Four reasons to apply for LawCareersNetLIVE

The LawCareersNetLIVE conferences, sponsored by The University of Law, are an unmissable opportunity for students and graduates to:

• get exclusive access to international, City and national law firms; 
• gain insights into firms’ key practice areas; and
• benefit from expert application advice direct from recruiters.

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Every autumn term we host LawCareersNetLIVE – our immersive careers conferences that offer students the opportunity to interact with top law firms, learn about their businesses and network with recruiters, solicitors, partners and trainees. 

This year our conferences will take place in person over the following dates: 

• Manchester, 27 November; and
• London, 4 December.

Here are four reasons you should apply for a place at one of our LawCareersNetLIVE events. 

1. LawCareersNetLIVE is tailored towards vacation scheme and training contract applications 

The application form you must complete to secure a place at LawCareersNetLIVE is based on those you’ll encounter when applying for a vacation scheme or training contract. This means that we’re looking for the same things that law firms look for in their future trainees, so you should think of it as good practice for making law firm applications.

Read five tips for flawless LawCareersNetLIVE applications. 

More than that, however, the valuable networking opportunities throughout the day will enable you to gain crucial insights into the firms you could soon be applying to and will give you more to talk about when you do. In fact, we know many delegates have gone on to receive training contracts at the law firms in attendance at LawCareersNetLIVE – and some have even come back to attend the event as trainees and associates later down the line.

For example, future trainee solicitor and 2025 LawCareersNetLIVE delegate James Anscomb said: “I now hold a training contract with one of the sponsor firms and LawCareersNetLIVE definitely played a part in that outcome. The event helped me sharpen how I presented myself, build relationships that were genuinely valuable and perform better in case-study interviews.” In addition, 91% of 2025 LawCareersNetLIVE delegates said they were more likely to secure a vacation scheme or training contract after attending the event.

Check out James’ full LawCareersNetLIVE experience, and how it boosted his legal career and applications.

Therefore, the networking sessions are your chance to make a good first impression and ask the questions you’ve always wanted the answers to – for example, what are the realities of working at a commercial law firm? LawCareersNetLIVE is timed for late November and early December to give you the maximum benefit before applying for vacation schemes, with many law firms’ deadlines falling throughout December, January and February. 

2. A host of top law firms are attending 

The LawCareersNetLIVE events are sponsored by some of the most prestigious law firms in the profession, including leading international, City, US and national firms, each with their own specialisms. Between them, they comprehensively cover all the practice areas within commercial and corporate law, with many doing complex multi-jurisdictional work all over the world. 

Our law firm sponsors at LawCareersNetLIVE Manchester on 27 November are: 

• Addleshaw Goddard LLP;
• Shoosmiths;
• Squire Patton Boggs UK LLP;
• Trowers & Hamlins LLP;
• Ward Hadaway; and
• more TBC soon.   

The law firm sponsors of LawCareersNetLIVE London on 4 December are: 

• Bristows LLP;
• Cooley (UK) LLP;
• Jones Day;
• Osborne Clarke LLP;
• RPC;
• Stephenson Harwood LLP; and
• more TBC soon!

Stay up to date with new law firm sponsors, speakers and workshops for the event by visiting the LawCareersNetLIVE site.

3. The firm-led workshops offer unique practice area insights 

One of the key highlights of LawCareersNetLIVE is the firm-led interactive workshops. These provide a deeper look at one of the law firm’s key specialisms through practical case studies and group work. 

Students attend two workshops over the course of their chosen conference. You’ll have the chance to indicate your preferences ahead of the day. 

Many workshops have a practice area focus – for example, we’ve previously had workshops on: 

• legal technology and innovation;
• employment law;
• property disputes;
• real estate;
• patent litigation;
• legal due diligence;
• corporate M&A;
• media law; and
• many more! 

For a full list of workshop topics as they’re confirmed, head to LawCareersNetLIVE.

Already applied? Find out how to make the most of the workshops at LawCareersNetLIVE.

4. You’ll receive expert advice from the very recruiters who’ll be reviewing your applications 

Experienced recruiters, all experts in their field, will be on hand to talk to throughout LawCareersNetLIVE, both about their firms and the application process. There’ll be opportunities to ask questions and network in person and virtually, depending on which event you apply to. 

Apply now 

To apply for a place at the event on your chosen days, visit the LawCareersNetLIVE website. The deadline to apply is 29 October 2026, but as applications are considered on a rolling basis, candidates are encouraged to submit theirs as soon as possible. 

Dimitar Dimitrov is acting senior content and events coordinator at LawCareers.Net.