lack of research into law firms or organisations

one of the biggest mistakes legal job seekers make is not researching the firm or organisation they're applying to. submitting a generic cv or cover letter that could apply to any firm often leads to your application being overlooked.

✅ what to do instead:
take time to understand each firm’s values, culture, practice areas, and recent work. reference this in your application to show that you’re genuinely interested and that you’ve done your homework.

ignoring legal networking opportunities

in the uk legal sector, networking is just as important as submitting applications. many legal professionals find opportunities through connections, events, or referrals—far beyond what's available on job boards.

✅ what to do instead:
attend legal networking events, engage with industry peers on linkedin, and connect with people who are already working in your target firms. personal connections can often lead to interviews and insider insights.

not demonstrating knowledge of the legal sector

legal employers expect you to understand their business. if you don’t demonstrate awareness of their clients, services, or the wider industry, you risk coming across as disengaged or underprepared.

✅ what to do instead:
show enthusiasm for their practice areas, mention relevant casework or clients where appropriate, and speak confidently about current issues in the legal field.

neglecting to follow up after legal interviews

many candidates forget to follow up after an interview—but that small touch can make a big difference. hiring managers remember those who go the extra mile.

✅ what to do instead:
send a polite thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. reiterate your interest in the role, highlight something specific you enjoyed discussing, and express your excitement about the opportunity.

overlooking the importance of legal practice areas

not all practice areas are equal when it comes to hiring trends. if you’re applying to a saturated area of law with few vacancies, your chances naturally decrease.

✅ what to do instead:
research which areas are in demand—like corporate law, commercial litigation, employment law, and regulatory work—and target your applications accordingly. be open to developing your skills in growth sectors.

not emphasising transferable skills in your legal cv

if you're changing career paths or coming from a non-legal background, it’s easy to assume you don’t have the “right” experience—but that’s rarely true.

✅ what to do instead:
highlight your transferable skills: communication, negotiation, time management, attention to detail, and research are all crucial in legal roles. frame your experience in a way that’s relevant to the legal world.

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staying ahead: technology and expectations in today’s legal market

finally, two of the most common mistakes legal job seekers make are overlooking the importance of legal technology and not having a clear grasp of salary expectations or career progression. in today’s market, law firms in the uk are increasingly embracing legal tech tools like clio, leap, and iManage, so being confident in your legal software skills can make all the difference. employers are actively searching for tech-savvy legal professionals who can adapt to modern practice environments.

equally important is having realistic salary expectations in the legal sector and a strong understanding of how your career could evolve within the firm. whether you’re pursuing a role as a paralegal in london, a trainee solicitor in manchester, or exploring legal executive job opportunities, it’s essential to ensure that the firm’s culture and growth opportunities align with your long-term goals. understanding legal job market trends in 2025 will give you a strategic advantage and help you make more informed decisions in your job search.