As a former financial journalist, City lawyer, management consultant and top trainer, Christopher Stoakes knows the business and financial worlds inside out. His engaging style and ability to explain complex concepts with surprising simplicity meant that his books played a significant role in helping me to prepare for interviews. As such, it is strongly recommended that candidates supplement their study of this handbook by reading some (or all) of the books detailed in this section

Understanding The Financial Markets (Christopher Stoakes)

Anyone who works in business these days needs to understand the financial world. Know The City is the best-selling guide that students and young professionals use to get up-to-speed quickly and painlessly. It explains the roles of banks and institutional investors, the different types of financial instrument and transaction and the impact that interest rates have on the markets and why. It also covers topical subjects such as Islamic banking, peer-to-peer lending and microfinance. Whilst this handbook focuses on commercial law, Know The City covers a broader range of topics relating to the inner workings of the City and its major financial placers, providing an excellent opportunity to supplement your knowledge. Purchase Here

Enhance Your Commercial Awareness (Christopher Stoakes)

If you want a job in the business world you need to be commercially aware. What is it and how do you get it? Commercial Awareness tells you. It explains what matters to businesses, how companies are funded, the purpose of strategy and the quest for customers. It explains how companies are organised and what they are looking for when you apply for a job. This book contextualises much of the information within this handbook, providing an excellent supplementary read. Purchase Here

Write Well at Work (Christopher Stoakes)

A majority of firms require candidates to submit written assignments as part of the interview and/or internship assessment process. Candidates are expected to write concisely and accurately and frame their words within a clear and coherent structure. However, employers complain that young people can"t write. What are they looking for and how can you deliver it? Get To The Point explains how. Writing well in the workplace is critical to your career. Words are still the principal form of communication between people in business. Write well and you will shine. Write badly and you could torpedo your career. A majority of firms require candidates to submit written assignments as part of the interview and/or internship assessment process. Candidates are expected to write concisely and accurately and frame their words within a clear and coherent structure. However, employers complain that young people can"t write. What are they looking for and how can you deliver it? Get To The Point explains how. Writing well in the workplace is critical to your career. Words are still the principal form of communication between people in business. Write well and you will shine. Write badly and you could torpedo your career. Purchase Here

Want to Become a Lawyer (Christopher Stoakes)

Articulating your motivation for wanting to pursue law, both as a degree discipline and as a potential career, is something with which many students tend to struggle. However, firms are increasingly expecting candidates to provide strong, substantial and genuine reasons to support their decision to pursue law. Is Law For You? provides a strong insight into the world of law through explaining both what lawyers do and the many avenues of specialisation they pursue. Whether or not you eventually decide to become a lawyer, law is a critical underpinning to business and thus having a basic grasp of the law will give you an edge regardless. Purchase Here

Christopher Stoakes, has also recommended the following for students interested in a career in commercial law.

Letters To A Law Student: A Guide To Studying Law At University (Nicholas J McBride)

• Non-law graduates doing the GDL will find this useful, quite apart from students currently reading law and those thinking of doing so - this is a first-rate and comprehensive guide by an outstanding Cambridge law don with an engaging style.

21st Century Solicitor: How To Make A Real Impact As A Junior Commercial Lawyer (Steve Weiner)

• This is by an ex-City lawyer and trainer who shows you how to hit the ground running while avoiding the common career-limiting gaffes. He is also a former award-winning stand-up comedian, so the style is light, direct and to-the-point.

The Trusted Advisor (David Maister)

• This is one of a series of must-reads by the doyen of law firm management consultants who is an expert on building personal relationships with clients, which is the name of the game these days. Aimed at senior associates and partners this book is nevertheless great to have by your side from the start.

The Graduate Career Guidebook: Advice For Students And Graduates On Career Applications (Steve Rook)

• For anyone who doesn"t know what they want to do – and for those who do but want a helping hand, this is a pretty comprehensive look at all of the aspects, including networking, work experience, writing CVs and handling interviews.

How To Get An Internship Or Work Placement (Maria McCabe)

• Since work experience is an increasingly essential stepping stone to getting a full-time job, this gives you all you need to know. But its advice is also relevant to getting a full-time job itself.