Don't get swamped: A student's survival guide to law application season

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By Ellie Stewart, criminology student

We have all been there, sat in lectures hearing people talk about vacation schemes and work experience... Do not panic! I will be sharing my three key law application tips in today’s blog. 

I will also explain why three well-thought-out applications are better than 20 rushed ones that you did the night before the deadline.

And don't forget the Law Careers Fair is on Wednesday 29 October on University Park campus.

Tip 1: Research smarter, not harder 

Research is the MOST important part of any application; it shows the company or law firm that you want to work for them. Research does not need to be complicated. Here are some ways I do it.

• Look at what areas the firms work or specialise in. You can find this by looking on the firm website, Legal Cheek and Legal 500

• I always look at the EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) sections. These are key, so you can get a sense of how you will fit in at the firm and the values of the firm

• Look at what the firm has been involved in recently; you can use LinkedIn for this. This can include any recent deals or partnerships that the law firm has done, and why they interest you. This shows that the application is personalised to you

Tip 2: Master the application timeline, before it masters you

As a university student, it is normal that we have a lot going on, with work, sports and now applications. However, using an application tracker or your calendar can help you stay organised.

I use Google Calendar to colour code when applications open and close. I also have an application tracker where I can keep all my research organised. Here is an example of what your Google Calendar could look like.

Tip 3: The power of people, building your network

Your network is your net worth when it comes to careers.

• Reach out to people who work at your desired firm on LinkedIn and ask any questions

• Attend law networking events - the LawSoc at UoN advertises lots. This is a great way to meet new friends, too

• Book an appointment with the university’s careers service. They are experts and can point you in the right direction if you feel stuck

• Talk to friends or course mates who have similar interests to you. This will help you feel less alone in the application process

• Read the Careers team's emails. They advertise a lot of exclusive opportunities.

Most importantly, do not stress. It is all about being organised and focusing on the quality of applications rather than quantity.

If you do not manage to secure a legal internship, it is okay. There are also plenty of opportunities, for example, placements within your school or faculty, and check out the exclusive work experience opportunities organised by the Careers team.

I hope these tips have been helpful, good luck for your upcoming applications.

If you're interested in a career in law, the Law Careers Fair is taking place on University Park campus on Wednesday 29 October between 11.30am and 2.30pm. Visit the webpage for a list of the firms and educational providers attending. This fair is open to all students with information on conversion courses available.

You can also explore more about a career in law on our website written by our career experts.