Make an impact at the Law Fair

Now that term is underway and the leaves are falling the Law Fair season has kicked off and will continue nationally until December!  Imogen Burton, Director of Business Development at The University of Law gives her tips…

So what are Law Fairs all about?

It’s a great opportunity Law Firms have to make themselves prominent and attract the best students. It is also students’ best opportunity to meet and talk to Firms before deciding where to apply.

The University of Law will be at Law Fairs with other providers, again to attract students and give an insight into what the courses are all about and the choices that need to be made. For students it’s an opportunity to compare providers but also students can make use of the wealth of careers advice staff manning the stands can offer. The University of Law also has an award winning online resource the Future Lawyers Network which contains employability advice and tips on the whole job application process at www.law.ac.uk/futurelawyers/.

The trick is not to treat the Fair as just a freebie opportunity (and there are many weird and wonderful stress balls, memory sticks and sweets on offer!) but as an important career networking opportunity.

My Top Tips for success are;

Preparation – plan your line of attack. Who is attending? Research your top choices. Think of good questions to ask which will show you have researched the firm

Make an impact – Look smart, arrive early, be enthusiastic and prepared to engage.

Follow up – after the Fair follow up on leads and information you obtain. Firms may keep a note of the names of anyone who stands out and be looking out for them in applications.

Remember the best freebies from a Law Fair are business cards and details of people and organisations to add to your network!

The UCL Law Fair 2014 is on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th November and is kindly sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright and The University of Law