The route to becoming a solicitor or barrister in the UK is a lengthy and competitive process, and we all know that competition for pupillages and TCs is not going to go away (if anything, it’s the opposite as we see layoffs from some city firms this year).

One thing that people always tell you to do when you say that you are applying for a TC is to make sure that you network… but is this busy work, or is it going to improve your chances of success?

Let’s be real, the thought of networking fills most of us with dread. Awkward intros, not knowing what to talk about, and having to introduce yourself to a whole load of new people. No thanks!

Of course, some people are great at this (and if you are one of those lucky few people, we are not at all jealous… promise!), but if you would rather do anything than go to a networking event, or find yourself coming up with excuses as to why you are busy, it’s time to reassess.

And the first step you need to take is changing your mindset around what networking actually is…

Networking is about building real relationships.

NOT about collecting contacts.

OR needing to impress a partner or HR manager at a recruitment event.

It’s about making connections with other human beings.

Networking might be with other students also hoping to gain a training contract, it might be with a trainee at a law firm that you want to work at in the future, or it might be a senior associate who could become a potential mentor for you.

In your future legal career, networking will also be about building relationships with your clients and with other professional firms that you are, or may, work with in the future. It’s how you win work. It’s how you get known in your firm and team.

But it doesn’t need to be scary.

Attending law firm events, joining student law societies, and reaching out to alumni or lawyers in your chosen legal field on LinkedIn are all forms of networking.

Building a strong network can open doors to opportunities you might not have otherwise – perhaps you meet someone you may work with in the future, you may have the opportunity to learn from someone a few steps ahead of you, or you may get the chance to be invited to an event.

One thing we can guarantee is that you will not be the only slightly lost person at any networking event. In fact most people there are probably feeling a bit nervous about what to say or do.

And if you are feeling particularly nervous, grab a friend a go together. Just make sure that you challenge yourselves to talk to new people and not just hide in a corner together!

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a great way to improve your confidence by meeting new people, and getting practice early will only help you in your future career as a lawyer.