When starting law school, it is easy to look around and feel like everyone knows exactly where they want to be and what extra-curriculars will help get them there. The reality is that most people do not have it all figured out and they are simply trying out different opportunities to gain new experiences. Of course, the different experiences you are interested in will be hugely dependent on where you would like to go in your career, but if you are someone who is unsure, here is what has worked for me.
Importantly, you should remember that your main priority must be your wellbeing. University takes up a lot of time and energy, so it is completely okay if your focus is primarily on your degree. Everyone is on their own journey, and just because certain extra-curricular activities are available does not mean you have to be involved in all of them. You know yourself best, and it is nobody else’s place to tell you what you should be doing outside of your studies. With that said, exploring different roles and activities can provide you with valuable insights, so here is some guidance that might help!
1. Societies
Your university will offer a wide range of societies, each providing ways to explore your interests and develop key skills. Being on a committee in a society can significantly enhance your employability by demonstrating your involvement at university and showcasing important skills. Also, it is a great opportunity to form connections with people you may not have otherwise met. While being on a committee is an excellent experience, it is not always practical for everyone. Luckily, engaging in society activities can be equally beneficial. For example, law societies often run mooting or negotiation competitions that help you build on valuable skills. These kinds of events are directly applicable to law and may help you pinpoint what you enjoy, ultimately narrowing down the kind of lawyer you would like to be. However, what you do within a society does not always have to directly relate to law. Any event that offers insight into a field you are interested in can be a great experience. These events will help you identify your passions and build your network in turn developing your communication skills.
2. Law Firm Events
Many law firms dedicate considerable time and resources to hosting early career events which will provide you with a deeper understanding of their firms before you apply. These events were crucial to me when applying to firms because I wanted to ensure it was somewhere I was passionate about working at before applying. Open days are a great way to learn about a firm’s culture and get an idea of the kind of work you could be doing as a lawyer there. Whether you find the career path you want or realise it is not for you, you will gain a clearer understanding of what you are passionate about. I highly recommend attending open day events for any firms you are interested in. They not only give you a chance to learn more about the firm but can also help you stand out during the application process. For example, if you have an interesting conversation with a solicitor during an open day, be sure to mention it in your application, it shows you have taken the initiative to learn more about the firm. Another experience that is worth exploring are law firm competitions. Many firms host essay competitions, notably the Gowling WLG ESG Annual Essay Competition. Not only does this urge you to research and learn more about issues of growing importance, they also offer a range of awards at different levels, such as exclusive ESG open days or work experience. No matter the outcome of the competition you will have learnt something new and developed your writing skills.
3. An Indirect Experience
It is important to remember that law is deeply connected to many other sectors, so exploring other areas can provide valuable transferable skills. For me, politics has been a huge area of interest and participating in political events has taught me a lot. I took part in the Patchwork Foundation’s party conference scheme and am now on their masterclass programme. The transferable skills I have gained from these experiences are unmatched. Meeting a range of new people and learning about many different career paths has been eye opening. Direct legal experiences are important, but do not underestimate the value of experiences in other fields. These experiences can also demonstrate to employers that you have a range of passions and understand the interconnectedness of law with other sectors. Another valuable experience for any aspiring lawyer is engaging in writing and research. Writing for The Student Lawyer is a prime example of how extra roles can develop key skills that not only help with personal growth but make you more employable. Writing for TSL has allowed me to realise how much I enjoy helping others pursue law. I now know I would like to continue supporting others in their legal journeys throughout my career. Writing opportunities can also be found through university, often in society blogs. These positions help you stay up to date with relevant topics while building on skills you will need as a lawyer.
4. Mentoring
Finally, the value of having a mentor cannot be overstated. Mentoring can be found through university support services or external organisations like GROW mentoring. Having a mentor, someone who is already in the career you aspire to be in, makes a huge difference in your confidence and understanding of the path ahead. Learning about their journey and having them there to answer your questions is incredibly helpful. Receiving mentoring is not the only rewarding opportunity, becoming a mentor is also highly valuable. Offering guidance to those who are going through similar experiences you once did is fulfilling. It helps you develop essential skills and it also gives you the opportunity to reflect on your own achievements and setbacks. By sharing these insights with your mentees, you not only assist them but also gain a deeper understanding of your own journey.
These experiences are perfect if you are looking to develop your employability but also understand more about what you enjoy and where you would like to be. These are only the experiences that helped me gain a clearer understanding of my passions, there are plenty of others that are extremely helpful. It is important to learn what works for you.
Article written by Caity Kelly, University of Bristol Undergraduate LLB
