Ruiwan Ellen Li

From London, UK	Place of study and course BSc Economic History at The London School of Economics	Fun fact I walked the entire Victoria line in under 5 hours

What do the Bids & Pricing and Commercial Insights teams do?    

The Bids team manages the tendering process. We assist lawyers with proposal submissions for providing specific legal services, which can be for a particular transaction or to secure a spot on a client’s legal panel.  

The Pricing and Commercial Insights team, on the other hand, is responsible for optimizing the firm’s pricing strategy. This includes recommending appropriate client rates for matters or for client legal panels. The team also provides crucial commercial insights that support other internal teams and contribute to the development of strategic roadmaps for the firm.  

By doing a split seat, I have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on bids from both perspectives.  

What do you do day-to-day?  

My role exposes me to a wide variety of tasks across the entire proposal lifecycle. Some of the key activities I get involved in include:  

• Conducting financial analysis for specific clients or industries  
• Price modelling 
• Proactive financial modelling and running scenario analyses to support pricing decisions, understand expected costs, and help with matter management decisions
• Drafting and sourcing content for proposals 
• Formatting and designing proposal documents (in Word and PowerPoint) 
• Collaborating with lawyers worldwide, learning about the diverse range of sectors and practice areas that the firm specializes in 

What skills do you gain from this role?  

Throughout my time in this role, I have had the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, including:  

• Advanced pricing and financial modelling techniques  
• Data analytics and how to interpret and present data to inform decision-making  
• Stakeholder management, both internal and external  
• Project management and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently  
• Time management, balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment  
• Advanced use of MS Office, PowerBI, and SAP  
• Writing and editorial skills, particularly in the context of bids and proposals  
• The ability to create and deliver internal and external presentations   

What are some of your top tips for applicants?   

Here are a few tips to help you succeed in the application process for NRF’s Business and Legal Operations graduate program:  

Understand the program 
Research NRF’s Business and Legal Operations scheme thoroughly. Understand what the firm offers and what specifically interests you about the program. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the role in your CV and cover letter.  

Research the teams
Take time to explore the different teams within NRF Transform and their roles. Learn about the key stakeholders and how each team contributes to the firm’s broader strategic goals. This research will help you tailor your application and interview responses. 

Show passion for the legal industry
Demonstrate a genuine interest in legal tech, innovation and the legal sector as a whole. Follow NRF on all their online platforms, including LinkedIn, social media and the NRF Transform website to stay updated on their latest news and insights. Reading resources like Artificial Lawyer and Legal Cheek will help you understand the latest trends in legal tech. By staying informed, you’ll show your enthusiasm for the industry, differentiate yourself from other candidates, and better connect with your interviewers. 

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression throughout the application process. Best of luck!