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Law Fairs - A Survival Guide

What to wear, what to bring, what to avoid – everything you need to make the most of the annual law fair

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There comes a time, usually in the autumn term, when law firms start sending out their graduate recruitment teams to university campuses around the UK. Yes, it’s the start of the law fair season. If you’re interested in a legal career, find out the date of the fair at your university and get prepared with this survival guide.

  • Guest List – Sneak a peek at the guest list. Head to your careers service and check out in advance which law firms will be present. Forewarned is forearmed.
  • Plan Ahead – Have a game plan. Use the firms’ attendance list to figure out which ones you want to talk to. OK, so you won’t spend nine hours at a law fair, but it’s not speed dating either. It’s more productive for you to know which firms you want to see and what you want to talk about.
  • Twenty Questions? – Some careers websites suggest preparing a list of about 20 questions in advance. While this is probably going a bit far, it would be sensible to jot down anything you particularly want to ask in case you forget in the heat of the moment. Just don’t let the firms see you cribbing from your notes!
  • Top tips! – If the fair isn’t too busy, why not approach friendly looking graduate recruiters for some advice on your CV or the application procedure.
  • The Truth – Don’t ask questions for the sake of asking them. Find out what you really want to know – eg are the hours at Magic Circle firms really as bad as people say?
  • Don’t be bribed – Be suspicious of the firm giving away free mini iPods or crisp £50 notes – think ‘The Firm’ and be on guard.
  • You’re the important one – Dazed and confused by the sugar rush of free sweets, glossy brochures and fancy quadruple-barrelled names? Want to turn around and go back to bed because you can’t remember any of the firm names or what they do? Stop, don’t be intimidated – remember these firms are trying to sell themselves to you.
  • Have Fun! – Relax and enjoy it. Despite what some careers’ websites say – this is NOT an interview.

What the recruiters say

What should I wear?

Fiona Medlock (graduate recruitment co-ordinator at Mills & Reeve): Nothing outrageous. Don’t be remembered for the wrong reason. Recruiters do appreciate that you are at university, casual clothing is fine.

Mark Matthews (graduate recruitment manager at Reed Smith): Wearing a suit doesn’t have much bearing, but it’s good to look smart.

Beverley Greeves (HR manager at Geldards): Smart casual is fine, but then we don’t want to see too much bare flesh either!

Clare Harris (head of graduate recruitment at Lovells): We don’t expect you to wear a suit – that wouldn’t be fair as we’re on your territory, but it doesn’t do any harm to look smart.

Germaine VanGeyzel (graduate recruitment manager at Travers Smith): So long as students are clean and tidy casual clothing is fine.

Shall I take my CV?

Beverley Greeves: I can see how this helps, but as our application form is online we prefer all details to come via this route.

Fiona Medlock: You can but don’t expect firms to accept your CV as an application – many firms have online application procedures.

Mark Matthews: Our applications are online, but if you have asked good questions and you have a CV, an employer will keep it, so it could be useful depending on the impression you create.

Germaine Van Geyzel: We require people to apply online so there is no advantage to be gained from bringing a CV along.

Fiona Medlock: You might want to ask for advice on your CV and some graduate recruiters may be willing to offer a few tips. If the fair is very busy, this may not be possible.

Who to talk to?

Mark Matthews: Do some research beforehand so you get a rough idea of what each firm has to offer. Pin-point a few firms and get it down to a manageable number. If you ask more educated, pertinent questions, you can make a name for yourself.

Clare Harris: Think about which firms you’re targeting. Look at the lists and work out who’s who, so you can have a more worthwhile conversation with people. It can be quite a confusing day, so coming prepared makes it easier.