Things I learned/like about student law societies

In March LawCareers.Net hosted the second annual Student Law Society Awards at Painters’ Hall in London. As a relatively new member of the LCN team (from a non-law background), the process of reviewing the submissions, judging the awards with my colleagues and hosting the presentation on the night proved to be an interesting insight into student law societies. It’s an area that I thoroughly enjoyed getting the opportunity to explore. As we start to welcome new society presidents and begin building relationships - crucial to both our knowledge base and the development of your societies - I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on what I’ve learned (and what I really like) about student law societies…

An unwavering work-rate

Whatever you study, university can be really hard work. There are times when assignment deadlines get the better of you and, face-down in your laptop surrounded by textbooks, empty coffee cups and concerned looks, the thought of organising a society meeting, funding proposal or social event must seem pretty daunting. And yet, the sheer amount of work and enthusiasm that student law societies generate on a pretty constant basis is seemingly unwavering.

Pro bono work is amazing

One of my favourite categories of the awards is pro bono. Finding the time, effort and resources to arrange a social gathering or a networking event is one thing, but putting time aside during which your society can give something back to the local community is arguably the most valuable element of the work done by student law societies.

It’s a genuine avenue into law as a career

Student law society presidents work incredibly hard to provide their members with maximum exposure to recruiting law firms and there’s no denying that it genuinely works! Sure, university provides the chance to interact with law firms at fairs and careers events, but student law societies give you the opportunity to build relationships and make a name for yourself among some of the most influential firms in the United Kingdom. I even heard that a few students moved one step closer to securing vacation scheme places during the networking sessions at the Student Law Society Awards.

Social media - your best friend or your worst enemy

Social media is a big part of my role here at LCN so naturally, I spend a lot of time on Twitter and Facebook (working, I promise) and I’m very aware of the active student law societies. You have to remember that a society is a brand and should be treated as such. Regular updates, interacting with members and peers are one side of it, but the societies which comment on legal hot topics and interact with firms are those that really get it right. Why ignore a platform that gives you instant connectivity with the people that you want to notice you? Similarly, if I can’t find your society online, neither can the firms and nothing looks more uncared for than a Twitter account which was last updated three months ago. Law firms are harnessing the power of social media more and more these days - you should too!

Non-law? Not a problem

If you’re studying a non-law course, it must be pretty daunting to think that you need to graduate and then move straight onto the GDL in order to embark on a legal career. So, to be offered a supportive hub through which you can glean legal careers advice and get insights into the profession is a great thing. It’s through student law societies that non-law students can really get a flavour for life as a lawyer and improve their knowledge base and experience, ahead of the GDL.

A lot of work but totally worth it

I don’t need to tell you how competitive a career in law is, so anything that has a positive impact on your chances of success is a truly valuable asset. Joining your law society and contributing to its success will undoubtedly raise your profile, develop your experience and offer numerous opportunities to learn new skills.

We will shortly begin preparation for the third annual Student Law Society Awards, so please get in touch with me if you are a member of a student law society and would like to make a submission: [email protected].