How we won ‘Best careers event’ at LawCareers.Net’s Student Law Society Awards

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It still hasn’t quite sunk in. When Westminster Law Society was announced as the winner of the ‘Best careers event’ category at the 2025 Student Law Society Awards, we were momentarily stunned into silence. This was quickly followed by cheers, hugs and a lot of blinking back happy tears.

This award means the world to us, not just because it’s a national recognition, but because it represents everything we’ve worked towards this year: inclusion, innovation and empowering every law student to take their first confident step into the legal profession.

Students first: a committee that listens

Our committee is built around that very idea: putting students first. It’s easy to say, harder to do, but we’re proud of the ways we’ve lived that out. From the start of the academic year, we prioritised early engagement by recruiting first-year representatives. They’ve been vital in helping shape our event schedules around real student needs, providing insight into timetables, accessibility and what new students want from their society. They don’t just observe; they contribute to our event planning, take notes during meetings and make sure no voice is left unheard.

What earned us the award

What set us apart and ultimately earned us the Best careers event award was the way we approached career support with clarity, practicality and real student needs in mind. Rather than just explaining what opportunities exist, we showed students how to pursue them confidently.

The standout event that secured us the award was an application workshop, which focused on demystifying the application process for vacation schemes and mini-pupillages. We didn’t just talk in generalities; we delivered step-by-step walkthroughs and insight into psychometric testing tools and opportunities available within the university. The session provided actionable advice in a friendly and accessible format. The feedback was unanimous: students left the room feeling informed, reassured and empowered.

Another key event was our panel discussion featuring a trainee solicitor from Clifford Chance and a pupil barrister from 1 Pump Court Chambers. It was a great opportunity for attendees to hear directly from legal professionals at different stages of their careers. The session covered routes into both branches of the profession, practical strategies for success during training and pupillage, and honest conversations about the challenges and rewards of legal life. These real-world insights made the event not only informative but deeply inspiring.

Building community through curiosity

Winning an award for career support doesn’t just mean delivering traditional workshops. It also reflects the curiosity we’ve nurtured in our members and the range of events we’ve built to cater to reflect their interests.

We strongly believe that professional development should go hand-in-hand with community. That’s why we’ve cultivated inclusive, engaging spaces both online and in person. From a vibrant group chat and consistent newsletters to creative social events, we work hard to keep everyone involved and inspired.

Two standout community moments were our Halloween Well-being Pumpkin Carving Night and our Valentine’s Day Cupcake & Chill. These weren’t just seasonal socials –, they were safe, welcoming environments where students could relax, laugh, and bond. With mental health Kahoots, curated playlists, and inclusive catering, they reminded us that well-being is a core part of academic success.

Connecting law to the real world

This year, we also focused on bridging legal knowledge with real-world insight. Through collaborative events with European Law Students' Association and the Bar Society, we ran initiatives that helped students think commercially while engaging with the broader legal industry.

A particular highlight was our Bites with Legal Minds event, which welcomed more than 80 students and featured a diverse panel including trainee solicitors, a legal consultant, a principal from Chauncy & Co and a paralegal. Blending insightful professional advice with relaxed networking opportunities, the event offered attendees a well-rounded perspective on various legal career paths.

Another key milestone was our collaboration with the Real Estate Society where we hosted an interdisciplinary panel featuring two chancery barristers, a pupil barrister, a chief negotiator specialising in off-market properties and a sustainability consultant. The event offered students a multifaceted look into legal and adjacent career paths, while also reflecting our commitment to meaningful cross-society partnerships which was a central aim of ours this year.

Representation at the heart of what we do

Diversity and inclusion remain a cornerstone of the Westminster Law Society. With two dedicated inclusion officers, we’ve ensured that our events are as representative as they’re informative.

One of the most impactful events was our Disability in the Legal Profession session, featuring vice chair of the Disability Network Demi Rixon. The conversation challenged stereotypes, offered practical allyship guidance and gave students space to ask questions openly. Events like this reflect who we are as a society: thoughtful, student-led and committed to making the legal world more accessible for all.

More than just a trophy

For us, this award is more than a title; it’s a celebration of the meaningful impact we strive to make. The feedback from our members says it best: “Our application workshops offer CV reviews, psychometric test guidance and career advice. A recent panel featuring a trainee solicitor and pupil barrister provided practical insights into solicitors' and barristers' career pathways, and the society received excellent feedback for its relevance and depth.”

Winning the Best careers event award at the 2025 Student Law Society Awards also isn’t just a trophy on a shelf. It’s a testament to the countless hours our committee has spent listening to students, shaping inclusive spaces and showing up with purpose. It proves that when you lead with empathy and build with intention, students don’t just attend – they engage, grow and thrive.

To every member who came to an event, shared feedback, carved a pumpkin, decorated cupcakes or posted our content, thank you! This win belongs to you too.

And to anyone wondering whether student societies can make a real difference: they can. Ours has.

Deborah Adejobi and Oluwademilade Adewakun are the co-presidents of Westminster Law Society in 2024/2025.