What did the application process entail and what was the most nerve-wracking part for you?

It entailed the online application form and an interview with two senior lawyers at the firm. The most nerve wracking part was the negotiation exercise during the vacation scheme. I tried my best to make valuable contributions whenever the opportunity arose and I was most composed.

To what extent did you feel your stammer affected your behaviour and performance during the application process and what techniques helped you to manage?

I knew my stammer could crop up unexpectedly at the interviews, so I compensated for this uncertainty by practicing sample answers before and ensuring the content of my answers were always strong. I also endeavored to be confident throughout the vacation scheme, and contribute as much as I could during practice group sessions and seminars. And similar situations in the past, I would have stayed quiet and not contributed or asked any questions, for fear of revealing my stammer.

Did you disclose your stammer at any stage in the application process and, if so, did you find it helpful?

I disclosed my stammer through the application process - on the application form, at the interview (both for the vacation scheme and training contract spots) and during the vacation scheme. I found disclosure very helpful as it reduced any pressure I may have previously had to either hide my stammer, or speak a certain way. Telling lawyers at Covington about my stammer allowed me to be my authentic self, and at the same time, examine whether the firm was really the right fit for me.

Do you feel that having a stammer has given you any particular strengths or skills which will make you a better lawyer and which strengthened your training contract application?

Having a stammer has made me more resilient, compassionate and a better listener. And it has actually made me a better public speaker too, as it gave me the push to undertake speech therapy courses and join a Toastmasters club, where I have had the opportunity to learn how to manage my stammer, develop my speaking skills and build confidence. I also believe being open about my stammer on the training contract application, helped me portray a level of honesty and self-confidence that left a good impression on the interviewers.  

What advice would you give to anyone looking to apply for a training contract who has a stammer?

As challenging as it can be, embrace your stammer and be open about it. Don’t let it be a burden or something to be ashamed of (I tried that approach on my first vacation scheme and wasn’t successful). Rather, use your stammer to your advantage and let it be a unique selling point that sets you apart from many applicants, and gives firms an insight into your true personality and character.