Vacation Scheme Deadlines approaching

If you are interested in a career as a commercial solicitor in a larger firm then this blog post is for you.

 

The time of year is approaching when you need to focus on vacation scheme applications.  Many firms who offer these will have a deadline to apply for an Easter or Summer vacation scheme by 31st January 2014.
 
The application process for vacation schemes can be very similar to the training contract application process and in some cases, applications for both are made on the same form.

In order to ensure that you stand the best chance of securing your vacation scheme, make sure that you:

1. Plan ahead – don’t leave it until the last minute. Application forms can take a considerable amount of time to prepare (if you are doing them properly!).
2. Do your research – be clear about who you want to apply to and why. Be sure to check the minimum application criteria.
3. Target your applications. Make sure that you understand what the firm is all about, looking at key practice areas, location, key clients and culture.

I am planning on delivering a 1 hour session on "Applying for Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts" at 1.30pm on Wednesday 22 January 2014 in Binks CBK106/1. This will help you to answer the application form questions in order to maximise your chances of success.

Open Days at Law Firm DWF

DWF, a leading UK commercial Law firm with offices in the North West, is holding a series of open days in December and January.  Please see details below along with special instructions if you are interested in either the Birmingham or Manchester days.

Open day location	Date
Manchester	17 December
Birmingham	19 December
Liverpool	8 January
Edinburgh	16 January
Newcastle	24 January
Leeds	28 January
London	30 January
Glasgow	04 February

 

 

Please note that if you are interested in attending our Manchester or Birmingham open days, we ask that we receive your CV and covering letter by no later than Monday 9th December 2013. This will allow us ample time to review your application. From then we will be in touch to confirm your place on the open day and to provide more details nearer the time. If you are interested in open days at other DWF office locations, please do send a CV and covering letter to trainees@dwf.co.uk at least two weeks before the event for you to be considered. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you very soon at an open day! Kind regards, The DWF Graduate Recruitment Team

Commercial Awareness for the Legal Sector – Training Session 4/12/13

 

Within the Legal Sector, firms and chambers will expect applicants for training contracts and pupillages to be able to demonstrate they understand the business environment. This session will be of interest to any student considering pursuing a legal career and students who attend both workshop one (on campus) and two (at BPP Law School) will receive a Certificate of Commercial Awareness from BPP.

 

Commercial Awareness for the Legal Sector - Training Session

Wednesday 4/12/13

1 - 3 pm, Chester campus, Chritchley, CCR004/1&2 (please note this is a change from the previously advertised location.)

 

If you would like to attend please email unijob@chester.ac.uk (please ensure you include your student number and contact telephone number.)

 

This session is part of the full Enhance Your Employability programme. For full details visit www.chester.ac.uk/eyetraining

 

Warm regards

The Enhance Your Employability (EYE) Team

Careers and Employability

University of Chester

T: 01244 513066

E: unijob@chester.ac.uk

 

 

 

Ambitious, disabled and considering a career in commercial law?

This uniquely interactive event is designed to provide people with disability or long term health conditions an insight into the true nature of the opportunities for University Students interested in pursuing a career in commercial law.

 

With contributions from some of the world’s leading law firms, it will help you to develop your understanding of the industry and the support that is available. The event will also cover how best to approach the application and selection process, as well as provide the opportunity to meet those already working in the industry who have first hand experience of disability.

 

Attending will help give you the confidence and direction you need to overcome your concerns and make the most of your potential.

 

The next event will take place in London on 2nd December 2013.

 

For further details and to apply please see http://www.open-to-you.com/apply

 

 

 

Talk Wed 27 November 1.30pm CBK013 Moss Haselhurst and Simpson Jones

Law firms Moss Haselhurst, based in Northwich and Simpson Jones, based in Derby are coming on campus next Wednesday 27 November to talk about the two practices and how they work together, the areas of law they cover, opportunities for part-time jobs and training contracts.

There will be talks from solicitors about Family Law, Conveyancing and Litigation.

The talk is at 1.30pm in Binks CBK013. It should be an interesting afternoon.

 

Please can you email me if you wish to attend? p.hardie@chester.ac.uk

 

Follow-up from Manchester Law Fair

 Hope everyone enjoyed the visit to Manchester Law Fair this week.
So, what are you going to do with all that information you gleaned from the Law firms?

Never mind the freebies you were given. It's time to think about a strategy of applying for work placement schemes and training contracts, especially if you are in your 2nd or 3rd year. Make notes on who you want to apply to and why.

Use www.lawcareers.net

 to help you prioritise applications by looking at the closing dates for work placement schemes. Some will be end of January 2013.

If you were given business cards or email addresses by anyone on a stand at the Law Fair, follow this up. Send them an email to thank them for taking the time to speak to you.

Manchester Law Fair next week - Tuesday 19 November!

We are only a week away from the biggest Law Fair of the year in the North West!

This is Manchester Law Fair at Manchester Central (formerly GMEX).

The Law Fair takes place between 12.30pm and 4.00pm on Tuesday 19 November 2013 and is open to Law students from any institution.

This fair is an excellent forum for students and graduates to have discussions with firms of solicitors about their opportunities for vacation placements and training contracts, to talk to training providers about their law courses or to find out about careers at the Bar or in other areas of Law.

Online registration for the fair is now open.

Sign up on the Law School noticeboard at 67 Liverpool Road for the free coach to take you there!

Details of the exhibitors and the link to online registration are available at:
http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/students/events/lawfair/

Please see below for link to my presentation on how to prepare for the Law Fair:

Getting the Most out of Manchester Law Fair

Enjoy!

A day in the City Law event 13 January 2014

Please see below for details of this event from Target Jobs:

A day in the City is your chance to gain an insight into the life of a City lawyer. In 2012/13 we ran two events, one in London and one in Birmingham; each offering 40 students the chance to spend a day with top law firms and network with lawyers, trainees and graduate recruiters. Attendees were put through their paces with sessions designed to reflect the application process as well as bespoke skills workshops offering guidance and a chance to have questions answered.

The next A day in the City is taking place in London on Monday 13 January 2014, at two leading law firms;RPC and Dentons.

If you think you have what it takes to pursue a career in law then our A day in the City event is for you.

Open to students from all disciplines (both law and non-law) this is your opportunity to:

• step inside two prestigious law firms - RPC and Dentons
• speak directly with recruiters, partners and trainees
• take part in case studies and other business games
• refine key skills required during the application process

So if you're currently at university in the United Kingdom or Ireland and are able to demonstrate a high level of academic performance then this is the event for you!

Applications for our January 2014 event open ARE NOW OPEN!

Go to: http://targetjobsevents.co.uk/a-day-in-the-city

"The next step in your legal career" - LPC talk next week by University of Law

The University of Law will be in the Law School at 67 Liverpool Road at 1.30pm on Wednesday 13 November 2013 to deliver a talk on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and how this can help you in your legal career. I will also be presenting a short talk on the application process for the LPC.


If you want to find out more please book your place at www.chester.ac.uk/careers/vacancies
You will need to register the first time you use this system

 

Please support this talk as this is an ideal opportunity to ask questions about the LPC generally and the University of Law’s LPC/LLM in particular.

 

There will be copies of the University of Law’s prospectuses available in the Law School for you to take away.

 

Additionally, April Hargreaves, The University of Law’s student representative will be in the Law School on Monday 11 November after 3pm and on Tuesday 12 November after 1pm if you have any queries.

 

 

Last few days to apply for City Law Live on Friday 6 December!

Please see below message on behalf of City Law Live

The final pieces are falling into place for the amazing CityLawLIVE conference in central London on Friday 6 December, sponsored by The University of Law. We are delighted to announce our final participating firm, Bristows, which brings enormous expertise in intellectual property (although that's by no means all they are expert at) to the conference. This in turn means that our full roster of law firm workshops is now finalised. They are:

Morning workshops
Baker & McKenzie - International M&A
Taylor Wessing - Private wealth
Edwards Wildman Palmer UK LLP - Disputes
Norton Rose Fulbright - Energy
Bristows - Intellectual property

Afternoon workshops
Weil, Gotshal & Manges - Private equity
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP - Banking
King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin - Negotiation skills
Clyde & Co LLP - Insurance
Shearman & Sterling (London) LLP - Project finance

We have already had lots of applications and competition for places is fierce. Moreover, word of the event continues to spread, especially since we and our sponsor firms have been on campus for law fairs and presentations during this period of intense careers activity. We are keen everyone has a chance to apply, but we realise that you are very busy with study, research and other activities that will make you attractive to employers! Therefore we have extended the deadline to 10 November. Here's your chance - seize the day and apply - this might be just the break you need! All the details are at http://www.citylawlive.com/Dec2013

Upcoming events for Law students

The University of Law will be in the Law School at 67 Liverpool Road at 1.30pm on Wednesday 13 November 2013 to deliver a talk on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and how this can help you in your legal career. I will also be presenting a short talk on the application process for the LPC.

If you want to find out more please book your place at www.chester.ac.uk/careers/vacancies
You will need to register the first time you use this system

Barrister Insight Day Manchester  also on Wednesday 13 November from 4.00pm to 8.00pm -

　A series of workshops and employability sessions followed by a chance to network over a glass of wine with pupils and practising barristers from the region.

Solicitor Insight Day Chester Thursday 9 January 2014 from 3.00pm to 7.00pm

Workshops and employability sessions followed by networking.

Book online at www.law.ac.uk/events

Next Open Day at University of Law Chester Saturday 2nd November 10:30am - 1pm

Interested in the LPC? Come along to a talk

The University of Law will be in the Law School at 67 Liverpool Road at 1.30pm on Wednesday 13 November 2013 to deliver a talk on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and how this can help you in your legal career. I will also be presenting a short talk on the application process for the LPC.


If you want to find out more please book your place at www.chester.ac.uk/careers/vacancies
You will need to register the first time you use this system

Work Shadowing opportunities

Are you interested in shadowing a professional for a day? If so, you need to register with Work Shadowing. This is how it works.

• Go to http://www.chester.ac.uk/careers/current-students-and-graduates/work-shadowing and fill in the registration form.
• Email completed form to unijob@chester.ac.uk
• You will then receive a list of available Work Shadowing visits each month.
• Choose a visit that interests you and contact the Work Shadowing team to discuss on 01244 513066
• You will then be able to discuss the proposed visit in more detail
• Your visit will be arranged
• There are opportunities to shadow lawyers so if you are interested in the legal profession look out for these.

Important Information for Level 6 Students

Welcome back to the University of Chester on behalf of Careers and Employability. Below is a summary of key careers information you need to know during your final year.

1. Applications for the LPC are now open and there is no closing date. See http://www.lawcabs.ac.uk/ for further details.
2. Come along to the University of Law talk in the Law School on Liverpool Road to find out more about the LPC on Wednesday 13 November at 1.30 pm.  I will also run through the application process.
3. BPTC applications will open at the beginning of November with a closing date of mid January 2014.  See https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qualifying-as-a-barrister/bar-professional-training-course/how-to-apply-for-the-bptc/ for further details.
4. The four Inns of Court offer Bar Scholarships to help with the cost of the BPTC.  There is a competitive application process but, if successful, the awards can be substantial. You can only apply to one Inn for a Scholarship.The closing date for applications is Friday 1 November 2013.  Please contact me at p.hardie@chester.ac.uk if you want to find out more.
5. There is no longer a time limit from completion of the LLB to starting the LPC. Also, contrary to popular myth, there is no time limit between completing the LPC and commencing the training contract. For the BPTC, once you have completed the course you only have five years to obtain pupillage before your  qualification expires.
6. Only about 50% of LLB graduates enter the professions of solicitor or barrister.  A law degree is well regarded by graduate employers so if you want to know more about your options after graduation outside the legal profession please book a guidance appointment with either me or one of the other Career Consultants.
7. Please contact me if you have any careers-related questions.  I am based in the Careers and Employability Centre opposite Binks.

Welcome to the University of Chester

Hello

My name is Philippa Hardie and I am the specialist Law Career Consultant here at the University of Chester.

A warm welcome to the University and to Careers and Employability, in particular.

You might wonder why you are getting this message about Careers so early in your studies but it really is important that you start thinking about your future, whether in Law or elsewhere, from Level 4 onwards.

I will be meeting all of you during the Law School Induction during Freshers' Week and hope to be able to talk to some of you at the Social Event on Tuesday 24 September at 4pm.

I am based in Careers and Employability on the main campus opposite the Binks Building.

Please have a look at the Careers and Employability web pages at www.chester.ac.uk/careers

I attach 2 resources from our website which may be of interest to you.
Careers in Law Timetable 2013/14 http://www.chester.ac.uk/sites/files/chester/CareersinLawTimetable2013-14.pdf
Career Planning for Law Students
http://www.chester.ac.uk/sites/files/chester/CareerplanningforLawstudentsbooklet2012.pdf

My email address is p.hardie@chester.ac.uk

I look forward to meeting you. Enjoy your studies!

City Law Live - Apply now as places are limited

Apply now for City Law Live Friday 6 December 2013

Applications for City Law Live are now open. This is a one day conference for those wishing to find out more about a career as a City lawyer. Places are limited so don't delay!

If you have the potential to be a successful City lawyer, this is your chance to spend a full day meeting employers, better understanding how law in business works and turning yourself from a good to an outstanding candidate!

For more details go to http://www.citylawlive.com/Dec2013

Two days left to TC Deadline!

There are now only two days left for you to finish off those training contract applications to firms who recruit two years in advance.  Make sure you don't miss the boat if you are looking for a training contract to start in 2015! 


For a comprehensive list of firms' deadlines go to

http://www.allaboutcareers.com/campaigns/training-contract-deadlines

or visit https://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/TrainingContractDeadlines

Don't delay as filling out application forms is a time-consuming process so don't leave it until the last minute!

Apply now for City Law Live Friday 6 December 2013

Applications for City Law Live are now open. This is a one day conference for those wishing to find out more about a career as a City lawyer.

If you have the potential to be a successful City lawyer, this is your chance to spend a full day meeting employers, better understanding how law in business works and turning yourself from a good to an outstanding candidate!

 

For more details go to http://www.citylawlive.com/Dec2013

Another useful article on commercial awareness

With closing dates for training contracts in 2015 fast approaching now is just the time to sharpen up your commercial awareness so you can demonstrate it on your application forms. It even gives you a very useful list of radio, TV and press links which will bump up your commercial knowhow in no time and impress any future employer!

http://www.lawcareers.net/Information/Features/03072012-What-have-you-been-reading-Hello-Magazine?c=S24746&i=S24746

Publication on Commercial Awareness

I went to a Law careers event in London yesterday organised by Lawcareers.net. 

It was very informative and you should certainly check out their website if you're not aware of it already.

www.lawcareers.net


There is a section called My LCN where you can  list the Law firms and Chambers you wish to apply to and link to usful articles about them.  You can also save  your academic information to add to application forms.

I was also made aware of a publication available online called The Gateway

http://thegatewayonline.com/

This free online resource is packed with information to help make you more commercially aware, a skill required by most organisations these days.

Have a read and see what you think.

I'll be posting again when I return from 2 weeks on leave!

Training Contract deadlines approaching

Calling all second and final year students wanting to start a training contract in 2015!

Just a reminder that large commercial law firms and some general practice firms are currently advertising training contracts for 2015 with a closing date to apply of 31 July 2013.

For a comprehensive list of firms' deadlines go to

http://www.allaboutcareers.com/campaigns/training-contract-deadlines

or visit https://www.lawcareers.net/Solicitors/TrainingContractDeadlines

Don't delay as filling out application forms is a time-consuming process so don't leave it until the last minute!

Obtaining a Pupillage - Some Wise Words of Advice

This is an interesting article for anyone applying for pupillage.

http://l2b.thelawyer.com/barrister/running-the-pupillage-gauntlet/1016377.article

Farewell to the third years

Please see below some information which may be useful for you as graduates of the University of Chester.  Good luck to you all and keep in touch.

 

Destinations Survey

 

You can help us by returning your Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey questionnaire later this year (November).  Please let us know if your contact details (including email address) have changed.

 

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Helping you after graduation

Our services are available free of charge for up to three years after graduation. If you would like to make an appointment with a Career Consultant visit us in the Careers and Employability Centre (opposite the Binks Building) at the Chester campus or the Martin Building at the Warrington campus or contact us via phone or e-mail.

T: 01244 513066 (Chester Campus)       T: 01925 534235 (Warrington campus)

E: careers@chester.ac.uk                      E: warrington.careers@chester.ac.uk

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Vacancies

Careers and Employability has an online vacancy and events system for students and graduates.  To use the system you first need to register by going to www.chester.ac.uk/careers/vacancies and then click on the “Online Vacancies Service” links.

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Graduate Head Start

 

Are you a recent University of Chester graduate not yet in a graduate job?

Are you looking for ways to make yourself more employable?

 

Then why not enhance your careers opportunities with our free Graduate Head Start (GHS) programme?

GHS is a unique and innovative three-day programme which been designed to support Chester graduates who are yet to find employment or who are not fulfilling their career ambitions.

 

What’s in it for you? 

·       Career Planning Day One - manage your career progression, analyse your skills, values and experience, learn how to complete successful applications and how to successfully prepare for interviews.

·       Career Planning Day Two - discover more about yourself, what type of learner you are and an opportunity to gain 20 credits at Masters level by completing the associated assessment.

·       Career Planning Day Three - learn about personal branding, effective networking and hear an employer’s perspective on what makes a successful graduate applicant.  Undertake a mock interview with constructive feedback being given.

·       A five-week work placement - undertake a developmental project, gain valuable experience and give your CV the competitive edge

·       Careers coaching from a Career Consultant - receive support with career planning including CVs, applications and mock interviews for specific job roles.

·       ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) - gain a nationally recognised IT qualification.

 

Programme dates:

Ø    September 2013 - 9th, 10th and 17th

Ø    October 2013 - 14th, 15th and 22nd

Ø    November 2013 - 18th, 19th and 26th

 

For further details please visit: http://www.chester.ac.uk/careers/graduate-head-start

 

 

The structure of the courts

I thought this was a useful reference document as it explains how the courts are structured and how the process interacts.

http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Images/Layout/courts_structure.pdf

Training contracts and pupillages at the Government Legal Service

The application process for the 2013 Legal Trainee Scheme Recruitment Campaign for the Government Legal Service will open on 1 July 2013 and close on 31 July 2013.

The GLS recruits both trainee solicitors and pupil barristers and will be recruiting 20 candidates to start in September 2014 and 20 candidates to start in September 2015.

The GLS will pay your Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) fees in full provided you have not yet started the course.

For more information please go to

 http://www.gls.gov.uk/graduate-opps.html

Work experience opportunities at North Liverpool Community Justice Centre

I have recently spoken to the Community Justice Centre in Liverpool which is keen to offer placements to students of up to 1 week in August, September and beyond. This would involve assisting the District Judges, and talking to other legal professionals from CPS as well as Youth Offending teams etc.

Here are the details:

Peter O’Donnell

North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, Boundary Street, Liverpool,

L5 2QD

0151 298 3602

07500106502

peter.o'donnell@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk

If you are interested you need to email Peter O’Donnell a copy of your CV and a brief covering letter explaining why you want this experience and when you are available. 

Summer Placement at Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Foreign and Commonwealth Office - Future Talent Scheme

Are you looking for a placement scheme that will offer you a truly unique experience? Look no further than the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Future Talent Scheme (FTS). A six week paid work experience scheme run by the FCO with a total of 15 places available this summer.

This year the scheme is split into two strands: the first is for female undergraduates of any academic discipline (10 places); and the second for undergraduates - both male and female - who are studying a hard language (5 places).

Designed to give you an early insight into the unique work of the FCO, the placement is a chance to find out about the important part you could play here when it comes to your time to enter the job market.

What does the scheme offer?

·      The rare chance to experience first-hand the work and culture of the FCO in London

·      Paid work experience on your six week placement

·      A dedicated line manager and access to a range of development  opportunities that can be tailored to individual needs

Your future career?

Imagine being able to help shape the way countries act on the global challenge of climate change. Or support their efforts to tackle extremism. What if your work helped to stimulate overseas trade and investment in Britain? Or reduce the threat to the world of weapons proliferation? Imagine stepping off a plane, straight into a disaster zone – and being able to help the victims. A career at the FCO could give you all this influence.

For further details and to apply please visit www.capitaras.co.uk/futuretalent
Closing date for applications: 27th May 2013.