Paper details
This assignment requires you to complete three tasks. You must submit all three tasks in order and in one
single document.
Beaverbrook and Sons Ltd is a leading law firm in the city of Nightsville that specialises in helping local
residents settle disputes, occasionally on a pro bono basis. The firm also dedicates substantial time and
resources to research and education by publishing short, accessible and informative reviews and
summaries on recent cases, legal issues, and reviews of legal textbooks free of charge for the benefit of
the general public and students aspiring to start their law degree. The firm is offering 10 summer scheme
placements to students who are currently studying in the second year of their law degree at Coventry
University. The successful applicants will be working in the firm’s research and education department on
contemporary issues and recent legal developments. They will also be assisting solicitors, barristers, legal
executives and paralegals with their daily activities.
The ten places are to be awarded to the top ten applications for the post which best address the tasks
outlined in the instructions below.
The following instructions are provided in the offer:
‘The 10 places will be offered to the most interesting, incisive and well-written applications which address
the questions and the tasks outlined below. The cover letter should be detailed, well-presented and honest,the answers to the motivation questions should be specific and reflective, and the case summary must be
written in an appropriate professional style, employing appropriate legal language, sources and proper
referencing. The case summary must also include a brief reading list at the end. The reading list should
provide both specific and general reading with their accurate citations. The textbook review must be critical
and reflective and highlight how the text developed and enhanced their legal knowledge’
To apply for the post please:
1. Construct a cover letter, outlining your interest and suitability for the role. Your cover letter should provide
evidence that you have the attributes that the advert has identified and it should persuade the firm that you
are worth considering for this fantastic opportunity. Your cover letter should be addressed to Mrs J.
Beaverbrook, Beaverbrook and Sons Ltd, 6 Phoenix Street, Nightsville, P12 KAY
In support of your application, also answer the following motivation questions relating to your academic and
other experiences on your law degree so far:
• If you were required to submit a CV to the firm, which skills have you learned on your law degree would
you emphasise in your CV and why?
• What is your weakest legal skill and how do you think this may affect your employability? How do you
intend to remedy this?
• Which subject are you most looking forward to studying in your second semester, or in your final year and
why?
(Maximum word count 750 words).
NB – Whilst you are not required to submit a CV, it will be helpful for you to think of the types of skills and
achievements you would normally be expected to include in a CV.
2. Write a short review of an academic article which covers a recent legal issue in any area of law. The
review should identify what the issue is; the key arguments put forward in the article and your own
evaluation/analysis of the key points.
OR
Write a review of a textbook which you have used on any modules in your first year. Identifying what was
useful or not useful about the text and why. The review should outline how the textbook helped you develop
your understanding of the subject matter.
(Maximum word count 400 words).
3. In 600 words compile a case commentary for the firms online blog on any recent case (within the past
two years); explaining the facts, decision and ratio of that case and why it is important that the general
public learns about that case. The case summary must also include a brief reading list at the end,
suggesting both general and extra reading with accurate citations . Your tutor may suggest some specific
cases to you, or you will agree on a case with the prior approval of your tutor before you can use it.
(Maximum word count 600 words)
You must submit all three tasks in order in one single document.
Criteria for Assessment
You will be expected to display the general legal skills outlined in your student handbook and marks may be
deducted for failure to do so. In particular a student will be rewarded, or penalised, for the use, or non-useof the following skills:
• Clear and coherent writing style; specifically in addressing both an academic and professional audience
• Ability to address and answer the issues that are raised in the assessment tasks;
• Appropriate use of references and citations, where necessary;
• Ability to recognise and explain relevant concepts;
• Ability to analyse and apply relevant law and legal arguments in coming to conclusions
This assignment is designed to assess learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate the ability to research and reflect on the law at an appropriately enhanced level;
2. Refine and enhance their academic, professional and writing and legal referencing skills taught in year 1;
3. Reflect critically and creatively on their learning and research;
4. Identify future career paths and skills required for their chosen career path;
5. Draft a professional CV and covering letter, employing existing and enhanced writing skills, and to
prepare relevant quality presentations required at interview