Societies to Get Involved in as an Aspiring Lawyer

Article by Meagan Leightley 

Law Society

Most Universities have their own Official Law Societies, whether you are a law student or a student hoping to enter law it is a great way to get involved. It is normally the main hub of where law students can socialise outside of Law School. Law societies aid students in a variety of ways such as helping students to be more employable through hosting webinars, career panels and organising Networking Events to enable you to meet professionals in the Legal Sector. As well as this, there is also the social side which provides you with the opportunity to get together with friends and unwind. Law societies also put on larger scale events such as Law Balls and giveaways and sometimes even a trip!

Mooting Societies

Mooting is a competition which simulates a courtroom. Students analyse a problem prior to the arranged moot date and prepare materials with the applicable law alongside their partner and present this orally to persuade a judge to rule in your favour. It is simulated in the sense that participants have to wear and act as if they are truly in court using the correct terms and etiquette. Mooting is fantastic for both law and non-law students to get involved in as it enables you to develop your analytical skills whilst enhancing your advocacy and research skills. It may seem intimidating but there is a great thrill to be had when you beat your opponent! Sometimes some mooting societies offer opportunities to go abroad or moot in large scale competitions which are great if you are an aspiring barrister.

Commercial Awareness Societies

As a student wishing to practice law, we are always being told we need to be Commercially Aware. One of the best ways to do this is to join your University’s Commercial Awareness Society if they have one and if not set one up! These societies are a great way to get digestible commercial awareness updates as well as to have the opportunity to network with Commercial Law Firms. Whether you are a law student, business student or just someone who is interested in current affairs joining this society will allow you to build on skills that are not always taught in the classroom!

Law 4 Non-Law Societies

If you are considering a legal career but are not currently doing a legal degree, the Law 4 Non-Law Societies are a great way to interact with other like-minded students and get an understanding of what a conversion course into law would entail. By getting involved in the societcley, it will allow you to expand your networks to future lawyers and to other law firms. It will also open your eyes to the option of doing a law conversion course. Similar to the Official Law Societies, they will provide you with opportunities to go to socials, have career events, have balls and end of year trips! If your University does not have a Law 4 Non-Law Society, set one up or contact the official law society and set up a division within that one!

Sports, Volunteering and Special Interest Societies!

As aspiring lawyers, we can get so caught up in ensuring we are employable and improving our CV for our future legal careers that sometimes we forget to do things we really love and enjoy besides the law of course! I will always suggest and encourage students to get involved in societies outside of their degree. Whether this is a sport, some kind of volunteering such as St John’s Ambulance LINKS Society or special interest such as gaming or even musical theatre remember to have some downtime and do things you enjoy as we all know university is stressful. So make the most out of university and get involved in the societies your Students Union has to offer!