What is the benefit of attending a law firm’s insight event (open day/evening)?

1. They give you a broad overview of a firm, from an insider’s perspective

   Typically, an open day will feature talks aimed at giving you an understanding of how the firm operates, what makes it different from its competitors and its ambitions. This will arm you with the information you need to tailor your vacation scheme/training contract application.

2. You get to meet the firm’s recruiters in a more intimate setting

   You could meet the firm’s recruiters at a law fair but there will be a lot of attendees. So the chance of you being forgotten is less likely if you’re in a room with that recruiter and there are only 25/30 other attendees. If you’re remembered (for the right reasons), you may be more likely to progress to interview.

3. You could get tips on how to succeed in the application process

   At these events, it is not unknown for there to be a presentation on what makes a successful vacation scheme/training contract application. They may also go over good interview techniques.

4. They’re usually easier to get onto than a firm’s vacation scheme

   Getting any form of formal legal work experience is very challenging. Insight events are a recognised form of legal experience. They may be competitive or non-competitive. Either way, they are usually easier to be invited to than vacation schemes.

5. You can use them to show a motivation for the firm, firm type and law

   Attending a firm’s insight event shows your motivation to apply to/work for that firm but it’s also useful when applying to other firms. For instance, you could use your experience at the event to justify why you’re interested in a particular type of firm or type of law e.g. if the open day was at a City firm, you can use it to justify your aspiration to train at a City firm and practise commercial law.

6. You meet other candidates

   Attending an open day/insight evening gets you in the same room with other law firm applicants. This can help you build a network of contacts, some of whom may one day be future colleagues.