LawCareersNetLIVE Manchester: a fantastic student conference

I applied for the LawCareersNetLIVE London conference in October 2018. Because the London event was heavily oversubscribed, I was offered a place in Manchester in early November. The application form was very similar to that of a training contract or vacation scheme so it was a great way to practise my application technique before the application season began. Sinead Dineen from LawCareers.Net wrote an incredibly helpful article on five top tips for flawless LawCareersNetLIVE (and training contract) applications. I took her advice for my application and became one of the 120 delegates selected out of 760 applicants.

The well-rounded conference was made up of two ‘question time’ panel discussions, two firm-led workshops and three networking sessions, as well as refreshments and an amazing lunch!

Question time: the law firm as a business

As the delegates arrived in the morning, we were given an interesting and heavily discussed topic to consider: “In which order do you think the following have the biggest impact on the future of law firms? Brexit, SQE, agile working, artificial intelligence and alternative business structures”. I had very engaging discussions with the delegates sitting next to me, which turned out to be a pleasant ice-breaker exercise.

The panel discussion with partners considered various aspects of law firms as businesses, such as adaptation to clients’ evolving businesses, economic and geographical considerations, client’ sectors or industries, lateral hiring, well-being of fee earners and competition from external firms. Overall, it was an interactive session where delegates were encouraged to ask as many questions as possible and critically analyse the impact of internal and external forces on a law firm as a business.

Environmental law workshop with Osborne Clarke LLP

A senior associate kicked off this workshop with a thought-provoking quiz – little did I know that one third of the world’s land is already filled with refuse. I was inspired by the senior associate’s passion and drive in environmental law. The workshop was delivered with a presentation on environmental law in practice, from the 1950s to how today’s climate change and Brexit will affect the regulation of environmental law in the UK.

This workshop reflected on a solicitor’s motivation and their drive in making a difference in the environmental regulations to improve human lives. It should remind all aspiring solicitors to always ask the ‘why?’ question.

International M&A workshop with Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP

This workshop began with an interactive group-based quiz about the firm, putting delegates’ prior research into practice and giving us an opportunity to learn more about the firm.

Delving into the process of an international M&A deal with a partner, associates and trainees, I learnt that an awareness of cultural differences, funding, solicitors’ conduct, confidentiality, data privacy and the manner of due diligence are all essential for inter-jurisdictional deals. Now it is hard to imagine international M&A as an isolated practice area.

Question time: key advice for applicants

The recruiters on this panel discussed the respective firms’ graduate recruitment processes including the application stage, online tests, video interviews and assessment days. There was generic advice on each stage which would serve as reminders to the delegates on what to look out for at each step. I enjoyed the interactive part of this session where delegates were encouraged to ask questions that would help us clarify doubts and understand how to make great vacation scheme/training contract applications.

I learnt that every firm expects applicants to have conducted research on them (although they might not have the opportunity to attend open days or have any connections with the firm) as a minimum. Most firms have their own graduate recruitment process, as online tests and video interviews may be present in some and not others. Conducting research on the firm helps you understand if your personality and credentials are what one firm is looking for and whether you can truly be yourself while working in that firm.

When delegates are determined to take law as a lifetime career, then it is never too early to contemplate as many as possible considerations beyond the application stage.

Networking sessions

While the workshops and panel discussions were useful for tapping into insights on the legal industry, the networking sessions were the highlight of the day for me! There were three opportunities throughout the day for the delegates to find out more about the sponsor firms from the respective partners, associates, trainees and graduate recruiters. Delegates could take this opportunity to ask questions not found on the FAQ section of the respective firms’ websites and very specific questions relating to their personal circumstances (or were afraid to ask in front of everyone). Bonus point - I met a few delegates who were already connected to me on LinkedIn. It was a great way to get to know them in person, talk about our journeys in law and encourage each other to go further!

Applications are now open for LawCareersNetLIVE 2019 in Manchester, London and Bristol. Find out more and apply at https://live.lawcareers.net/.

Caulyn Bong is a recent graduate of the LPC. She is currently working as a capital markets paralegal at Linklaters LLP.