How to get a job as a banking lawyer

There is no escape from thorough preparation before applying to a top law firm or bank. It is time-consuming, but I believe the effort I put in gave me a big advantage over other applicants.

The hard work begins with the application form. Even at that stage you must be able to explain exactly why you want to work in banking law and which sub-department of the banking team interests you.

Prepare and practise delivering a two- to three-minute interview answer that outlines at least five separate convincing arguments, based on a combination of what you perceive your talents to be, the skills required for that particular job and the opportunities it could give you.

I started by researching the exact composition of the banking departments at the law firms Freshfields and Allen & Overy, where I did vacation placements, as well as the bank where I was an intern.

I made sure I knew the names of the leading partners or managers, what their respective specialities were and which teams they headed up. I found out the exact function of the banking departments and how each was divided into teams. After further research I was able to explain the difference between Allen & Overy's asset finance team and its project finance team, for example.

The firms' websites, PR material and telephone calls to its lawyers all help, as well as reading articles in the press.

I developed a rough understanding of the relative importance of each team and I could explain to an interviewer in two or three minutes the different ways in which each one worked when advising a client.

In my experience, and in the experience of other students I have spoken to, my peers, it is crucial to research the recent deals that the department has been involved in.

I always structured my research along the following lines: What was the nature of the transaction? Who was the client? How much finance was raised? What was the client hoping to achieve? I practised presenting a short analysis of each deal in no more than 30 seconds.

In addition, I spent time thinking about the legal issues in each transaction. What eventualities would the lawyers have had to consider when drawing up contracts and other paperwork? If the answer was not readily apparent from reading and research I would ask friends or contacts in the legal or business world to point me in the right direction.

I tried to show my commercial awareness by linking the deals to business-related events and economic trends. I believe a coherent answer on these lines shows a recruiter that you have a real interest in the subject area.

If you can talk for even one minute about "hot topics" such as the emerging markets of Russia and China, standards of corporate governance and potential liabilities of lawyers in the wake of disasters such as Enron and Parmalat, you will make a good impression.

Research such matters in newspapers, magazines, legal journals and industry publications. Also, try to develop your own opinions. Do not be afraid to contact banking lawyers and ask for their views over the phone or by email. They may even be willing to meet you for a chat. Some law firms encourage junior staff to develop contacts with prospective applicants.

It goes without saying that your application must be word perfect and written in good English. If you have problems, seek help. Assistance is readily available on careers websites.

Candidates must also be aware how each law firm wants applications to be made and by when. Do not be caught out. Most firms ask for applications to be submitted on-line, but a few want hand written versions. Failure to comply at this early stage will be disastrous.

Before an interview ensure that you are fully aware of everything in your CV and be ready to answer any questions about it. Concentrate on your weak areas. If you are found wanting you will look lazy and it may be hard to recover in the rest of the interview.

Prepare answers to such obvious questions as 'Why do you want to be a banking lawyer?' Make sure your answers are convincing and full. Understand what lawyers believe distinguishes them from everyone else and be sure to bring the points up in the interview. Why are you best suited to following a career as a lawyer and why you would enjoy your time and succeed at a top law firm?

Prepare for classic personal competence interview questions, such as 'When have you displayed leadership?' You should have a mental list of your top achievements from every area of your life.

Be able to link the achievements smoothly to specific questions without undue delay or awkwardness. Brush up on your general knowledge. Be prepared to think on your feet.

Conscientious preparation takes many hours. But it pays off. You will feel more confident

and will probably perform better in the interview.

Most of all, you will be more likely to get the job.