Kerry Smith, careers manager at The University of Law’s Birmingham campus, shares tips on researching exhibitors, making the most of the day itself and following up afterwards
As careers manager at The University of Law’s (ULaw) Birmingham campus, Kerry Smith helps students build valuable professional connections through a busy programme of careers events. She is also preparing for Legal Cheek Live in Birmingham on 30 September, which will give aspiring solicitors another opportunity to meet law firm representatives face-to-face. “These events offer students the opportunity to meet people from law firms, build their professional networks and gain insight into their desired career path,” says Smith, who moved into higher education in 2019 after spending around a decade working in welfare-to-work services.
So how should students prepare for law fairs such as these? The groundwork starts before the day itself. “Research the event, its location, and which exhibitors will be attending,” Smith tells Legal Cheek Careers. “Make a shortlist of the firms that interest you most. Research those firms further before you attend and think of questions that are not obvious from their website.”
For a view of a firm that goes beyond its website, Smith recommends looking out for insight events or networking events organised by the firms, which are often advertised on firm websites, LinkedIn pages or within the local law society. “Make time to meet people in person to ask questions and get personal accounts of what it is like to work there,” she recommends. “If you cannot attend an event, reach out and ask someone from the firm if they would be willing to take a call.”
Then comes the day of the fair itself. “Arrive as early as possible to get more time with exhibitors before it gets busy,” she advises. “Dress appropriately and try to feel confident to make a good first impression.” Smith also points out that careers fairs are often attended by trainees, who can provide insider tips on the firm and its recruitment process.
Importantly, the networking needn’t stop when the fair ends. Smith’s final tip for law fairs is to “make a note of who you spoke to so you can connect with them via email or LinkedIn”, allowing students to carry on the conversation afterwards.
Attending fairs isn’t the only way for ULaw Birmingham students to grow their professional networks. Building links and maintaining relationships with law firms in the region is, in fact, a central part of Smith’s role. “I am in regular contact with early careers and social mobility teams to create opportunities for students,” she explains. Representatives from local chambers and law firms attend the campus’s networking events, and some volunteer to mentor students. They also offer work experience opportunities, such as mini-placements, while law firms sometimes come onto campus to give talks on commercial awareness, sharing tips on the websites and podcasts students should follow in order to keep on top of key themes.
Additionally, most of the law school’s teaching staff are themselves qualified legal practitioners who bring their experience into the classroom. “They also have valuable connections with law firms and chambers, which students benefit from through networking events or shared opportunities,” says Smith.
For students considering where to launch their legal careers, Smith believes Birmingham has plenty to offer. “As the UK’s second largest legal centre, Birmingham has a thriving legal market. Many national and international law firms have significant offices here, including big names like Eversheds Sutherland, Gowling, Pinsent Masons, and DLA Piper. They offer excellent training contract opportunities and access to strong professional networks.”
The city is also a commercial hub with growing business, finance and tech sectors, and has an active legal community with groups like the Birmingham Law Society and Birmingham Black Lawyers. “Compared to London, Birmingham offers a more affordable cost of living, which can make a real difference to trainees or junior solicitors,” Smith adds. Furthermore, the market is on the up, too, with local firms recording impressive revenue growth that matches growth rates in London, while major regeneration projects like HS2 have sustained high demand for commercial property, planning and infrastructure legal expertise. “Aspiring lawyers here get exposure to complex, high-profile work with British and international clients early in their careers.”
Another point that Smith is keen to convey to students is that research is essential to drafting effective applications. “Students often try to make applications quickly because they are time-poor, but they underestimate the level of research and time a law firm expects,” she says. For those applying for training contracts and vacation schemes, her advice is to research the firm thoroughly, from its location to its training offer, and to “plan plenty of time for writing, as this will improve the quality of your submission”.
When researching, students should consider a firm’s culture, practice areas and client base “to show how they personally align with what is on offer”. “It is better to concentrate on quality applications over quantity,” Smith explains. “A strong application clearly articulates why the student wants to work at a specific firm.” Regarding the structure of written applications, she recommends using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer competency-based questions with concrete evidence, and advises students not to underestimate the value of non-legal experiences in demonstrating transferable skills, such as teamwork and communication.
Once the application is written, she suggests having someone review it before it is submitted, whether that is a mentor, a peer or the careers team. “It always helps to have a second pair of eyes checking for any spelling or grammar mistakes,” she says.
Beyond application support, students can benefit from making full use of ULaw’s careers service throughout and beyond their studies. One of the simplest, but most important habits, according to Smith, is staying on top of emails. “We use email as an important channel to communicate about events, activities, and opportunities,” she explains. “We summarise all of the careers activities found on the portal in a weekly email.”
The comprehensive career portal, accessible by all students and graduates, brings together a wide range of resources in one place, while external platforms, such as Shortlist.Me, help students prepare for interviews and assessment centres through realistic practice exercises. Smith concludes by encouraging students to engage with these resources early and consistently, rather than waiting until applications are imminent. “Small, regular activities can make a huge difference when they all add up by the time they graduate.”
Join us on Wednesday 30 September for the Birmingham leg of Legal Cheek’s new in-person workshop and law fair series. The afternoon features a series of careers and commercial awareness workshops delivered by top law firms as well as a careers fair featuring early talent and graduate recruitment teams. Apply now.
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