In the Autumn term, BPP University Law School came down to Sussex to host a range of workshops open to everyone – LLB, LLM, GDL and non-law Sussex students. These workshops are a great opportunity to discover the types of transferable skills you must learn in order to succeed in the legal profession.

In our first event of the year, former law firm partner Jonny Hurst gave the students an informative presentation on ‘How to Network Effectively’. This included top tips on how to maximise recruitment opportunities at law fairs, vacation schemes and other networking events. Networking is an integral part of life and EFFECTIVE Networking allows you to obtain useful contacts that can help you land your job, whether it’s law related or non-law related! This event was perfectly timed just before the law fair and students applied what they learned and asked insightful questions. 

In the second workshop, Joanne Cummings – LPC tutor and former associate at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP delivered ‘Getting Through Your Interview’ – giving advice on what employers are looking for in a candidate and some tips & tricks on how to prepare for a face-to-face/video/panel interview. Joanne also focused on typical requirement questions and common mistakes you should avoid! It covered what Law firms are looking for and the sort of ‘marking criteria’ in which a firm might use.

The third workshop of the term was ‘How to moot’ delivered by Hanne Stevens – a Barrister. This event was for those interested in mooting, advocacy, debating and building upon their public speaking skills – due to a high amount of first years competing in the Junior Mooting competition, the turnout was great and seeing the students come out of their shell with the pair exercises made organising events like these worth it.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, it was a shame that BPP couldn’t offer any more in-person workshops at Sussex this academic term but they do deliver Webinars which anyone can sign up to.  These webinars provide short but insightful bursts: from roundtables and breakfast briefings to open evenings, and provide a perfect opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share insight and discuss current trends. Browse their calendar of events below: https://www.bpp.com/events

Written by Rebecca Preen, BPP Campus Ambassador 2019-2020