the e-newsletter for BPP Law School alumni

No one knows more about securing a training contract than xBPP members. Some of those who have been successful despite the intense competition recently took part in a speed networking evening at the Manchester law school (see photo above) in which alumni were paired up with current LPC and GDL students to reveal more about life in a law firm.

One xBPP member to take part was Joe Cobb (LPC 08-09), a trainee solicitor at Addleshaw Goddard. “I stepped in at the last minute, and I was glad I did,” he says. “It was useful for the students to talk to practitioners to get a feel for what it’s like. There’s a thought that someone who works for a law firm is in a different world to you as a student but I don’t think that’s the case at all.

“There were opportunities for students to ask specific questions about what I was doing at work – anything really that they were worried about. The most common question was about the application process. I just said to make sure that your application is spot on and that you show yourself in a good light but don’t go over the top - just be yourself.”

lawcareers.net warns applicants not to be too disappointed if they don’t get an offer from their first choice of firm. “It’s a very time consuming process and students will inevitably face rejections”, says Michelle Daly, BPP’s National Head of Careers.

“We encourage students to research their career options carefully - the more research you do the better your applications will be. Although it is obviously difficult, particularly for those without a training contract before their course starts, attending events like speed networking can only help.”

Simon Lewis, chair of the Manchester Young Solicitors Group and a solicitor at Brabners Chaffe Street, agrees. “The students who attended would have got a lot out of it,” he says. ”They don’t normally get the opportunity to speak to professionals in that sort of context. Some asked for advice as well, and they could easily speak to qualified lawyers about their questions.

“The thing that came up most often was how to get a training contract. The academic qualifications are a given these days, so you need to big up yourself as much as possible. I just said to try to get some work experience, even it’s just with a small firm. If you’re showing willingness to get work experience, that’s always helpful.”

Another event is taking place on March 24th – this time for applicants intending to start the GDL in September 2010 - and more xBPP members are always welcome. “We really appreciate the time given by so many of our former students”, says Ann Evans, Senior Academic at the Law School in Manchester. “Acquiring networking skills is essential for all professionals – events like this allow participants to practise in a safe environment.”


If you would like to take part in this year’s speed networking evening in Manchester, please email Ann Evans annevans@bpp.com