This Instagram post caption turned blog post is not sponsored. These are all the views from my experience!
Last Friday 6 December is important for two reasons.
On that date in 2018, I was on a British Airways flight to Saint Lucia to surprise my family for Christmas! It was my first time going home since coming to the UK in 2017 for university and I was EXCITED!
The second reason is that last Friday I was a delegate at the LawCareersNetLIVE 2019. Man, what a day! Initially, I was just going to make write a long caption on Instagram, but I thought many won't read it because of the small font. I'm glad I chose against the IG caption, as this is where my blog hiatus comes to an end!
University has been hectic, hence a lapse in blog post frequency - but thats for another show!
LAW CAREERS NET LIVE LONDON 2019
To be honest, I am still trying to find the exact words. All I can say is that the conference was all that I expected and MORE! The reason I say that for me (emphasis on the 'FOR ME' part of this sentence) is that I learnt about so many other law firms, apart from the obvious Magic and Silver Circle firms that sponsor work visas for international students seeking to establish a career in the UK. Despite all my firm research so far on this journey, it seems I haven't even seen the tip of the iceberg! #LCNLIVE19 made me realise how many opportunities are out there and also how much research I STILL need to carry out!
It was a pleasure speaking with Graduate Recruitment professionals, Trainee Solicitors and Associates from various law firms (shoutout to the Shoosmiths team who I have admired since I stumbled across their social media page which has become a firm I am quite impressed with).
The day began with a panel consisting of Partners from various law firms, then I attended a workshop called 'Negotiating Commercial Contracts' by Ropes & Gray. The workshop was extremely informative and we were placed in teams to negotiate a deal for our client. My team ended up getting everything we wanted for our client which was a great feeling!
After a delicious networking lunch, I attended my second workshop called 'How to be a Product-ive Lawyer' led by Cooley looking at the life cycle of products and how lawyers are needed! The ended with yet another panel, this time with Graduate Recuitment professionals from various firms.
I took notes all day long, and wanted to share some of the tips I got during my time as a delegate at #LCNLIVE19:
1. Keep an open mind. This is sooooooo important!
- Don’t strike out things you haven’t experienced or things you know you don’t like – try it anyway.
- Make the most of the experience!
- Make the most of opportunities (firm events, pro bono work, client secondments etc).
- Choose wisely! Don’t just go for firms that are popular.
2. Questions to ask yourself when doing firm research:
- What do I like?
- What is right for me?
- What are they looking for? Do I have these qualities?
- What avenues are there for growth within teams at the firm?
- Is the work life balance prioritised at that firm?
- What are relationships like at the firm in terms of support, friendliness etc?
- Why do I want to do this?
- Will I be content doing this day in, day out? – important as when you love what you do, you go beyond just trying to get through the day and you do more for the firm.
3. Things to remember:
- It’s a people business – don’t underestimate the value of a network
- Take failure with good grace
- Always have pen and paper
- Ask questions
- Offer to help
4. Interview tips:
- Be YOU and convey the right idea of who you are
- Review application form answers before your interview – know it inside out
- Plan to arrive earlier to ensure you calm yourself before hand
- Prepare for the worst-case scenario – go over so many different options in your head!
If you're a student interested in law, I would 100% recommend you applying for LCNLIVE next year! The insight to firms, the wisdom from Graduate Recruitment, Trainees, Associates and Partners is unfathomable!
A big round of applause to the entire LCN team for putting on these conferences and giving us law students an avenue to learn even more about the profession we are working so hard to enter!
Until (hopefully) sometime soon
Your favourite Unicorn x
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