As an aspiring lawyer a key component of your skill set is the ability to research well. The various techniques of researching a firm which is a ‘right fit’ for you can be categorised into the following stages.

One: Know what type of lawyer you want to become. There is a useful section on the Prospects website which outlines what various roles are involved in the legal profession. Even if you are confident with regards to what these roles are it is still worth reviewing these since it can become part of your audit check as to the skills required to fulfil the role.

Two: Research the firms by looking at their websites and cases. They may not be necessarily looking to employ someone. But at the initial stages this need not be your prime concern, because your focus should be to look at fit of firm to you. Often you can review employee profiles on the firm’s website. This should help you indentify areas of legal practice the firm engages in. Plus you can begin to get an understanding of the culture and background of the lawyers within the firm. Ask yourself ‘could I see myself fitting in?’.

Three: Do not be afraid to contact by phone a lawyer within the firm who you feel that you can identify with, ideally within your practice area of interest. You can initially email and follow-up with a phone call if you like. But remember if you just email them they may just delete it since they do not know you.

Four: When you are talking to your chosen contact make sure you have prepared some questions. Decide what you want to get out of the conversation; knowledge about their practice area and sector perhaps, or whether they could offer you work experience.

On the 3rd of December we are inviting in an Employer Panel Of Non-Commercial Law Firms (click here for full details and to book ). These are typically smaller law firms which would expect to be researched and contacted in the way I have described above. They are more likely to recruit people that have taken an interest in them especially when contacted (i.e. research cases they have been involved in). And remember unlike bigger firms they recruit as and when. Plus they do not necessarily have the budget of the larger firms to promote themselves.