Hogan Lovells - Model Answers

The model answers below are specific to Hogan Lovells, but are a good insight into the level of detail you need to go into in any similar application form. Therefore, this guidance is helpful for applications to Allen & Overy and Clifford Chance as well as Hogan Lovells.

Now that you have read Hogan Lovells application form advice, and The Rare guide to clear writing, you are nearly ready to start your answers.

Below you will find a selection of model answers. The purpose of these answers is to illustrate the level of detail and the quality of writing you need to display. Do NOT copy or lift any passages from the text, or try to paraphrase what is written here.

Give details of how you spend your extra-curricular time, including your contribution to any clubs/societies. For at least one of these explain the benefits you derive from this activity.

In September 2009, I was elected Academic Affairs Officer to represent the academic interests of students on the college's JCR Executive Committee. In working to improve academic welfare, I have successfully negotiated with college authorities to change disciplinary procedures, as well as implementing a pioneering system of academic feedback. This experience taught me how to find accord on sensitive issues without alienating opponents. I have also organised Open Days and helped to organise Freshers’ Week. Working in a committee and supporting other team members by researching legal issues, for example, has been particularly rewarding.

I currently serve as the elected Treasurer of the Eldon Law Society. In this role, I have negotiated sponsorship agreements worth £1,500 with law firms and managed the society’s finances, as well as working with the President to organise several events.

My pastimes include debating (I was the President of the Debating Society at school) and sports, particularly rowing, football and cricket. I strongly believe in volunteering and have worked at the British Heart Foundation for several years. I have also taught at a local Pupil Referral Unit (a centre for pupils who have been excluded or are otherwise unable to attend normal lessons), which has improved my skills in communicating in difficult circumstances to a wide range of people. My main musical interests lie in the rock genres. Having taught myself the bass guitar, I play with enthusiasm, if not great skill, for a local band.

Describe a position of responsibility you have held. What did you learn about yourself and your impact on others?

In 2004, I was captain of my university’s mooting team and we won the Inter-American Moot Court Competition in Washington DC, out-performing top universities from North and South America. I also won the prize for the most outstanding advocate.

As we hadn’t won previous competitions, the financial cost had become difficult to justify. The Dean of the Law school consequently withdrew us from the competition. I, however, felt we could be successful, which would bolster the development and exposure of our students. Therefore, I launched a campaign to secure my school’s participation in the competition.

I put together a committee of people knowledgeable about mooting and enlisted a member of faculty as our coach. I prepared a letter outlining the many benefits of this competition, and a budget for outline ways in which we could cut the cost of our participation. Finally, I put our case forward to the Dean.

Impressed with our commitment, the Dean granted us permission to represent the university but maintained that the Law School couldn’t sponsor us. With effort, I persuaded the students that we would be able to raise the $15,000.00 (US) needed. In fact, we managed to raise double this amount through contributions from the Jamaican Prime Minister, the Vice Chancellor of the university and fundraising events. We then went on to win the competition.

I learned that I am determined, persuasive and a skilled motivator. I learnt to listen carefully to peoples’ concerns in order to address them.

By reference to other careers, explain why law would be your chosen career.

As my father is an investment banker and I have always enjoyed mathematics, I was initially drawn to a career in banking. During an internship at a commercial bank, however, I became fascinated by the effect subtle differences could have on the nature of a commercial agreement. For example, the use of the word ‘and’ versus the word ‘or’ changed the nature of an agreement completely. I began to query agreements that I had undertaken, such as a phone contract. This ignited my passion for commercial law.
I subsequently took part in a case study at Herbert Smith on the ice cream case initiated by Mars. I was fascinated by the intensity of this 19 year legal battle and later discovered that this case created the judicial foundation for the commission's modernisation reforms. This demonstrated the extent to which commercial law moulds the legal landscape, which cemented my interest.
As a commercial lawyer, I will work with CEOs at some of the globe’s top organisations and I will be part of a force that is setting precedents that may affect business practices for generations. My work will demand numerical and written skills, travel and ongoing study. I will earn a solid qualification and will be able to secure my future financially. Whilst the other City careers – banking, accountancy and management consultancy, for example - may confer some of these benefits, commercial law is the only career that offers this unique blend.

What aspects of your character and/experience do you think make you particularly suited for a legal career with a firm like Hogan Lovells.

My parents are from Brazil and Jamaica, my childhood spanned three continents and I am fluent in Spanish, French and Portuguese. Hogan Lovells’ impressive tally of offices in 40 countries is, therefore, hugely attractive: few firms can compete with this remarkable global reach. The strength of this international penetration is demonstrated by the firm’s membership of various international councils. As a member of the Pacific Rim Advisory Council (and with Partner Raymond J. Batla chairing the council for the 2010-11 term) for example, Hogan Lovells can offer both clients and employees consummate access to legal deals in some of the world’s strongest emerging economies throughout Asia and Latin America. Given my background, this particularly appeals to me.

The newly merged Hogan Lovells is a top 10 global practice by revenue (Legal Week) with awards ranging from Washington DC Firm of the Year to Best Law Firm for Women. The firm has “one of the broadest ranges of practice areas of any firm in the City” (Lex 100); this appeals to my desire for options, catered to by my degree in PPE. Moreover, the firm has managed to avoid a dilution of its culture despite numerous mergers over the years: John Spencer Lovell’s original 1899 vision has withstood partnerships (such as Reginald White) and mergers (Siméon & Associés in November 2001) to become known for recruiting “the best” and training them to “world class standards” (Lex 100).

Once your application is complete send to it to Lianne and we’ll check it carefully for you.

DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION UNTIL IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY RARE. WHEN YOU HAVE SUBMITTED, YOU MUST TELL LIANNE THE SAME DAY SO THAT SHE CAN SEND AN EMAIL IN SUPPORT OF YOUR APPLICATION.