Why I’d recommend LawCareersNetLIVE to aspiring lawyers

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When I first started studying my law degree at Birmingham City University in September 2022, I was already feeling the overwhelming pressure of attending networking events and adding to my CV.

Sitting in my university room doing research, feeling like a very small fish in a great big pond, I came across LawCareers.Net and the extensive resources and opportunities they provide. I saw that they hold a legal careers conference called LawCareersNetLIVE and I nervously submitted an application. I really struggled with imposter syndrome in my first year, so I wasn’t sure whether I’d be successful.

Checking my emails a few weeks later, I received the exciting news that I was awarded a place at LawCareersNetLIVE Manchester! So, at the end of November 2022 I travelled to Manchester to attend the conference.

On the day

Arriving at the venue, I instantly felt inspired and included, speaking to peers around me while enjoying the breakfast provided. Many second and third-year students informed me that they wish they’d applied in their first year, so I already felt like I was ahead of the game!

One of the main highlights of the day was the panel discussions with law firm partners and current trainee solicitors. Being able to gain such a direct insight from people in the industry is hard to come by, so it truly felt like an honour to listen. Hearing from trainees and taking in all their advice helped me realise that everyone’s journey to becoming a solicitor is different. As someone who already felt like I wasn’t cut out for this career, this was very inspiring.

The two firm-led workshops I attended allowed me to have a personal insight into how that firm operates and the type of work they do. One of the workshops introduced me to an area of the law I wouldn’t have previously considered – medical law.

Key takeaways and moving forwards

Ending the day feeling inspired, excited and motivated to continue pursuing a legal career, I started my very own legal Instagram and LinkedIn account which I wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t had attended this event!

In 2023 I applied again to attend LawCareersNetLIVE Manchester and was lucky enough to be given a second chance to be a delegate. A year later, I’d already achieved so much and I partly believe it was because of LawCareersNetLIVE and the experience it provided me. Meeting a new set of motivated students and even reconnecting with individuals I met in the previous year, the 2023 conference gave me another full day of listening to panel discussions with partners and trainee solicitors and attending workshops led by law firms that were new to me.

Looking back, I’ve spoken about attending LawCareersNetLIVE in multiple interviews and applications. Not only has it grown my confidence, but it’s also expanded my knowledge and understanding of law firms and the industry. I urge all aspiring commercial lawyers to apply!

Applications are open for LawCareersNetLIVE 2024! Apply now for our exclusive legal careers conference taking place in Manchester on 29 November 2024, London on 6 December 2024 and virtually on 10-11 December 2024. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2024 but we encourage applicants to apply early as we’ll be making offers on a rolling basis from autumn. For more on what we’re looking for in your applications, read this LCN Says: ‘Five tips for flawless LawCareersNetLIVE applications’.

Grace Mccartney is a third-year LLB student at Birmingham City University.