Getting there
I arrived at the Law Careers Fair around 2.30 pm and joined a long queue outside. The crowd control was excellent to make sure the venue wasn’t too full, but it did mean waiting a bit. Once inside, though, it wasn’t overcrowded, and I could actually speak to representatives one-on-one.
Admittedly, it was intimidating at first. I decided to speak with the firms I was planning on applying to, starting with Cleary Gottlieb, since I had a networking dinner with them that evening. They often send Durham alumni to these events, which makes conversation so much easier! I also went with a friend, which made me more comfortable and motivated me to speak to lots of employers.
Breaking the ice
If you know nothing about law firms, there’s no need to worry because they can explain the basics of their company to you. As a finalist, though, I did some research beforehand on the main practice areas of the firm. Having a few points to talk about can stop the awkward silence at the start and helps you stand out! Because I’d been to a couple of law firm open days, I could link back to things I’d learned there. A lot of the representatives also shared great tips for building commercial awareness, like trying their online internships or reading the news updates on their websites.
What the firms said
I went on full journalistic mode and asked some law firms why they thought these law fairs are important for students! Here’s what they said
- Cleary Gottlieb’s trainee said the fair gives students a far better sense of the firm’s work than the website. You can learn more about the nuances of their practice areas.
- At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, a trainee told me they valued the one-on-one contact so they could have real conversations about their journey.
- Latham and Watkin’s graduate recruitment team mentioned that student brand ambassadors at Durham University are a valuable part of the law fairs. I was a brand ambassador for BPP last year, and I can confirm it is really nice to relate to current students too!
- Vinson & Elkins, being a smaller firm, said it was an opportunity for them to meet with people they’d genuinely want to work with, and find a personality fit in addition to what is on paper.
A final thought
The law fair is not just about big firms in London! There were regional firms, law schools like BPP offering advice for after graduation, and even the Durham Law Society with handbooks and merch. Whether you’re just exploring, already applying, or just want some freebies, the fair has something for everyone!
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