Embarking on a career in law is a major investment – both in terms of time and money. It’s important to get as much information as possible about the various courses you are required to complete and the different types of law firm at which you can expect to train. Enter: open days, conferences and insight evenings. These events are a great way for budding solicitors to learn more about commercial law and get a feel for the university or firm they are interested in. We’ve rounded up some great events happening in the next few months which we strongly recommend attending.
The University of Law Open Days
What: Gain insight into university’s Legal Practice Course (LPC), Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), and MA Law degree, and find out how they are taught and assessed. Attendees can also meet tutors and the employability team.
When: 12 September, 17:30 – 19:30 and 13 September 17:30 – 19:30
Where: London Bloomsbury campus (12) and Reading campus (13)
WCAN Conference hosted by White & Case
What: Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network (WCAN) focuses on connecting high-achieving black women with successful women in the City. This year’s conference will focus on careers in commercial law. The one day event will see attendees hear from black female law graduates and professionals and get advice on CVs and application writing. There will also be commercial awareness sessions and networking opportunities with individuals from Ashurst, Baker & McKenzie, DWF, Eversheds Sutherland, Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose Fulbright, Slaughter and May and White & Case.
When: 13th September
Where: White & Case’s London office
For more information and to book tickets, click here
Jones Day Question Time
What: Jones Day’s Question Times are interactive Q&As and networking events (not recruitment presentations) so are fantastic opportunities to meet a panel of trainees, associates and partners. Attendees are able to quiz the panel directly about their first-hand experiences of working in a global law firm and training in the firm’s distinctive, non-rotational system, and get to know them better over networking canapés afterwards. Attendees will also learn more about the firm’s placement schemes, what the recruitment team look for in candidates, and when and how to apply.
When: Various dates beginning 26 September
Where: Various locations
For more information and to register, click here
Urban Lawyers Careers Conference
What: The Urban Lawyers Careers Conference is an all-day interactive event that provides key information and support to those from diverse backgrounds who are considering a career in law and those who are actively pursuing a career as a solicitor or barrister.
When: 17th November, 8:30 – 17:00
Where: Herbert Smith Freehills’ London office
For more information and to book tickets, click here
Taylor Vinters Open Evening
What: If you’re looking for an insight into the work Taylor Vinters does and the types of clients they work with, along with some hints and tips on completing your application form, then join them at their open evening. This event is aimed at students who are in the process of applying for vacation schemes and training contracts.
When: 22 November, 16:00 – 19:00
Where: The firm’s London office (Tower 42)
For more information and to apply for a place, click here. (Successful applicants will hear back from the firm by 12 November)
Clifford Chance ACCEPT
What: ACCEPT is CC’s Diversity and Inclusion conference that aims to provide an opportunity for LGBT students interested in a career in law to hear from senior role models and understand why it’s important to bring your full and authentic self to work each day. The day will conclude with an evening panel event with keynote speakers celebrating Trans Awareness month. You will:
- Understand what it’s like to be LGBT in the City and how this can complement your career
- Hear from external speakers and external partners including MyGWork and National Student Pride
- Network with likeminded individuals and hear about the recruitment process at Clifford Chance
When: 22nd November 2018, 11:00 – 21:00
Where: CC’s London office
Applications close on 9 November. For more information and to apply, click here
Clifford Chance INTERFACE
What: Interface is an exclusive event for students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees. This event will provide an opportunity to understand the ways in which a STEM degree can lay the foundations for a successful career as a lawyer. Through a series of interactive workshops, presentations and networking sessions, attendees can discover:
- The transferable skills between STEM degrees and the law
- How to secure a training contract as a STEM student
- How technology is changing the law
When: 29 November 2018, 9:00 – 19:00
Where: CC’s London office
Applications close on 15 November. For more information and to apply, click here
Junior Lawyers Division forum: helping you to secure a training position
What: Free one-day skills event to assist LPC students and LPC graduates with their search for a training position. The event will consist of presentations, activities and discussion with speakers who are highly regarded and experienced in their field. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
When: 6 October, 10:00 – 16:30 followed by a networking drinks reception until about 17:30
Where: Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL
For more information, click here
Shearman & Sterling Open Day
What: Open days at Shearman & Sterling are great for candidates who are still researching their legal careers. These one day programmes provide an insight into the life of trainees and give you the chance to find out what the firm is like from the inside. Open days are perfect for candidates who cannot yet apply to other programmes (Head Start or Vacation Schemes) and can really help you show your dedication to the legal profession and the research you are doing outside of your studies. Open day sessions include:
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An overview of the firm and our place in the legal market;
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An introduction to our core trainee practice areas – M&A, Finance and Project Development & Finance;
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A panel Q&A session with our trainees so you can ask your burning questions regarding overseas seats, support throughout your training contract and what the work is really like;
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An interactive workshop from the graduate recruitment team providing hints and tips on application forms and interviews; and
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A chance to network with partners, associates, trainees and graduate recruitment and get a real feel for our culture.
When: 24 October (apply by 10 October); 5 December (apply by 21 November)
Where: The firm’s London office
For more information and to apply, click here
Baker McKenzie Open Day
What: Baker McKenzie open days give you the chance to find out more about the kind of lawyers they are and the work they do. You’ll take part in workshops on topics such as negotiation, commercial awareness and application skills. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet and learn from the experiences of some of their partners, associates and trainees over lunch.
When: 25th October; 6th December; 10th December (apply from 1 October)
Where: Baker McKenzie London