3 ways to learn more about a career in law
Knowing what future career path to go down whilst you’re young can be a hard process to navigate. Therefore, it is beneficial to research into the industry to understand the entry requirements, different firms and departments, and how to better your chances of securing a role. If you are interested in a legal career, here are 3 ways to learn more.
Work experience
Work experience programmes are a great way for students to develop the skills that are necessary for a career in law, including drafting, researching, problem-solving, presenting, business correspondence, communication and time management. Not only do you experience the day-to-day operations of a law firm, but you get to meet lawyers/solicitors who can offer useful advice and knowledge to assist your understanding of a career in law.
At Attwells, our ethos is to encourage young people into a career in law and to help support this, we offer week-long work experience placements in our Ipswich, Colchester and London offices. Applications for this open towards the end of the year. If you have any questions regarding our work experience options, please contact [email protected].
Networking
Networking is a way of growing a web of contacts and connections whilst building key relationships with these people. Networking has many benefits which include gaining valuable advice from experienced professionals, offering greater chances at progression, and developing your own personal reputation.
There are different ways of networking:
- LinkedIn is a great platform to showcase your skills and experiences whilst allowing you to connect with people you know to grow your personal network.
- Joining student legal organisations/societies is a fun way of meeting others of a similar age who share the same interests as you. For instance, there are local junior lawyers divisions and groups that offer useful advice and information to people starting or wanting to start their career journey.
- Attending networking/law events will help you become familiar with local law firms and may help to decide who you want to work for in the future. These events can extend your options by highlighting potential entry routes into the career like starting a solicitor apprenticeship. These events are usually advertised on the firm’s website or on their LinkedIn profile.
- Law firms hold open days to welcome potential applicants into their offices to not only highlight the programmes they offer, but also to give students the opportunity to meet key people.
Workshops
Legal workshops are a fun way of getting to learn more about law and working within a law firm whilst gaining more confidence in meeting new people and putting your name out there. Atwells offers a problem-solving workshop for 14 – 18-year-olds to develop key skills transferable to roles within law. If you are interested in joining these workshops or have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Other law firms offer different kinds of workshops, for example negotiations workshops.
Additionally, some firms or educational establishments offer mooting competitions/workshops. These are essentially pretend court hearings that test the participants ability to analyse, research law, write and argue.
Our blogs and articles are correct at the time of writing.
These have been created for marketing purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice.
