Four reasons to apply for LawCareersNetLIVE

The LawCareersNetLIVE conferences, sponsored by The University of Law, are a golden opportunity for students to network with international, City and national 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, 24 November; 
• London, 1 December; and 
• Virtual, on the afternoons of 5 and 6 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 firms look for in their future trainees and, as such, you should think of it as good practice for making law firm applications.

This article by LCN’s Bethany Wren, 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, as well as more to talk about when you do. We know many delegates have gone on to receive training contracts at the sponsor law firms – and some have even come back to attend the event as trainees and associates later down the line.

The networking sessions therefore are your chance to make a good first impression and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to know about what it’s like working at a commercial law firm. LawCareersNetLIVE is timed for late November and early December to give candidates the maximum benefit before applying for vacation schemes, with many 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 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 firm sponsors at LawCareersNetLIVE Manchester on 24 November are: 

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

The firm sponsors of LawCareersNetLIVE London on 1 December are: 

• Addleshaw Goddard;
• Baker McKenzie;
• Bristows LLP;
• Charles Russell Speechlys LLP;
• Cooley (UK) LLP;
• Jones Day;
• Ropes & Gray International LLP;
• RPC;
• Osborne Clarke LLP; and
• Trowers & Hamlins LLP.

The firm sponsors of LawCareersNetLIVE Virtual on 5 to 6 December are: 

• Birketts LLP;
• Burges Salmon LLP; 
• Debevoise & Plimpton LLP; 
• Michelmores LLP; 
• Osborne Clarke; and
• TLT LLP. 

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

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

Students attend two workshops over the course of their chosen conference, indicating their preferences ahead of the day. 

Many workshops have a practice area focus, with sessions confirmed for this year including: 

• real estate;
• ESG in sport;
• banking;
• solving global disputes;
• biotech;
• international M&A;
• the metaverse; and
• private equity and private funds. 

For a full list of workshop topics, 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 26 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.