“Bristol University Law School is a passport. It is a calling card. If you have it on your CV you know that if it is not to open the door, it will facilitate your way in. I and my peers have all gone on to do very well indeed in the law, and without the law. Why. Because they studied here at Bristol University.”
These are the words of Dan Schaffer, Alumnus, senior partner at Herbert Smith Freehills and Chair of the Law School Advisory Board. If you haven’t met Dan, you soon will. Dan is a fantastic example of an individual who has studied Law at Bristol, gone on to achieve great things in his career and, in response, dedicated a huge amount of time supporting us create the very best opportunities for our graduates.
I’m sure for many of you his words will strike a chord. The climate out there is tough. Over the past few months, the papers have been littered with stories about graduates unable to secure employment with the degrees they have come out of university with. Fortunately we have a vibrant network of Alumni working in all areas of law and beyond. Many, like Dan, are committed to supporting your personal development. In our latest careers video, students talk of how this support has benefited them.
So what are we doing to prepare you for life beyond University?
My role as Director of Employability, is to coordinate and promote employability events at the School level to help you become fully equipped to navigate the challenging world of work and to identify your place within it. We want you to graduate from the Law School with the very best prospects for securing a job. Although many of you will go into a career in Law, we are also seeing a rise in the number of law students pursuing careers in non-legal professions.
Part of my role is to ensure that you realise your employment potential, irrespective of which path you choose. Throughout your time at the Law School you will have learned to think critically and communicate effectively – talents that all employers will be looking for. The activities supported by our alumni and current students through the University of Bristol Law Club and the Bar Society, are particularly key in helping you hone these transferable skills.
Professional mentoring scheme
The Professional Mentoring Scheme is available to some of the highest-achieving first-year students, who will get the chance to be mentored by a Bristol alumni working in the legal profession. Participating alumni for this year’s high achievers included solicitors based in firms from London (Linklaters, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells and Norton Rose Fulbright) and Bristol (Burges Salmon and Bond Dickinson) - as well as St John’s Chambers (Bristol). Successful candidates will gain an in-depth understanding of their mentor’s specific area of practice through work experience at their offices and by shadowing them in their day job.
Distinguished Alumni Lecture series (organised by Dr Oliver Quick)
Our Distinguished Alumni Lecturers include many leaders in the field of law – in practice and business, the judiciary and Parliament - providing you with great insight into to real life application of law. We are incredibly fortunate to have many distinguished alumni dedicated to sharing their practical experience and analysis of the topics you will regularly encounter as part of your studies, helping you accelerate your learning. The lectures also provide an opportunity to meet and network with distinguished alumni guest lecturers, and start building relationships and contacts that will help you open doors after you graduate.
Mooting and debating
As part of the Advocacy Programme run by the Law Club, you will get the opportunity to combine your academic studies with a taste of what it is like to be a real lawyer. The programme will teach you how to take your academic knowledge and apply it in 'real-life' situations for the benefit of clients, albeit imaginary. It also helps you acquire the 'persuasive' skills essential to legal practice – in particular through a vibrant mooting and debating programme. These programmes are often sponsored and supported by alumni and their law firms.
Law Clinic
Part-funded by a number of Alumni, the Law Clinic offers you the opportunity to get involved in real cases, supporting people in the community that would not otherwise be able to afford legal advice. Most employers are now looking beyond the degree to see what additional skills and relevant experience the student applicant has. The Law Clinic seeks to develop those skills through clinical legal education where students get involved in a diverse range of cases - from employment and contractual queries, to issues with speeding charges and fraud. The Clinic also takes referrals from the Citizens Advise Bureau and Bristol County Court.
The Bar Socieity
The Bar Society is a careers-oriented society which aims to inform students at Bristol about a career at the Bar. It does this by providing advocacy training opportunities, and working with our Alumni to maximise students’ contacts with those within the profession.
So what are we doing to keep you up-to-date on all Employability activities?
Your first point of call should be Blackboard. The ‘Employability and Careers’ section is a one stop shop for all careers and employability related matters. It provides information on everything from the books you can read and events you can attend - to personal development courses and links to all the other departments that can provide you with support, particularly the Careers Service.
A date for your diary: Bristol University’s Law Fair – 4/5th November
A key moment each year is our Law Fair, which takes place here at the Wills Memorial Building. The event attracts around 80 leading international and national law firms, sets of chambers and professional legal education providers. All come to Bristol specifically to meet and speak with you about various careers opportunities at their respective organisations. I’ll shortly be sharing our ‘top tips’ for preparing for the law fair, so that you can maximise your opportunities to benefit from the relationships you can build at this prestigious event.
In the meantime, if you have any queries about the information on Blackboard, or more general questions about Employability and Careers, please feel free to contact me