The Law Society has launched a new series of free online information sessions for newly-qualified and trainee solicitors across the country.

The sessions, which last 20-25 minutes, start at 7pm tonight (15 September) and take place via Zoom.

They focus on career management, interview preparation and associated mental health matters.

Expert speakers

Designed and organised by the Law Society’s Younger Members Committee, the nine-week series invites expert speakers to explore topics of relevance to solicitors in the early stages of their career.

“Solicitors, like many others navigating the early years of a career path can sometimes be unsure of what direction it should take, where their career path will ultimately lead them, and where they can find their ‘dream job’,” said Law Society President Michele O’Boyle.

She said the Younger Members Committee had identified key issues of relevance to their cohort and created this series to help colleagues who may face similar challenges and decisions.

The hidden job market

The first session, ‘Finding the hidden job market’, features top career advisor Sinead English.

The session will examine the hidden market of jobs which have not been advertised and discuss how to access these opportunities.

“An estimated 60-70% of all jobs are never advertised,” explained Michele O’Boyle.

“Networking is an essential tool that will pro-actively assist solicitors, and indeed all career professionals, to navigate their way along the career ladder.

“With COVID-19 affecting how we network and meet potential employers, we must rethink how we connect to others and explore and be open to career opportunities when they arise. The key is to stay connected and to stay positive”.

Impressing at an interview

Trained solicitor Barry McLoughlin of The Communications Clinic, will address how to impress at an interview in session two.

Mr McLoughlin has helped hundreds of solicitors to prepare for interviews and will share his knowledge at the Law Society series on Tuesday, 22 September.

Ms O’Boyle pointed out that many newly-qualified solicitors emerging from completed trainee contracts may not have had an opportunity to present for a formal interview for nearly three or four years.

The full schedule of the Law Society’s Younger Members Committee’s information sessions includes:

• Finding the hidden job market,
• How to impress at interview,
• Mental health and wellbeing – how to stay well physically and mentally,
• Strengthening your self-confidence,
• Success at competency interviews,
• Dealing successfully with recruiters,
• Changing career direction,
• Personal brand management, and
• Dealing with high levels of uncertainty.

More information and registration details are available on the Law Society website.