As a final-year non-law student you should take every opportunity available to meet with law firms and find out all you can about being a commercial lawyer. Combined with your finals, making applications can be time consuming. But if you take the time to do them well it will be worth it. So attend any workshops on application skills, and be sure to visit any open days and networking events where you can speak to recruiters. As a general rule, you should find out as much as you can about firms before making your application.
A number of firms offer Vacation Schemes for final-year non-law students, while others will offer Open Days. You should do your research around the opportunities available to you and whether you’re eligible to apply. Baker McKenzie offers a three-week scheme for final-year students during the spring.
Baker McKenzie also offers a series of Open Days and final-year non-law students are eligible to apply. The day consists of presentations, workshops and opportunities to network with Trainee Solicitors, Associates, Partners and Graduate Recruiters. They’re a fantastic way to find out more about the work of a commercial lawyer and the culture of a global law firm. Your final year is also when you should be applying for Training Contracts and preparing yourself for interviews and Assessment Days.