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How do I develop commercial awareness for law firm applications?

Read the Financial Times and legal press daily, follow key industries your target firms serve, and understand how law firms make money.

student 2 min read

Commercial awareness is consistently cited as the most important quality law firms look for.

What It Means

Understanding how law firms make money, how clients' businesses operate, how economic and regulatory changes affect legal work, and how legal developments create opportunities or risks.

How to Build It

  1. Read daily: Financial Times, The Lawyer, Legal Week, Law Society Gazette.
  2. Follow target firms: Read their news pages, client alerts, and social media.
  3. Understand key industries: If applying to an energy firm, understand the energy market.
  4. Attend events: Law firm open days and webinars.
  5. Practice discussing news: Explain a business story and its legal implications.

Example

News: "UK government announces new AI regulation."

Response: "This will create work for technology and regulatory law teams. Firms with strong data protection practices will advise on compliance. It may also affect M&A activity in the tech sector."

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Key Takeaway

Read the Financial Times and legal press daily, follow key industries your target firms serve, and understand how law firms make money.

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