Pannone LLP

The complete guide to the application and interview process with Pannone

Application Pointers

Pannone is very focused on recruiting trainee solicitors with Manchester connections. Therefore, it is useful to wax lyrical about your links to Manchester and business in the North in the application (if no links then use your creativity to make yourself appealing).

• Quality firm: stress how you were attracted to the firm because of how they treat their staff. Reference their Times 100 Best Company to work for award and allude to lawcareers.net / lawyer2b/ Lex 100 quotes about how friendly the firm is.

• Commercial awareness: be sure to demonstrate exquisite commercial awareness in your application. Good examples include membership of investment / entrepreneurship societies, creating a business and getting involved in commercial activities.

• Uniqueness: Emphasise the different nature of Pannone in comparison to other Manchester firms. They are not one of the traditional “corporate power houses” like Halliwells and Cobbetts, but are more diverse.

Vacation Scheme

The law vacation schemes at Pannone are a one week, unpaid placement, in which you will one day in a different practice area. The following advice should help you in securing a training contract as you have to remember the vacation scheme is essentially a one week interview.

• Partner Drinks: on one day you will be taken for drinks with the partners after work. Do not let your guard down and instead have some questions prepared for them. Good tips to make them remember you are to emphasise how friendly/ welcoming everyone has been at the firm to you and also be sure to mention your links (use creativity again) to the Manchester area.

• Lunch with Trainees: As above, turn on the charm and remember they are still interviewing you. Make sure they think you are sociable but they also remember your name.

• The one day placements: you will be given some sort of task each day to do in a department. Complete the task to the best of your abilities and flatter the supervising lawyers about how much you like the firm and could see yourself working there.

• Remember to learn the names of everyone you meet as it will help you in the final interview.

The Final Interview

The final interview is usually held on the last day of the vacation scheme with two partners present. The following are some general pointers:

• Do NOT Relax. Even though it is at the end of the week, and you may have got comfortable by now, remember it is still a formal interview and treat it as so.

• Flatter them about the working environment/ atmosphere at Pannone being so inclusive and welcoming. Reference Times 100 Best Companies to Work For Award.

• They will ask you a random question about something in the news and debate it for a bit with you. Make sure to read the papers and appear decisive, but well considered in your responses.

Interview Questions you may be asked

• Why law?
• Why Pannone?
• Who else did you apply for? When asked this question DO NOT say you have applied to firms outside of Manchester as they will not invite you back if you do. Even if you have, do not mention it. Instead, the night before, you should complete a list of firms similar to Pannone in size and practice area (also in Manchester) and state that those were the firms you have applied to. If you mention London firms you will probably kill your chances.
• hat did you enjoy about the placement the most? Remember the names of people as it looks very impressive. Again, go back to the nature/ culture of the firm, the high-profile work, excellent lawyers, etc...
• Expect a general discussion about your modules..