This is the big one. If you haven’t yet secured a Training Contract, now is the time to get one. Applying to law firms – combined with your finals – can be time consuming. But if you take the time to do them well it will be worth it. So attend any workshops on application skills, go to open days, network, speak to recruiters and generally find out as much as you can about firms before making your application.
A number of firms offer Vacation Schemes for final-year law students, while others will offer Open Days. You should do your research around the opportunities available to you and whether you’re eligible to apply. Baker McKenzie offers a two-week scheme for Final Year students during the Spring.
We also offer a series of Open Days for which final-year students are eligible to apply. The day consists of presentations, workshops and opportunities to network with Trainee Solicitors, Associates, Partners and Graduate Recruiters. They’re a fantastic way to find out more about the work of a commercial lawyer and the culture of a global law firm.
If you’ve decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer, you’ll need to complete an extra year of study after your undergraduate degree, through the Legal Practice Course (LPC). We currently offer a Fast Track seven-month LPC at the BPP University, Holborn, London. Please note however that the route to qualifying as a Solicitor is changing with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). We will publish what this means for our future trainees in due course.