Law Careers: Events and Opportunities in Michaelmas Term
Exploring a career in law can feel like a big step, whether you have a clear destination in mind or are just beginning to look around.
This term, we have put together a series of events and opportunities specifically designed to support all Oxford University students. So, whether you are studying law or something completely different, we are here to help you get ahead in your legal career thinking.
Upcoming events
Click on the event titles to find out more and to register.
How to Research Law Firms for Applications and Interviews (Pre-Law Fair Talk)
Saturday 11 October, 09:15 - 10:00, at the Examination Schools In Person
There are big differences between the firms: it's all about how you research them. In this session taking place just before the Law Fair, we will go through how to build a clear picture of a firm and how to use that information in the application and interview stages. Students who attended this talk in the past found the 'why are you applying to us?' answer easier to write.
Top Tips for Vacation Scheme Applications (Pre-Law Fair Talk with Hogan Lovells)
Saturday 11 October, 10:00 - 10:30, at the Examination Schools In Person
Given the high competition for vacation scheme places, making a great first impression is crucial. In this 30-minute session, Lisa Holmes, Senior Recruitment Manager for Early Careers at Hogan Lovells, will share her insights on what makes an application stand out.
Law Fair
Saturday 11 October, 10:30 - 13:00, at the Examination Schools In Person
The Oxford University Law Fair welcomes a variety of organisations, including barristers’ chambers, solicitors' firms, law course providers, and many others. This is an unmissable event, whether you are a law or non-law student, and whatever the stage of your legal career planning may be, or your awareness of the legal profession. Oxford University careers advisers will also be on hand to answer your questions and provide more information on the type of career support that they offer.
Barristers’ Training: When to Apply for Scholarships, Pupillages & Mini-pupillages
Friday 24 October, 14:00 - 15:00 Online
In this session we will cover the key dates and deadlines for carving out a career as a barrister. We’ll go through when and how to apply for pupillage (the ‘graduate job’ part of becoming a barrister) and mini-pupillage (the 2-5 days’ work experience offered by sets of chambers). We’ll also talk about the £6m worth of scholarships offered by the four Inns of Court to help you find your training.
Introduction to Law
Monday 3 November, 12:00 - 13:00 Online
If you have been considering a career in law but are not sure where to start then this event is for you! The legal sector is large and full of variety so for this session the main focus will be on understanding the roles of a barrister and a solicitor, how to become qualified and how to get started.
How to Research Law Firms for Applications and Interviews
Thursday 6 November, 16:00 - 17:00 Online
Ever struggle to tell law firms apart on their websites, despite needing to show genuine interest? Many claim to be "one of the world's largest law firms with significant depth and range of practice areas across five continents," making differentiation tough. Yet, big differences exist, and it all comes down to effective research. This session will guide you on building a clear picture of a firm and leveraging that knowledge in your applications and interviews. Past attendees found tackling the "why us?" question far easier after this talk.
Offer Holders Panel: Law Vac Schemes and Training Contracts
Tuesday 11 November, 13:00 - 14:00 Online
This panel event is an ideal chance to learn from students and graduates who have successfully secured opportunities with a range of firms. They will share with you their tips, strategies, interview insights, assessment centre experiences and what they learned along the way.
Tackling Watson Glaser Tests: For Aspiring Lawyers
Tuesday 18 November, 13:00 - 14:30 Online
The Watson Glaser psychometric test is used widely by law firms as part of their application process for vacation schemes and training contracts. It is one of the most challenging pre-employment tests in the UK and worldwide. We have invited JobTestPrep – the company behind Watson Glaser tests – to deliver this presentation as they are the experts.
Candid Conversations with a Law Recruiter
Tuesday 25 November, 16:00 - 17:00 Online
Curious about what it truly takes to secure a training contract from someone who’s evaluated thousands of aspiring solicitors? Join the Oxford University Careers Service and AllAboutLaw for an honest and eye-opening talk with a seasoned legal graduate recruiter, Lindsey, who will share insider tips on standing out in a crowded field. Having worked in the early careers team at Herbert Smith Freehills for more than seven years before consulting for a host of other international law firms, Lindsey is well placed to guide you through the application process.
Michaelmas term planner
For more careers and employability events at Oxford, browse the Careers Service term planner.
Law internships
As an Oxford University student, you have access to a range of opportunities from the Internship Office. In Michalemas term, applications open for the Micro-Internship Programme offering 3 to 5-day learning and development opportunities for the winter vacation.
