For many university students there’ll come a point when they’ll ask themselves the question: What happens after I’ve completed my degree? If you’re a law student, this question may come sooner than you think. Below we explore some of the practical ways you can balance your studies with applications and offer some practical tips on maximising your time.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 28 August 2024.
Identify law application timeframes
One of the first considerations you’ll have to make is deciding what it is you’re looking for. Are you looking for a job? Work experience? A vacation scheme? Knowing what you want to do, and what’s best for your career, is an important first step before you begin working on your applications.
When it comes to applying to law firms you’ll find the deadlines are often very rigid and places might only open up at certain times of the year. The beauty of this, however, is firms will often set out their recruitment calendars ahead of time – often months and even years in advance – giving you plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the schedule.
When it comes to effective time management deadlines are a good first step. Regularly check individual law firm websites and follow their social media channels so you’re the first to know about recruitment cycles. Create a calendar with key dates for both your course and recruitment and set reminders ahead of deadlines so you don’t miss an important date or potential opportunity. From here you can plan your time more effectively and set out what needs to be completed and by when. Finally, don’t leave submitting your application until the last minute – try and give yourself a little breathing room and time to spare should you run into any potential problems.
Manage your workload
Balancing your degree with law applications requires careful planning. It’s important to prioritise your degree, after all, the stronger your knowledge and grades the better prepared you are for the legal world. That said, look for pockets of time you can dedicate to job searches and potential applications.
You could create a list of tasks for the week ahead and number each item in order of importance. Use your calendar to create a weekly schedule, blocking out time for study and application preparation. Some weeks might need a greater focus on your studies, others you could spend more time crafting the answers to application questions.
Create a plan and, importantly, try and stick to it. A little bit of flexibility is fine – you must take care of yourself after all. But if you find yourself never making it to the bottom of your list, or unable to meet your scheduled times, it might be best to revisit your calendar and reevaluate your plans.
Streamline the application process
Applications can be time consuming, often because each application will require a personalised approach. However, there are some things you can do which could potentially save time in the future. Keep your CV updated. Have a master personal statement you can use as a template. Sometimes it can even help to keep a document of previous questions you’ve answered – especially those that come up often. It’s easier to start with something, rather than nothing, and it could save some time in the future.
Remember, whilst it’s good to create a bank of potential responses, it’s important you do take the time to customise each application.
Develop commercial awareness
Having a good level of legal knowledge is essential for a career in law. However, when it comes to making applications – or attending assessment days and interviews – you could also benefit greatly by knowing more about the wider legal industry. This doesn’t mean you have to dedicate hours to reading the latest journals. You can do this in a variety of ways. Listen to legal podcasts whilst you’re in the car or watch a YouTube video whilst making dinner. Read a news article at places like Legal Cheek or The Law Society Gazette on your daily commute to university or whilst you’re queuing for your morning coffee.
Identify those little pockets of time and put them to good use. The beauty of staying up to date on the latest legal news and industry knowledge is that it will benefit both your applications and university education.
Seek support with applications
Don’t struggle with applications alone. It’s easy to fall into the trap of worrying over an answer for an hour. Instead, ask a friend for some advice. It could help save your time and agonising to talk your application through with a peer.
There will likely be support offered by your university too. For those choosing to study with us for example we have our Employability Service which can help with finding work, applications and interview preparation amongst other things.
You might also have the opportunity to attend law fairs or networking events through university or through law firms. These are an excellent opportunity to speak with recruiters directly. Ask what they look for in potential candidates. What is it like working for a particular firm? What are they working on right now? An informal chat could provide great insight into the inner workings of a firm which could lend weight to your application and save time carrying out your own research.
Take care of yourself
Juggling your studies and applications can be difficult and it’s important you take the time to look after yourself. Burnout is real. Remember to regularly practice self care and maintain your physical and mental wellbeing. If you need to take some time for yourself then do it. Go for a walk. Switch off the laptop and listen to some music. Reach out to family and friends. Whatever helps you in the moment. There will always be another job opportunity. You are your number one priority.
Balancing your degree with law applications can come with its challenges, but it is manageable if you put your mind to it. Try to:
- Familiarise yourself with the timescales outlined by the firms you’re hoping to apply to and understand their application process.
- Create a manageable workload. Remember to try and build in some flexibility.
- Create master documents for your legal knowledge and experience, CV and personal statements and previous application answers. Build on these for future applications.
- Use a variety of resources to build your commercial awareness of the legal field.
- Seek support when necessary – from friends, colleagues and lecturers.
- Use job fares and networking events to gain an insight into a firm’s operations.
- Most importantly, take care of yourself.
If you’re currently studying law and looking for support with your applications, try looking at the advice from some of the biggest graduate recruiters in the UK.
