How to impress at a law fair
1. Present yourself appropriately
You’re not expected to attend a law fair in a suit or formal dress. I’d recommend, however, dressing smart casually. This can help convey a professional image.
2. Show a genuine interest in the law firm representative and their firm
When you talk to a law firm representative, shake their hand and show genuine enthusiasm in both meeting them and learning about their firm. This can build a very positive first impression and get you remembered by a recruiter when it comes to reviewing applications, potentially increasing the likelihood of you progressing to interview.
3. Conduct some initial research before the event/ask questions you can’t find out easily on their website
Don’t go to a law fair blind. Usually, there’s a list of exhibiting law firms circulated before the event. Scan that list. Pick out at least a handful of firms you’re interested in applying to. Do some research into them. It could be recent deals, industry awards they’ve just won or new departments/offices they’ve just launched. This will arm you with information you can then ask for more details about at the fair, which will, in turn, display to a representative that you’re very interested in their firm and are a highly motivated candidate.
Conversely, it is not advisable to go up to a firm representative and ask them things you could easily have found on their website. Classic examples are:
a. How much will I get paid as a trainee?
b. Does the firm offer secondments?
c. What staff networks does the firm have?
d. Does the firm practice X type of law?
e. Is the firm international?
4. Don’t be rude
There are way more attendees than exhibitors. It’s therefore reasonable to assume that some of the firms you’re interested in talking to, other attendees will also want to approach. Consequently, you may need to be very patient. The worst thing you can do is queue jump, interrupt another attendee’s conversation or complain about the wait to talk to a representative.
5. Ask for their name/email for follow-up questions
If you’ve got on well with a firm representative, ask for their full name/email. This will be really helpful when it comes to writing your application. They may be able to review your application before you submit it, giving you additional details about the firm that are not available online and which will help your application stand out. You may also be able to reference them on your form - showing a firm you’ve spoken to someone at the firm demonstrates your interest in the firm and helps substantiate your desire to work at the firm.