Your second-year checklist

If you want to apply to larger firms, your second year is very important. During this year, you will apply for vacation placements and training positions.

Larger firms usually recruit trainees at least two years in advance. Smaller firms usually recruit trainees for immediate starts.

If you're considering training in-house, explore our thinking of working in-house guide.

Our top tips

1. Make full use of your career service to discuss the law profession in general. This can help you understand whether a career as a solicitor is right for you

2. Continue attending law fairs and other events for students, in-person or virtual. Going to law fairs is important during your second and third years, especially if you want to apply for training positions.

Fairs are great opportunities to meet and introduce yourself to firms of interest. Beyond law fairs, explore open days, insight days, virtual events, and student programmes

3. Talk to members of the profession. Meeting and learning from those in the profession is invaluable

4. Update your CV and create a LinkedIn. LinkedIn can help with your research, follow prominent people in the area(s) of law that you have an interest and learn of trends and networking opportunities

5. Explore funding possibilities for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

6. Apply for work experience opportunities, including vacation schemes. These give insight into the different types of firms and help you decide which one is right for you

7. If you can't secure a vacation placement, consider working outside the profession to gain relevant experience. You can also do pro bono work, so check with your careers service for opportunities

8. Undertaking work experience can count towards qualifying work experience (QWE) if you are providing legal services and developing skills required to work as a solicitor

9. Apply for training positions. Deadlines are typically January and July

10. Start researching preparatory courses for the SQE 1