Law students at the University of Plymouth have taken the opportunity to question some of the most prominent legal firms in the region at a special online event focused upon graduate recruitment.
Around 70 undergraduates met with representatives from five companies, as well as a recruitment agency, to discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had upon the sector and the employment prospects for the next generation of lawyers.
And the verdict was one of positivity and optimism from the firms, with no shortage of new traineeships set to be created in the near future.
“The event went a long way to reassuring students that there is light at the end of the tunnel,”
said Luke Fisher, Lecturer in Law, and compere for the event.
“The overwhelming message was one of reassurance that whatever recruitment freezes had been imposed by the pandemic were temporary and coming to an end.”
The 90-minute event, held over Zoom, was hosted jointly by the University and Plymouth Law Society, and was inspired by one of the Society’s members, who asked if they could help with reassuring students about job prospects in the sector.
Representatives from GA Solicitors, Kitsons, Wolferstans, Gard & Co, Curtis Whiteford Crocker, and Womble Bond Dickinson took part, along with specialist legal recruiter Chadwick Nott. Around 70 students joined them, with many submitting questions on a broad range of recruitment topics.
“The feedback from the students who took part has been excellent,”
Luke added.
“Whether it was hearing from employers that the pandemic would cause no detriment to any student’s potential employability – indeed, the experience of online working might actually prove to be beneficial in their careers – or advising them to approach interviews as an opportunity to do some of the interviewing, they have taken away lots of positive messages and valuable guidance.”
James Walsh, President of Plymouth Law Society and Partner at GA Solicitors, added:
“Thank you to all the students, lecturers and legal practitioners who attended the hugely successful law recruitment Zoom event. After the setback from COVID, we can officially say the tide has turned and recruitment is back on the agenda for Plymouth law firms. We hope this positive news can encourage the students to apply to our firms for work experience and training contracts. We are all very keen to consider local talent from the University as we build together our bright future for the city of Plymouth.”
