Three reasons aspiring lawyers should attend their student law society’s career events and how to make the most of them

Throughout the academic year I am certain that your student law society will host numerous worthwhile events; however, I believe that attendance to the events specifically focused on careers are the most beneficial. They are, of course, also the most daunting to attend. Here are my top three reasons why any aspiring lawyer should attend their student law society’s career events.

To gain invaluable insight

The first reason being the invaluable insight that professionals offer at these events. Those in attendance typically include a range from trainee solicitors, members of a firm’s recruitment team or even senior partners. They will be able to offer guidance based on their experiences with the firm and also a more specific insight into what the firm itself looks for.

To build a network

Second, it may seem cliché, but first impressions truly do last. These events offer the perfect opportunity to begin building a career long network. Essentially these types of event provide you with the chance to get your foot in the door. By knowing the right people and having the right network, you’ll be able to remain updated with the most recent deal or ongoings at the firm. Eventually, you’ll be able to show off your knowledge to the employer and show that you are genuinely interested in the firm and have been following them. 

To practise networking

My final reason is that practise makes perfect. Networking is an integral skill of any successful lawyer – especially when you are on the hunt for a job or a new client. Essentially networking boils down to the ability to instigate and hold a conversation. While this seems like an easy thing to do, very few actually feel comfortable enough to initiate conversation in front of a large group, which consequently means that it often falls to the professional to break the awkward silence. The more career events that you attend, the quicker you’ll be able to pick up on the right types of question to ask and how to compose yourself in a professional manner. There are plenty of articles similar to this online full of tips and tricks but there is no one size fits all guide to becoming a successful networker – it truly comes down to experience and there is no better place to learn than at your student law society’s career events.

How can you make the most of these career events?

Identify who you want to speak to

As already mentioned, a good career event will be attended by professionals from a range of backgrounds, so knowing who you want to speak to is the first step to making the most out of the event. As such, the first stage is to do your research. Ask the organisers of the event for a list of all the professionals who will be attending – from there you can then compile a list of everyone you want to speak to.

If you want to find out more about the firm representatives, I recommend looking at the firm website as many of them have detailed profiles on their employees – the key thing to look out for is area specialisms that you are interested in or someone with similar experiences as you (eg, the same university). If the website is lacking significant detail, then turn to LinkedIn. Researching allows you to focus on asking the right questions to the right people.

Relax

No matter how many career events you attend, it is natural to always be a little nervous. It is often easier said than done but do your best to try to relax and not be put off by the fact you are talking to a partner of a magic circle firm, for example. At the end of the day they have been in the exact same position as you and they are just human. If you allow yourself to relax and engage in small talk without having to force the conversation, I guarantee this relaxed attitude will be mirrored by the professional.

Follow up after the event

Last, ensure that you build on the foundations of the relationship after the event by sending a LinkedIn request – I cannot stress enough how important it is to include a personalised message when you request to connect. These professionals are often bombarded with requests and by sending a personalised connection, you’re instantly making yourself stand out and making yourself more recognisable. Networking is not limited to just that single student law society career event, by ensuring that you are connected with the people you meet online will mean that you are constantly provided with insights into the latest updates.

When it comes to career events, I think it is important to remember that you will get out what you put in – only through actively engaging and making an effort will you reap the benefits of attending the event.

Jonathan Talbot is the president of the University of Lincoln Law Society – the society won the award for Best Careers Event at the 2021 Student Law Society Awards.