For law students, navigating the complex and competitive landscape of career options can be a daunting task. The traditional training contract saw as many as thousands of students competing for the same contract and opportunity to train with a firm, luckily with the introduction of Qualifying Work Experience there are now more avenues to getting the career development and experience you need to qualify, however that doesn't make it easy. With the right guidance and support, law students can gain a clearer understanding of their options and develop a strategic plan to achieve their career objectives. This page provides valuable insights and resources in topics such as networking, application processes, vacation schemes and more, with the aims of helping law students make informed decisions about their future careers in the legal industry and provide practical tips to help you succeed.

colp careers 101 series

Getting that all-important bit of practical experience practising in law is at the forefront of every law student's and aspiring solicitor's mind, whether it's bagging a training contract or a vacation scheme. We know it's not easy, with applications sometimes in the thousands for a single role, making it more important to stand out with your application than ever, that's why we've put together this COLP careers series that breaks down different aspects of the application process and provides tips and advice on the different things you need to know, so let's get right in!

 

Vacation Schemes 101 
We run through everything you need to know about vacation schemes to get you on the right track including how to apply and make the most of your vacation scheme...

 

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Trainee Positions 101 
In this article we look at the ins and outs of trainee positions including what they are, what is changing because of the SQE, how to apply, tips for success and more...

 

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Assessment Centres 101
In this article we look at the ins and outs of assessment centres including what they are and a breakdown of the process including interviews, aptitude tests, written exercises and more...

 

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Negotiation Skills 101 
We look at the  negotiation process, explore its definition and purpose, and discuss key negotiation styles and how to use them in practice in this article...

 

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Commercial Awareness 101
It’s easy to end up a little unsure about what commercial awareness means in practice, and how to upskill in this area. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a 101 for you...

 

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Advice from lawyers & graduate recruitment

 

Choosing the right area of law for you
We look at the different legal areas you can potentially specialise in and how to know what's right for you, with a focus on clinical negligence, insolvency and family law...

 

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Three lawyers share advice on progressing your legal career
Three solicitors share their legal journey with us, including learning curves, things they wish they knew and general tips and advice for those looking to break into the sector...

 

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Graduate recruitment teams share tips for accessing the industry
Movies often set up false realities for how you get your first legal role, we keep it real with insights and advice from expert recruiters from law firms and legal organisations... 

 

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How to secure legal work experience webinar

Are you looking to get your first role in the legal sector? Perhaps you are finishing your law degree this summer, or looking to work alongside your study? This panel session, offered in partnership with Bristol Law Society, shares experiences and advice from those already in the sector. The panellists:

• Charlotte Bradbury (she/her) is a transgender woman from a working class background and now works in-house as an employment lawyer
• Egbe Manton (she/her) also works in-house, and founded Inspire Law Global, an organisation that empowers early talent through coaching, consulting, and training for success in the legal industry.
• Stuart Henry (he/him) is President of Bristol Law Society and a Litigation Consultant at Taylor Rose

Steps to progress your career: Undergraduates edition

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for undergraduate law students. In this section, we will walk you through the key areas of focus for each year of your studies, providing valuable insights to help you focus on areas to develop or improve upon while completing your law degree to prepare you for your career in law. Whether you're just starting your first year or approaching the final stretch, we've got you covered, from networking and career fairs to vacation schemes and more, allowing you to be well-prepared for life after graduation.

 

First Year Undergraduates 
Your first year of undergraduate study is a fantastic opportunity to explore your future interests, placements you may undertake or career opportunities you will look to as a graduate...

 

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Second Year Undergraduates 
By now, we would expect that your CV is relevant and up to date, and you have a professional profile on LinkedIn. Hopefully you have also decided if you want to become a solicitor...

 

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Third Year Undergraduates 
The most important focus in your 3rd year goes without saying - you need to focus on your studies. For many SQE preparation courses and Masters Programmes, you will need a 2:2 and...

 

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