be hard to keep track of all the things you can do to
get there. The Fabulous application is focused on tracking habits. You can use it to your ad-
vantage, logging on to bring some of your goals closer.

General Tips: Lowering Stress and Anxiety

Cutting down screen time; specifically with much of our classes having moved online, it is in-
evitable that we spend a longer time on our screens. It is thus more important than ever, to
take a break from hours on your laptop or phone.

Exercising; whether that is taking a small walk outside, or starting a new sport, it is strongly
recommended to take part in some activity to lower stress levels. The endorphins that make
you feel better also help concentration and stimulate the growth of new brain cells. It has also
been found that the thought of accomplishing small fitness goals can give a sense of body
confidence, push one to do more and thus improve one’s overall self esteem – which can
translate into academics and other aspects of life.

Talking to people who are going through the same things; it can sometimes feel as if the
sense of community at King’s has left because of the pandemic. However, there are so many
virtual opportunities to meet fellow classmates and discuss with them. A sense of community
is one of our highest priorities within our society; which is part of the reason why one of our
three pillars is Community, alongside Accessibility and Success.

We sincerely hope that you take up the opportunity to take care of your mental well being,
whether that is directly through KCL Law Society activities or advice, or through the ap-
plications and resources mentioned above

[by Cara Nomikou (Communications Officer)]

Sponsored by:
                     Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

                       Edited and Created by:
Ryan Low (Treasurer) and Assille Mouzughi (First Year Representative)

                            Designed by:
              Cara Nomikou (Communications Officer)