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Article written by Sinead B, University of Exeter graduate and current GDL student.
One of the best ways to network with other students, find out more about law firms and gain commercial awareness is to attend events and open days. It is also a great addition to your CV.
Following firms on social media is a great way to hear about their events, workshops, and panel discussions. It is also a good way to gain knowledge of the various sectors and industries practised at the firm. Reaching out to employees at your chosen firms will also help you to gain an insight into the firm.
Listening to podcasts such as The Commercial Awareness Podcast, and MoreFromLaw is a great way to strengthen your understanding of the business world. Subscribing to weekly newsletters will also help you to regularly improve your commercial awareness.
A solicitor is responsible for dealing with legal documentation and representing the interests of clients. A barrister advocates for their clients in court. After completing the GDL/SQE, the route to becoming a solicitor is different from the route to becoming a barrister so it is important to decide which role would suit you best.
Gaining work experience is a great way to find out which areas of law you’re interested in. You will also have the chance to meet new people and network.
Whether you have done a humanities degree or a STEM degree, you have the advantage of using your transferable skills such as essay writing, problem-solving and analytical expertise.
Join the Law Society at your university and sign up for events, talks, and workshops where you can meet other non-law students who are interested in the same career as you.
