Four reasons to apply for LawCareersNetLIVE

The LawCareersNetLIVE conferences, sponsored by The University of Law, are an unmissable opportunity for students to network with international, City and national law firms; gain insights into firms’ key practice areas; and benefit from expert application advice direct from recruiters.

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Every autumn term we host LawCareersNetLIVE – our immersive careers conferences that offer students the opportunity to interact with top law firms, learn about their businesses and network with recruiters, solicitors, partners and trainees. 

This year our conferences will take place in person and virtually over the following dates: 

• Manchester, 29 November; 
• London, 6 December; and 
• Virtual, on the afternoons of 10 and 11 December. 

Here are four reasons you should apply for a place at one of our LawCareersNetLIVE events. 

1. LawCareersNetLIVE is tailored towards vacation scheme and training contract applications 

The application form you must complete to secure a place at LawCareersNetLIVE is based on those you’ll encounter when applying for a vacation scheme or training contract. This means that we’re looking for the same things that law firms look for in their future trainees, so you should think of it as good practise for making law firm applications.

This article by Bethany Wren, head of content and events at LCN, outlines five tips for flawless LawCareersNetLIVE applications. 

More than that, however, the valuable networking opportunities throughout the day will enable you to gain crucial insights into the firms you could soon be applying to and will give you more to talk about when you do. In fact, we know many delegates have gone on to receive training contracts at the law firms in attendance at LawCareersNetLIVE – and some have even come back to attend the event as trainees and associates later down the line.

Therefore, the networking sessions are your chance to make a good first impression and ask the questions you’ve always wanted the answers to – for example, what are the realities of working at a commercial law firm? LawCareersNetLIVE is timed for late November and early December to give you the maximum benefit before applying for vacation schemes, with many law firms’ deadlines falling throughout December, January and February. 

2. A host of top law firms are attending 

All three LawCareersNetLIVE events are sponsored by some of the most prestigious law firms in the profession, including leading international, City, US and national firms, each with their own specialisms. Between them, they comprehensively cover all the practice areas within commercial and corporate law, with many doing complex multi-jurisdictional work all over the world. 

Our law firm sponsors at LawCareersNetLIVE Manchester on 29 November are: 

• Addleshaw Goddard LLP;
• Brabners LLP;
• DWF Group Limited;
• Gateley Legal;
• Hill Dickinson LLP;
• Shoosmiths;
• Squire Patton Boggs UK LLP; and
• Ward Hadaway.  

The law firm sponsors of LawCareersNetLIVE London on 6 December are: 

• Addleshaw Goddard;
• Baker McKenzie;
• Bristows LLP;
• Cooley (UK) LLP;
• Jones Day;
• Osborne Clarke LLP;
• RPC;
• Trowers & Hamlins LLP; and
• Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP.

The law firm sponsors of LawCareersNetLIVE Virtual on 10 to 11 December are: 

• Debevoise & Plimpton LLP; 
• Michelmores LLP; 
• Osborne Clarke; and
• Walker Morris LLP. 

3. The firm-led workshops offer unique practice area insights 

One of the key highlights of LawCareersNetLIVE is the firm-led interactive workshops. These provide a deeper look at one of the law firm’s key specialisms through practical case studies and group work. 

Students attend two workshops over the course of their chosen conference. You’ll have the chance to indicate your preferences ahead of the day. 

Many workshops have a practice area focus – for example, confirmed workshops for this year include: 

• banking;
• ESG in sport;
• legal due diligence;
• real estate;
• patent litigation;
• international M&A;
• the metaverse; and
• solving global disputes. 

For a full list of workshop topics as they’re confirmed, head to LawCareersNetLIVE.

4. You’ll receive expert advice from the very recruiters who’ll be reviewing your applications 

Experienced recruiters, all experts in their field, will be on hand to talk to throughout LawCareersNetLIVE, both about their firms and the application process. There’ll be opportunities to ask questions and network in person and virtually, depending on which event you apply to. 

Apply now 

To apply for a place at the event on your chosen days, visit the LawCareersNetLIVE website. The deadline to apply is 31 October, but as applications are considered on a rolling basis, candidates are encouraged to submit theirs as soon as possible. 

You’ll be notified by email if you’ve been accepted for a place at the event, at which point you’ll be asked to select workshops and pay a refundable deposit of £20 for the Manchester and London events, or £10 for the Virtual event. The holding fee will be fully refunded upon attendance at LawCareersNetLIVE.