Going to the Law Fairs

Each year between November and February a number of university careers services organise law fairs for their students. A fair is a great opportunity for graduate recruiters to meet you face-to-face, promote their firms and answer any questions that you may have about the opportunities they have on offer. You can use this fairly informal situation to find out more about the culture and working practices of the firms that you are most interested in applying to. A wide variety of firms will be represented at the fairs, but bear in mind that they are most likely to be the larger, commercial firms with offices nationwide.

Preparation is very important. Find out beforehand who's attending by using the fair guide and the website. Use your careers library and the Internet to research the employers, so you know whose stands you'd like to target. Go smartly dressed, and be prepared to queue at some stands. Prepare some questions for your chosen employers. You need to think of your own questions, but popular topics include questions about training, support for professional exams, or opportunities to work overseas.

You also need to anticipate the questions employers may ask you. They may want to know about your UCAS points, your likely degree class and your reasons for choosing your course and university. They may ask you why you're interested in a career in law, and be curious to know what you know about them. Be prepared to discuss the skills and personal qualities you have to offer them. Questions about your interests outside academic life might also crop up. Employers may request a copy of your CV, so make sure it's up to date.

After the fair, use the information you've gained to help you to begin to focus on those employers you're genuinely interested in. If you still have questions, follow them up by telephoning the firm again. Use a named contact you've met at the fair, if at all possible. This gives you another chance to make an impression, and show them that you're keen. Popular companies get hundreds of application forms - but some will make a point of looking out for your form if they've actually met you before.

Over 350 students attended the University of Liverpools last Law Fair. Here's what some of them thought of it.

'I really enjoyed talking to the representatives on the stands. I found out that a lot of them were recent graduates from this university so it was very easy to strike up a conversation. I felt able to ask questions that I wouldn't feel able o at interview.'

'I am especially interested in employment law. I was able to find out which firms at the fair specialised in this area so now I will be able to target my applications more specifically.'

'The fair was great. It helped me decide who I didn't want to work for as well as who I did.'

'I found the seminars at the fair very useful. I am now much clearer about the whole application process.'

Emma Gardner

Events Co-ordinator, University of Liverpool

Jennifer Connell

Careers Adviser, University of Liverpool