10:00-10:45
The SQE and what it means for you
Find out everything you need to know about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Virtual Law Fair 2021
Monday 18th - Friday 22nd October 2021 - The UK's biggest law fair!
- Join live workshops and presentations every day.
- Meet top law firms and law schools in our Networking Expo.
- Brand new platform with enhanced features.
- Last year we had more than 20,000 attendees & 100+ exhibitors.
- After the fair, continue to use our Digital Campus - we’ve held more than 350 exclusive employer events!
Headline sponsor
Supporting sponsors
Monday 18th October
Featured sessions
11:00-12:00
How to bring your application to life
Shoosmiths are looking for innovative, commercially aware trainee solicitors who share in our values. The best applications are those that are unique and prove you have a real interest in being part of the Shoosmiths culture. Samantha Hope shares her top tips for how to show your personality and bring your application to life.
12:00-12:45
I'm looking for legal work experience, where can I find it?
An interactive workshop with John Watkins, Director of Employability at the University of Law, which focuses on how and where to find work experience.
14:00-15:00
BCLP application hints and tips
Hear from the BCLP Graduate Recruitment team as they take you through their application process, breaking it down and providing you with some handy hints and tips to ensure success in securing a Training Contract!
15:00-15:45
How do I fund my postgraduate studies?
An insightful presentation to help you discover the different ways to fund your postgraduate law courses.
16:00-17:00
Introduction to Latham & Watkins
As you plan your career in law, you will be trying to differentiate between the world’s top law firms to see which one is right for you. Here we offer some insight into what a career at Latham & Watkins in London is like, to help you decide whether this is the right place to start your legal career.
10:00-11:00
It's your future, create it here
CMS is a future-facing law firm. This presentation will give participants an overview of CMS, our culture and our sector expertise. We will also introduce our graduate opportunities and application processes.
10:00-11:00
Commercial Insight with RPC
At RPC, our business isn’t just about black letter law; it’s about building open relationships with our clients to help them get the most out of our business. We genuinely care about the work that we do. Whether it’s a complex insurance claim, large-scale global dispute, business-critical commercial advice or transactional support, our clients really trust us. In this interactive session with some of our lawyers you will learn about the world of Commercial law and how we provide our clients with the best commercial solutions.
10:00-10:45
Application Process & Q&A
An insight into the application process at Bird & Bird, revealing how you can make a competitive application. There will also be the opportunity to pose any questions you have about applying for a vacation scheme or training contract to the graduate recruitment team at the firm.
11:00-11:45
Pro bono at Freshfields
Learn about the pro bono work you could get involved with at Freshfields.
11:00-12:00
Training Opportunities Q&A
A chance to ask our trainees any questions you have on our training opportunities and the work we do.
11:00-12:00
Application & Interview Workshop
The Graduate Recruitment team will provide you with their top tips on how to secure a place on a vacation scheme or fast track scheme at the Firm. You will also have the chance to ask questions.
12:00-13:00
An Introduction to Bates Wells and Charity Law
An introduction to the firm and an explanation about our charity work, with a focus on the life of a trainee.
12:00-13:00
Standing out in the application process
Join Debbie Moors, Early Careers Specialist, and trainee solicitors to find out more about Foot Anstey and how to stand out from the crowd (for the right reasons!) throughout the application process.
12:00-13:00
Success in Applications
Hear from our Trainee Solicitors and Early Careers Team about how to make your application stand out
14:00-15:00
A quality training experience, outside of London
A focus on the training contract opportunities outside of London. Working outside of London does not mean that the quality of work or clients is lower. Hear from trainees from a variety of our offices to hear about their different experiences and some case studies on the work they have been involved in.
14:00-15:00
Application forms - what are we looking for?
Interested in applying for a vacation scheme or training contract at Osborne Clarke? This session will tell you everything that you need to know!
14:00-15:00
Life at Charles Russell Speechlys and how to apply
Hear about what life is like for trainees at the firm and the kinds of work and wider opportunities you could get involved with as a trainee. The Early Talent team will also share hints and tips on how to navigate the application process
15:00-16:00
How to make an impactful application
Hints and tips from the Graduate Recruitment team on how to make a successful application to Mayer Brown and what we look for in a candidate.
15:00-16:00
Linklaters Application and Assessment Masterclass
Thinking of applying to Linklaters for a Vacation Scheme or Training Contract? During this interactive session, you'll get an insight into the application process and what to expect on a Linklaters assessment day.
15:00-16:00
TLTWorld - Our strategy, brand values and EDI initiatives
Join us for this presentation as we explore what TLTWorld means, the strategy behind it and the values that we believe make our brand. Inclusion is at the core of our strategy and we'll share with you how we are committed to delivering sustainable, meaningful change.
16:00-17:00
DLA Piper: Questions with Graduate Recruitment
Meet with our Graduate Recruiters who will answer questions you have about the application process and opportunities we have at DLA Piper.
16:00-17:00
The Ashfords Training Contract: The Trainee Lifecycle
We will be answering questions on all aspects of the trainee lifecycle at Ashfords, from applications and assessment centres to seat moves and qualification.
16:00-17:00
An introduction to HFW - an international, sector focused firm
At HFW we focus on real world, tangible areas of commercial law. Sectors such as shipping, aerospace, commodities, construction, energy and insurance where we see the impact of the work that we do on the world around us. Come along to this informal presentation for an introduction to HFW and learn more about the international, sector-focused work that we do from graduate recruitment, Trainees and Associates.
Tuesday 19th October
Networking Expo Tuesday 19th October 14:00-16:00
Tuesday 19th October
This is your opportunity to meet graduate recruiters, trainees and fee earners from the biggest and best law firms in the UK.
Drop in to each firm’s virtual expo booth. Ask questions. Make a great impression.
Featured sessions
10:00-11:00
Inclusion and Diversity at BCLP
Hear from BCLP’s Inclusion and Diversity and Graduate Recruitment team as we discuss all things Inclusion and Diversity at BCLP with trainees.
11:00-11:45
Legal CVs and Covering Letters
Join this expert CV and covering letter workshop with Anna Petrie at The University of Law.
12:00-13:00
Navigating the demands of application writing
There is no ‘one size fits all’ for a Shoosmiths trainee solicitor and the variety of experience is what makes the firm stand out. Remember that the application process is just as much about finding a firm where you will thrive. This is more likely to happen if you feel like you can be yourself from the outset.
14:00-16:00
Networking Expo
The Networking Expo is your opportunity to network with law firms and find out more about the opportunities available to you.
Hop between firms' virtual exhibition booths to meet with graduate recruitment representatives and trainee solicitors at the law firms you want to apply to!
Taking place exclusively at 2pm-4pm on Tuesday 19th October, this Networking Expo is not to be missed.
10:00-11:00
Trainee life at Stephenson Harwood
At Stephenson Harwood, we pride ourselves on delivering ground-breaking work across the globe. As one of our 20 trainees, you’ll be exposed to high-profile clients and cutting-edge projects. The clients we work with are hugely varied. Whether they’re corporations, institutions or individuals, we assemble teams of bold thinkers to match our clients’ needs and ensure they receive the right advice, from the right person, at the right time. Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation, employment and pensions, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate.
As a trainee, you'll have access to a huge breadth and depth of expertise as you work alongside our partners and associates to develop your knowledge of our key practice areas.
We'll be going into more detail on what it's like to be a trainee at Stephenson Harwood!
10:00-11:00
Insight into: Tech & Life Sciences
Hear from Sophie and Kenny, a partner and associate in our Tech & Life Sciences team, who will be sharing an insight into their work in Tech & Life Sciences and how the industry continues to grow. Succeeding in the life sciences industry is as much about strategy and execution as it is about research and development. And with the breakneck pace of technology disrupting industries on a global scale, it is a really exciting and unique area of law which works in collaboration with our technology, healthcare, real estate and private equity lawyers.
10:00-11:00
Life as a Trainee and the application process at Sidley
Discover what life as a trainee solicitor at Sidley Austin is really like, and gain an insight into our application process and how you can stand out from the crowd.
11:00-11:45
An insight into Financial Services at Bird & Bird
Join Trystan Tether, partner at Bird & Bird for an insightful presentation on the Financial Services practice at the firm. Learn more about the firm's work, clientele and the key legal and commercial issues lawyers face on a daily basis.
11:00-12:00
How to build and demonstrate commercial awareness
You will need commercial awareness for any career in the city or in professional services, but what exactly do we mean by it and how do you become commercially aware? Join us for this session where we will explain what commercial awareness means and what you can do to build yours.
11:00-12:00
Ask the trainees
This session will be attended by trainees from our UK offices - come along to find out what it's really like to train at Osborne Clarke.
12:00-13:00
An introduction to Skadden
Mathieu Pinto Cardoso, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Skadden, will be delivering a session about the graduate recruitment process at Skadden.
12:00-13:00
Acing the recruitment process
This session will cover all of the key application hints & tips to make sure you are fully prepared for the recruitment process. We will be covering application forms through to assessment centers and interviews.
12:00-13:00
A week in the life of an Infrastructure & Energy lawyer
Join Andrew Newbery, Partner at Gowling WLG, for an insight into the life of an Infrastructure & Energy lawyer.
Wednesday 20th October
Featured sessions
10:00-11:00
Life as a trainee
Opportunity to learn more about what it is like to be a trainee at Latham and Watkins.
11:00-11:45
Innovation in Law: what does the future hold?
Join Peter Crisp for a fascinating insight into the future of the legal profession and how modern law firms are innovating.
14:00-14:45
Preparing for interviews
Join John McKeown as she guides you through a masterclass on how to prepare for training contract and vacation scheme interviews.
10:00-11:00
Life as a trainee at Mayer Brown
A trainee panel event where current Mayer Brown trainees talk through their career journey thus far and their experience as a trainee at Mayer Brown. Then open the floor to questions.
10:00-11:00
Top tips for vacation scheme success
An insightful overview of the Penningtons Manches Cooper application process, with tops tips on how best to approach it.
10:00-11:00
Trainee Panel
Hear from our Trainee Solicitors about their journey into law so far, and find out how to maximise your potential
11:00-12:00
An introduction to Pro-Bono at DLA Piper
Pro Bono is engrained in our culture at DLA Piper. Come along and listen to one of our Pro-Bono Lawyers talk about the work we do and why it is important to us as a firm.
11:00-12:00
Commercial Question
In smaller breakout rooms, we will be inviting you to discuss a commercial question. The activity will get you thinking commercially, a key skill all future lawyers need, and is similar to a question you may be asked during the Taylor Wessing assessment centre process.
11:00-12:00
Welcome to Hogan Lovells
Join us for a presentation on Hogan Lovells global strategy with Partner Louise Lamb.
12:00-13:00
Working in a US law firm as a junior associate
Hear from our junior associates about life at Willkie. They will talk to you about how our small teams approach, the benefits of working directly with partners and senior associates and Willkie culture.
12:00-13:00
What is it really like to be a Trainee at CMS?
Talk to our current trainees, quiz them about the application process, their seat rotations and why they love working at CMS.
12:00-13:00
Diversity & Inclusion at WFW
As an international firm with a global client base, diversity and inclusion is a key part of how we operate as a firm. Hear from Dean Lloyd, Diversity & Inclusion Lead, about the firm's approach and initiatives. This will be your opportunity to learn about how we do things and ask any questions you may have.
12:00-13:00
Trainee Q&A
A chance to speak to a range of Trainees at Linklaters from different practice areas and find out what it's like to be a trainee at the firm.
14:00-15:00
ESG at Gibson Dunn
The presentation will focus on the Firm’s newly developed ESG practice, which provides advice to clients on their corporate responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities. In addition, our ESG practice offers bespoke services to senior executives and directors on a range of topics to support our clients’ ESG objectives and offer insights on best practice and ESG-related developments.
14:00-15:00
Trainee Q and A
Find out more from our trainees about life as a Dechert trainee
15:00-16:00
Life as a Trainee at Mills & Reeve - Be Part of It
Come and hear from our trainees about life as a trainee and their top tips for your vacation scheme and training contract applications.
15:00-16:00
Meet the Trainees
If you're keen to find out what life at Ashurst is like then what better way to find out than hear from our trainees. Our trainees will available to talk to you about their own experiences and also will be able to provide guidance and advice on completing your applications and navigating your way through assessment and interview.
15:00-16:00
An insight into life as a trainee at an international law firm
Meet our trainees and hear about their experiences at Gowling WLG. Find out more about the firm, their role and application tips for aspiring lawyers.
15:00-16:00
Understanding the Role of a Trainee Associate at Weil
Hear first-hand from our trainees about their training experience at Weil. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the training programme and the kind of work our trainees are involved in and the challenges they have faced. You will also have the chance to put your questions to our Trainees.
16:00-17:00
Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives at Farrer & Co
This virtual event will give attendees an insight into the different Diversity & Inclusion initiatives at Farrer & Co. This will include initiatives as part of our recruitment process and also once you join the firm. There will be lots of opportunities to ask questions throughout this presentation.
16:00-17:00
Insight into Irwin Mitchell - Our Client Service areas
As a full-service law firm we operate across seven client service areas, offering a full-range of legal services to individuals and businesses, as well as also supporting people with their finances, wealth and asset management. At this presentation learn more about each of our client service areas, the cases that our colleagues work on and how our trainee solicitors support our clients. We can help advise and represent our clients in any area of law and at this session we will discuss how we ensure that our clients are getting one integrated plan that takes all of their legal needs into account.
16:00-17:00
The SQE Assessments – Becoming an English Solicitor with QLTS School
Unravel the new SQE route to qualification, know all the processes, costs, and preparation guidelines
16:00-17:00
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Reed Smith
Join Reed Smith for a discussion on diversity within the legal industry. Find out what Reed Smith is doing to ensure that it attracts and maintains a diverse workforce.
Thursday 21st October
Featured sessions
11:00-11:45
Understanding the legal market
Join this deep dive session with Morette Jackson to gain a better understanding of the legal market and how it works.
14:00-14:45
Planning your legal career
An interactive workshop with Amy Walker at the University of Law, which focuses on planning your legal career and the steps you need to take.
10:00-11:00
The Lawyer of the Future
We’ve all heard about “Doing Law Differently”, but what do clients really want and how does that translate to what skills the lawyer of the future needs? Tune in and hear Jodie Hosmer, lawyer, innovator, legal tech enthusiast and project manager, talk about what these skills are and what Mills & Reeve are doing to nurture these skills to ensure our people are equipped to deliver to our clients.
10:00-11:00
Integrating Pro Bono
A presentation exploring training opportunities at Orrick and the emphasis we have on pro-bono across all levels of the firm, including trainees.
10:00-11:00
Get to know Charles Russell Speechlys – Q&A with Partners, Trainees and Early Talent team
Your chance to ask questions to some of our trainees, partners and the Early Talent team.
10:00-11:00
The importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the legal industry
Reed Smith will host a Q&A session on the importance and benefits of having diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal industry. This is a great opportunity to hear from speakers covering: partner; associate; trainees; paralegal and business services.
11:00-12:00
Meet the Trainees & NQs
Join a group of our trainee solicitors and NQs to find out about what it's like to train at Foot Anstey and also the transition from a trainee to NQ.
11:00-12:00
How to Impress at Every Stage of the Application Process
A deep dive look at the Dechert application process and our top tips for success
11:00-12:00
Applications & Assessment Centres: Your Questions Answered
Future Talent Lead, Samantha Bracey, and Trainee, Tom Lawrence, answer your questions on how to write a successful application form and how to achieve at assessment centre.
12:00-13:00
Farrer & Co Trainee Q&A
This session will give attendees a chance to find out about the role of a trainee at Farrer & Co. This will include learning about our six seat training system, our range of practice areas, our small trainee intake and the different CSR activities you can get involved in as a trainee solicitor.
12:00-13:00
What is is like to be a trainee at Stephenson Harwood and how do I get my application to stand out?
Find out more about life at Stephenson Harwood and tap into tips and tricks to our application process
12:00-13:00
Sidley Trainee Q&A
Please join our Q&A with trainees to get an insight of what it's like training with Sidley.
This session will allow you to ask any questions about us as a firm that and what we do, the application process, what a day to day might look like when training with the firm or perhaps the opportunity to do an international secondment etc.
12:00-13:00
Meet our Trainees & NQs
A unique opportunity to meet with a group of our current trainees and recent newly qualified solicitors. This will give a real insight into life at Goodwin, our various practice areas, and provide you with a chance to ask any questions you have.
14:00-15:00
Q&A with the RPC Early Talent team
Ellinor leads the UK Early Talent team. She manages the recruitment and development of RPC's UK apprentices and trainees. Ask any questions you have from application and interview advice, to the training on offer. All questions are welcome!
14:00-15:00
B-Corps and the Impact Economy
Bates Wells were the first UK law firm to become a B-Corporation. This talk will go into
some detail as to what a B-Corporation is and its significance. Our speakers will also
introduce you to the Impact Economy, and how we operate in the space.
14:00-15:00
Life as a Trainee at HFW
Hear from our Trainees about their route to HFW, the work that they do and their tips for succeeding in the recruitment process, and ask your questions.
15:00-16:00
How to write effective applications and succeed at video interviews
Hear from Willkie’s Graduate Recruitment Manager Gemma Baker on how to refine your applications and video interview techniques. Gemma has reviewed over 60,000 applications in her career and is well placed to give you honest, achievable advice.
15:00-16:00
Freshfields Trainee Q&A
Ask some of our current trainees any burning questions you might have about a training contract at Freshfields.
15:00-16:00
Pro bono at Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn approaches pro bono work with passion, creativity and motivation and we believe that by striving to strengthen the rule of law, assist the disadvantaged and bring top-quality legal thinking to those who might normally be overlooked by the legal system, we deliver tangible benefits to our clients, our firm and our community. In 2020, Gibson Dunn devoted approximately 160,879 hours to numerous pro bono efforts around the world. This session will focus on some notable pro bono cases the firm has worked on.
15:00-16:00
Diversity & Inclusion at White & Case
Join Swati Tripathi for an overview of Diversity & Inclusion at White & Case.
16:00-17:00
An introduction to Early Careers, CSR and D&I initiatives at Kennedys
Kennedys will be discussing our early careers opportunities, as well as our CSR and D&I initiatives.
16:00-17:00
Training Contract Interviews: Top tips from a graduate recruiter
Hear useful top tips on how to shine at your Training Contract interview from Anthea Demetriou, a member of the Graduate Recruitment team at Watson Farley & Williams. This session will focus on how to research firms well, the types of questions you may encounter at interviews, and how to give well-constructed answers. This is also your chance to ask any burning questions you might have about the interview process at Watson Farley & Williams.
16:00-17:00
'Life as a Trainee' Panel
Find out about life as a trainee at Slaughter and May from 3 of our current trainees. They will be talking about their route to the firm and their career journey so far to give you an insight into life as a trainee at Slaughter and May.
16:00-17:00
SQE vs QLTS Assessments – Know the key differences
Learn the similarities and synergy between QLTS and SQE assessments
Friday 22nd October
Featured sessions
10:00-10:45
I'm considering an LLM, what do I need to know?
Everything you need to know about the LLM and more. Join Niall Macdonald & Annell Smith for this enlightening presentation, jam-packed with useful information.
12:00-12:45
The Importance of Advocacy
Join Jacqueline Cheltenham to gain a better understanding of advocacy and why it is such an important part of the legal profession.
10:00-11:00
Meet Skadden Trainee Solicitors
Trainee Solicitors at Skadden will be discussing their experience at the firm.
10:00-11:00
The Post-Pandemic Law Firm: New Ways of Working
This presentation will focus on three key questions:
• How has Ashfords adapted to the ‘new normal’?
• What has been or will be the cultural impact of the changes the firm has
experienced/implemented?
• How has the pandemic influenced service delivery?
11:00-12:00
The three Cs - Clients, Colleagues & Communities
At Irwin Mitchell we focus on what really matters; our clients, colleagues and communities. We work with a diverse range of clients and communities, and we celebrate diversity amongst our colleagues too. We’re passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. At this session you will have the opportunity to hear directly from our colleagues and ask any questions you may have.
11:00-12:00
Q&A with Kennedys Trainees
Talk with our current trainees about how they are finding their training contract with Kennedys.
11:00-12:00
The three C's - Clients, Colleagues & Communities
At Irwin Mitchell we focus on what really matters; our clients, colleagues and communities. We work with a diverse range of clients and communities, and we celebrate diversity amongst our colleagues too. We’re passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. At this session you will have the opportunity to hear directly from our colleagues and ask any questions you may have.
11:00-12:00
Q&A With Hogan Lovells Trainees
Join our Hogan Lovells trainees to learn about their journey into law and training with Hogan Lovells.
11:00-12:00
How to Successfully Prepare for the SQE Assessments with QLTS School
Get a grasp of the elements, including, structure, cost and style of the SQE exams
12:00-13:00
Spotlight on Global Loans and Global Markets
Join us for an overview of the complex and international work undertaken by the Global Loans and Global Markets teams at Ashurst. You will hear more on the work undertaken by the teams as well as hearing about the key challenges currently facing financial institutions.
14:00-15:00
White & Case discuss the impact of the pandemic on Litigation at the Firm
Join White & Case associates and trainees to hear first-hand how the pandemic has impacted Litigation at the Firm, and what changes they think are here to stay.
Virtual Law Fair Boot Camp
Before you attend the Virtual Law Fair, it's vital that you prepare to ensure you get the most possible value from the experience. Follow our simple step-by-step guide and get ready to boost your legal career prospects!