Five ways to get ahead in your first year

With the battle for training contracts more intense than ever, students need to start plotting their paths to the top from day one. Clued-up UCL student Michael Hough explains how to make the most of first year

1. All's fair in love and finding a job

Law fairs, which generally take place during the autumn term, are a great way to establish initial contact with law firm recruiters. There are also usually plenty of trainees in attendance, so take advantage of the opportunity to ask them all those silly questions that you don't want to ask more senior people. And the freebies are excellent: laptop bags, pint glasses, branded memory sticks (pre-loaded with the firm's recruitment brochure) and enough stationary to last your entire degree.

Bear in mind, though, that some firms are not that interested in meeting first years as you're not at the stage where you're eligible to apply to them. Many, however, are keen to get to know you. I found the representatives from American firms to be particularly open and friendly.

2. Join your university's law society

It will run a variety of events, such as presentations from law firms, and for London universities firms may host evenings at their office - a great way of checking out potential workplaces. More senior members of the society are useful to talk to if you have any questions about the course and, as I know from experience, can be a useful supply of notes during revision time.

3. Moot

Not only is mooting an excellent way of improving your public speaking skills, but it's great for developing your understanding of topics covered in lectures. Mooting is especially relevant if you are looking for a career at the Bar, but is looked on favourably by solicitors' firms too - as illustrated by the fact that the London Universities Mooting Shield is sponsored not only by 3 Verulam Buildings and Field Court Chambers, but by magic circle firm Allen & Overy.

4. Seek out first year events

Most law firms' open days are targeted at second and third year students who will be applying imminently for vacation schemes or training contracts. But there are a few events run by big City firms specifically designed for first years considering a career as a corporate lawyer. Freshfields, Allen & Overy, DLA Piper and Eversheds are among the firms to run such events - with Eversheds' open day, known as ‘The Big Deal' and featuring a simulation of a transaction, especially good.

5. There's more to life than law

Firms seem especially keen to recruit well-rounded candidates, so it's a good idea to take part in a wide range of clubs and societies. I've found participating in university sport and the associated social involvements to be a great counterbalance to legal study, while simultaneously ensuring that I have a reasonable excuse for missing Thursday morning lectures.

Michael Hough is a law student at University College London

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