STUDENTS' ONLINE FORUM - How to get started

Attend Law Fairs

It is highly recommended for students to attend at least one law fair if you are seeking a training contract. These generally take place during the autumn throughout the Universities. They are the perfect opportunity for you to meet with the Graduate Recruitment Team and current trainees of law firms which you are interested in applying to. At law fairs the representatives of the firms will be happy to answer any of your questions so do go prepared! It is also the first opportunity for you to make an impression and introduce yourself to the firm.

A national pupillages fair takes place each year where you can meet chambers, pupils, tenants and course providers.

Research the Internet

Most publications aimed at the legal market also have their own websites. These are kept up to date and will often provide current news and events.

Read the media available

There are a number of publications designed specifically for firms to advertise their training contracts, pupillage and other legal opportunities. These can be accessed via your careers services and you can often collect a copy of their recent publication a University Career Centres. Examples of such media are; Chambers Student Guide, The Training Contract Handbook, Prospects Law and Target Law.

Attend presentations at law firms

More and more firms are holding open evenings for students to attend. These evenings are generally advertised on their website and with institutions such as The College of Law. The presentations can vary from being on a specific subject such as application forms, to being an informal meet and great and open question and answer session.

Apply for work experience

As the legal market is highly competitive it is recommended for students to gain relevant legal work experience. This will serve two purposes, the first being an illustration that you have the initiative and desire to work within the legal market and have gained relevant experience. It also enables you to make an informed decision as to what area of law you would prefer to work within, for example, Corporate or Family law. If you cannot gain legal work experience then try to gain work experience in an alternative environment which can still illustrate transferable skills. This could include participating in voluntary work outside of your studies.

There are many different forms of work experience, both paid and unpaid. By selecting the link below you will find a list of all the firms and barristers who offer work experience, and their closing dates http://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/VacationSchemeDeadlines.aspx. There is also an official website of the National Council for Work Experience which can be found at http://www.work-experience.org.

To apply for work experience some firms/chambers prefer for you to complete an online application and others simply require your CV and covering letter. This will be made clear on their websites.