How do you stand out at a Law Fair? Trainees’ top tips from the other side of the table

Law Fair season has begun! As someone who has attended law fairs as a student and now in my role as a Trainee Solicitor at RWK Goodman, I can reflect on my experience on both sides of the table. Here are my top tips for getting the most out of law fairs:

Pick your target law firms

Many firms will attend the law fair and you simply won’t have time to speak to every firm. Review the list of firms attending, and narrow your list down to fit your criteria, whether that’s guided by culture, practice areas or size.

Do your research on your chosen law firms

I’m sure you’ve heard this thousands of times but research the firms you are interested in. Nobody will expect you to know every detail, however, research goes a long way. What are their main practice areas? Where are their offices located? What is their Training Contract structure like?

You want to make a good impression, so having an insight into the law firm will help you achieve that. I would suggest looking at the firm’s website, social media, and graduate recruitment pages to find out as much as you can.

RWK Goodman will have QR codes to enable you to join their mailing list if you are interested in finding out more information about our firm. You will be able to scan the code and fill in a short form, and you will receive emails about application opening dates and deadlines, and any event details.

Ask questions of the firm's representatives 

You’ve completed your research, now it’s your opportunity to ask us any other questions you may have. Prepare some questions you may want to ask beforehand. Firm representatives will provide first-hand insights into life at a firm and about their trainee programme. Seize the opportunity and ask questions that weren’t covered by your research.

We are here to answer your questions, so please ask away!

Make notes about the firms you're interested in

At law fairs, you will speak to trainees and members of the recruitment teams from numerous law firms, I recommend noting down any helpful information and their contact details.

These notes will allow you to compare and evaluate your discussions to help you decide where to apply.

There is no harm in contacting them to say thank you, especially on LinkedIn, where you can keep up to date on the firm.

Show off your personality 

Law fairs are not a one-way process; they are for firms to get to know you, as much as for you to get to know them. Firms want to know who you are and how you will fit in with their culture, and law fairs are an amazing way to speak to recruitment teams face-to-face.

You can use this amazing opportunity to show off your personality and skills. This is likely to improve your chances of them remembering you when you come to apply and interview.

Last but not least, enjoy it! 

Law Fairs are exciting, and not just because of all the freebies. You are there to meet potential recruiters and even possibly your future colleagues! Seize the opportunity and enjoy yourself!