The annual Kent Law Fair provides an excellent opportunity for local, national and international law firms and other legal providers to network with students from Kent Law School and the wider University of Kent community. This year’s event was held in the beautiful Colyer-Fergusson Concert Hall on the Canterbury Campus. It was attended by over 400 students keen to learn more about graduate opportunities from over 25 law firms, chambers and other legal organisations. It was particularly lovely to welcome back so many KLS alumni.
Carly Hewett, a final year Law LLB student, has kindly shared her reflections on attending the Kent Law Fair over the past three years.
“Every year, Kent Law School hosts a Law Fair that provides an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with a variety of legal professionals. The University’s strong connections with prestigious local firms, the public sector, and top-ranking commercial law firms make it a standout event. This year marked my third time attending the fair, and it proved to be just as insightful—if not more so—than previous years.
When I attended my first Kent Law Fair as a first-year student, my focus was understandably limited. I was eager to explore the event but wasn’t entirely sure what to expect or ask beyond the basics of what I was learning in my law modules. I vividly remember being drawn to the vibrant stands and the allure of branded freebies while chatting with representatives, but my conversations often lacked depth. Reflecting now, I see those early experiences as an important foundation—they helped me build confidence in approaching professionals and asking questions.
By my second year, I had a clearer sense of what I wanted from the fair. I approached it with specific goals: understanding the training contract process, exploring firm cultures, and identifying which areas of law might suit my developing interests. This shift in perspective allowed me to make more meaningful connections and glean practical advice.
This year, I entered the fair with a firm plan to speak to mid-sized firms that aligned with my career goals. It’s an approach I would recommend to anyone, but I also learned the value of remaining flexible. While I initially stuck to my shortlist, I eventually branched out, speaking with representatives from a range of organizations—including local firms like Boys & Maughan, the Crown Prosecution Service, and prominent commercial firms like A & O Shearman and Milbank.
One of the most memorable moments this year came after a conversation with a recruiter from Milbank LLP. Just as I was preparing to leave the fair, they mentioned a networking event happening that evening in Canterbury. It was a last-minute opportunity that I hadn’t planned for, but attending turned out to be one of the highlights of the day. From this event I met some great students and was invited to a weekend conference in Newcastle with ELSA through networking.
Over the years, my approach to the Law Fair has evolved. I’ve gone from being wide-eyed and unsure to being intentional and strategic. I now know to ask targeted questions about a firm’s structure, culture, and opportunities—things like whether seats are compulsory, how secondments are handled, and what their training programs entail. For first- or second-year students, my advice is to embrace the learning curve: don’t hesitate to ask questions that may seem basic, and always do some research beforehand to tailor your approach.
For anyone preparing to attend their first fair, I’d also recommend keeping an open mind. While having a plan is important, some of the most valuable conversations can come from unexpected encounters.
Attending the Kent Law Fair has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations and understanding the legal industry. This years’ experience reinforced the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone and taking advantage of every opportunity.”