Law firm open days and insight schemes 2022

Looking for an ‘in’? Open days and insight schemes – virtual and in person – are invaluable opportunities to meet the people that work for the law firms you’re interested in. You will learn about life in the organisation, its culture, the work on offer and much more. Plus, if prepped well, it’s your chance to ace that initial interaction, which will set you up nicely for future encounters and could eventually lead to a training contract.

This list compiles opportunities for aspiring solicitors for the rest of the 2021-2022 academic year. Come back in the autumn term for a full list of opportunities in 2022-2023.

Searching for relevant open days and insight schemes can often feel like diving into the deep end of a swimming pool for the first time, with no armbands. There are so many events like this on offer so identifying the ones that suit you and your aspirations is crucial – otherwise, you will feel a little helpless as you attempt to wade through the never-ending cycle of applications.

LawCareers.Net has put together a non-exhaustive list of opportunities happening across the next few months for you to consider.

Don’t forget to check LCN’s Events page, firms’ websites and social media for other legal careers events.

You might already have an idea of the firms you want to target but if you’re still unsure conduct some initial research into the firm’s work areas, offices, values and culture to see whether you can see yourself starting your career there. Once you’ve created a shortlist, finding the right open day or insight scheme will become a lot easier.

For more on how to research a firm, read LCN’s advice.

Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co host several insight days throughout the year, with their next one coming up on Wednesday 10 August 2022 focusing on an introduction to the firm and helping students prepare their applications.

TLT LLP

TLT’s three-day programme is open to first- and second-year students looking to learn how the firm combines its “technical legal knowledge with creative thinking to drive sustainable action and long-lasting value for businesses”.

The scheme will run out of all of the firm’s offices between July and August, with the application window closing on 1 April 2022.

The insight scheme will take place in:

• Bristol;
• Glasgow;
• London; and
• Manchester.

White & Case LLP

Want to understand what City lawyers do? This year White & Case is hosting two-day insight schemes this Spring, which are open to first-year students (law or non-law). The first scheme will take place across 4 to 5 May 2022 and the second 11 to 12 May 2022.

The schemes will enable candidates to learn about the firm and its practice areas, shadow a trainee and understand their day-to-day role, attend networking events and more!

Applications for both schemes close on 31 March 2022. 

What next?

Once you’ve identified a few schemes that interest you, take a look at the application process. It might be the case that some are just open for registrations while others will require you to complete an application form.

'How to prepare for law firm insight days and presentations - virtual and in person' offers fantastic advice to make sure you're well prepared!

Plus, whether this is your first time attending such events or you’ve been to a few now, LawCareers.Net has put together a useful guide to networking to help you find your feet at these types of event. It’s vital that you do some sort of preparation both before even applying and then again if your application is successful.

Research is key. If you’re given the chance to speak to trainees, associates or partners at a firm, it’s crucial that you’re prepared. How much do you know about:

• the practice areas the firm specialises in;
• where its offices are located;
• recent cases the firm has worked on;
• the firm’s main competitors; or
• the firm’s main clients?

There are so many other areas you can delve into but the above is a great starting point.

If you want some additional advice on researching firms, LCN has got your back. Head to our ‘Researching firms’ page for more!

These virtual law fair tips will also be useful.

Another aspect that might not have crossed your mind at this stage, is what you wear to these events. Virtual or in person it’s so important that you dress appropriately. First impressions are everything.

Unsure what to wear? Read LCN’s advice now. Interviews, open days, insight schemes, vacation schemes, training contracts – the same rules apply.

As we said, this is not an exhaustive list and many firms will be announcing dates for their open days and insight schemes in the coming months, so stay tuned to ensure you don’t miss out!

Olivia Partridge is the content producer at LawCareers.Net.