Networking tips: making the most of LawCareersNetLIVE

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LawCareersNetLIVE offers you the chance to network with some of the best legal professionals and law firms working today, while discovering more about the day-to-day realities of working within the legal sector. Continue reading for our tips on making the most of your day, so you can connect with lawyers, build lasting relationships and kickstart your career.

LawCareersNetLIVE is sponsored by The University of Law. 

Before you attend LawCareersNetLIVE

Choose your event

There are three LawCareersNetLIVE events to choose from:

• Manchester – 28 November 2025
• London – 5 December 2025
• Virtual – 9-10 December 2025 (split over two afternoons).

Each event will open with a keynote speech followed by a panel discussion, ‘the law firm as a business’, on the key issues affecting firms in 2025. Following refreshments, a series of firm-led workshops will guide you through the key issues and tasks around working in the legal profession. You’ll have an opportunity to network over lunch before an afternoon of more firm-led workshops. This is followed by another chance to network and finally a discussion panel with trainee solicitors who share their experiences and tips.

Research who’s attending

Firstly, be sure to take a look at who’s attending your chosen event. Each date and location will have a unique list of speakers, so look out for which law firms those speakers represent and who they work for. It could be worth travelling a little further if there’s a speaker from a firm that you have an interest in joining or work in a legal practice area that interests you.

It’s also worth taking a look at the list of firm-led workshops planned for the event. Which law firms are you interested in learning more about? Are there any firms you’d be keen to connect with? What workshop topics interest and motivate you? Which will best help you in your legal journey? Prioritise the workshops you feel best match your goals and needs.

Do your research on the event sponsors. Representatives from some of the most well-known and highly regarded law firms in the UK will be in attendance, so make a list of those you’d like to speak with at the event.

Prepare an introduction

You want to make a strong first impression, so prepare a short introduction to ease the pressure. It doesn’t have to be anything too detailed, just your name, what you’re studying and the kind of experience or role you’re looking for.

Prepare questions

When you’re researching firms, you might not find out everything you want to know. Use this to your advantage and prepare some questions ahead of the event. These questions could include:

• What skills do they look for?
• What is the company culture like?
• What kind of experience could help support your application?

Questions also offer a chance for you to mention your research, for example: “I read your firm is AI driven, how’s that changed how you work?”. It’s seemingly small, but it shows you’ve done your homework and you’re keen to know more.

It’s also important to consider the person you’re speaking to. Ask about their role and work, how they came to the firm or how they started their legal journey.

On the day

Arrive on time

It might seem obvious, but try and arrive on time, so you can find your bearings, get to your seat and engage in some small talk with your fellow attendees. This can help to reduce any nerves you might have and it’s always helpful to have a friendly face to approach later in the day, should you need to.

Have a plan

Prepare a list of the firms you’d like to speak with on the day. However, it’s important to tell yourself the list is just a guide. If you’re waiting to speak with someone and an opportunity to speak with another professional presents itself, take it. It’s a chance to learn about a firm you may not have previously considered.

Take a moment to regroup

Networking can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. Take a moment alone with your notes or to chat with a fellow attendee. A few minutes of breathing space can help you focus and prepare ahead your next wave of introductions, but it’s important to remember your objectives and push yourself to get back out there.

Make notes

Take notes throughout the day. Who did you speak to? Where do they work? What did you discuss? Did you agree any next steps? Jot down the key takeaways from your interactions and any important contact information so you can refer to it at a later time.

After the event

Make connections

After you’ve attended the event, reach out to the people you spoke to, whether it was fellow attendees, speakers, lawyers or firms. It may be useful to follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media channels to stay up to date with the latest news and developments they share.

Follow up

Don’t be afraid to send the people you spoke with a short message or comment. It’s important to reach out when the event is still fresh in their mind. Try not to leave it any more than a couple of days before contacting them. When you do, keep it brief, share what you need to, thank them for their time and ask if it’s possible to stay in touch.

Reflect on what you learned

Take some time to reflect on how you found the event. What did you learn? What surprised you? What would you do differently if you attended the event again? It certainly won’t be the last time you network with individuals throughout your career, so think about how you can improve your approach and get the most from the events you attend in the future. 

Apply for a place at LawCareersNetLIVE before Monday 3 November 2025.