about National Law Fair

This year's exhibitors include:

• A&O Shearman
• Accutrainee
• Ashurst
• CMS Cameron McKenna
• Forsters
• Freeths
• Government Legal Services
• Herrington Carmichael
• Hugh James
• Nockolds
• Paul Hastings
• Reed Smith
• Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
• Sternberg Reed
• Stevens & Bolton
• Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP
• Wedlake Bell
• William Sturges LLP

To make a positive impression, you will need to ensure you have prepared thoroughly. Not all firms are the same and you should use the National Law Fair to get a feel for the culture and differences in each firm. You will also be able to find out about the type of training you will undergo as a trainee and the range of opportunities on offer once you have qualified.

• Look at the list of firms exhibiting to find out who is going to be there. Do they provide the kind of training contract or qualifying work experience and the career you want? Do you fit their requirements? And if not, what else can you offer to offset this?
• Research the firms before you arrive. Read their brochures or visit their websites. Find out the areas of practice they cover, who their recent clients are and try to build an idea of their culture. Would they be especially interested in your degree subject or your prior experience? Maybe your previous career gives you an insight into the firm's business and an understanding of their clients' needs?
• Look out for articles in the business or legal press about the firms you intend to see. Visit the websites of the weekly press such as The Lawyer, The Law Society's Gazette, Legal Week and The Times law section (published on Tuesdays) for more information.
• Find out about the work the firms have been involved in. When speaking to the firms, show you already know something about them - for example their areas of work, strengths, branch locations, number of trainees they recruit each year and so on.

• There may be some last-minute changes, so use the event programme to select the firms you want to speak to.
• It’s a good idea to start by practicing with firms that aren’t your top choice, then approach your favourites once you feel more confident.
• Try to be yourself - remember firms are looking for potential not perfection, and above all, someone who shows a genuine interest in their firm and its business.
• Be sure to mention in any applications that you spoke to someone from the firm at the National Law Fair.