FESTIVAL OF LAW

Self-Made in Law 2026

targetjobs

Hosted by

targetjobs

Date and time

02 Oct 2026

 • 

10:30 AM-5:00 PM

Location

Central London

Self-Made in Law 2026 image
Self-Made in Law is an exclusive event designed for high-achieving students from lower socio-economic backgrounds who are predicted to achieve a 2:1 degree classification or above. Whether you are the first person in your family to attend university, attended a state school or have overcome barriers on your path to higher education, this event is designed to help you unlock opportunities within the legal sector.

Why attend Self-Made in Law?

Connect with leading law firms, build your professional network and gain the skills, confidence and insights needed to succeed in the legal profession.

A successful legal career should be accessible to talented students from every background. Self-Made in Law connects ambitious future lawyers with leading  firms that are committed to improving social mobility and broadening access to the profession.

The event provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, develop key employability skills and build valuable connections with trainess, associates, parteners and graduate recruiters from top law firms.

Whether you are considering a training contract, preparing applications for vacation schemes or simply exploring your options within law, you'll leave with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of how to achieve your career goals.

targetjobs

Hosted by

targetjobs

We aim to help students realise their potential in the world of work through technology, content and tools. That’s not an easy thing. We believe in understanding students and partnering with employers, universities, schools and other technology providers. It’s about students finding the right role and employers finding the most suitable candidates. But its more than that –it’s about helping young people discover options, develop and build confidence. targetjobs is the leading graduate careers website in the UK. 

What you'll gain from attending

Make connections with law firms face-to-face

Build meaningful connections with trainess, associates, parteners and graduate recruiters from firms actively investing in social mobility and diverse talent.

Develop skills for recruitment success

Participate in interactive workshops designed to strengthen the skills firms value throughout the application and assessment process.

Experience a mock assessment centre

Gain first-hand experience of assessment activities and understand what recruiters are looking for when evaluating candidates.

Learn from inspiring professionals

Hear from legal professionals who have successfully navigated their own career journeys and gain practical advice on overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Build your confidence

Develop the knowledge and confidence needed to approach applications, interviews and networking opportunities more effectively.

Expand your professional network

Meet like-minded students from across the UK and establish valuable relationships with future firms and industry professionals.

Who should attend?

Self-Made in Law is open to students who are predicted to achieve a 2:1 degree classification or above and who identify with one or more of the following backgrounds:

• First generation university students
• Students from lower socio-economic backgrounds
• Students who attended state schools
• Students eligible for free school meals
• Students from areas with low progression into higher education
• Students who have experienced barriers to accessing professional careers

The event is suitable for students from all degree disciplines and year groups who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Take a look at last year's event!

Self-Made in Law 2025

Group workshop led by Travers Smith
Keynote speech from Norton Rose Fulbright - male senior associate speaking into lectern
Male student with blond hair speaking into microphone

What to expect

The day combines practical skills development, firm engagement and networking opportunities designed to help attendees better understand legal careers and prepare for future recruitment processes.

Activities throughout the day include:

• Interactive icebreakers
• Assessment centre exercises
• Employer-led skills workshops
• Career insight sessions
• Networking opportunities
• Panel discussions with legal professionals
• Professional development activities

Take the next step towards a career in law

Self-Made in Law offers ambitious students the opportunity to connect with leading firms, develop essential skills and gain the confidence needed to pursue a successful career in the legal profession.

Register your interest today and discover how your background, experiences and potential can help shape your future in law.

Frequently asked questions

Programme

10:30am- 5:00pm

Self-Made in Law Programme

Friday 2 October 2026
10:30am to 5:00pm

10:30am
Student registration

11:00am
Welcome and event introduction from the targetjobs team

11:10am
Keynote speech

Hear from an inspiring speaker discussing social mobility, resilience and career success within the legal profession.

11:20am
Icebreaker session

Meet fellow attendees and begin building your professional network.

11:40am
Feedback and discussion

Reflect on key themes and engage in group discussion.

11:50am
Cibyl introduction

Learn more about graduate careers research and how firm insights can support your career planning.

12:00pm
Mock assessment centre

Experience a realistic recruitment exercise and gain valuable insight into how legal firms assess candidates.

1:00pm
Lunch break

Take the opportunity to network with firms, legal professionals and fellow students.

2:00pm
Skills workshops

Participate in two interactive employer-led workshops focused on developing the skills needed for success in legal recruitment and the workplace.

3:00pm
Break

3:15pm
Skills workshop

Continue developing your professional skills through a final practical workshop session.

3:45pm
Panel discussion

Hear from solicitors, trainees and graduate recruiters as they discuss career pathways, recruitment advice and opportunities within the legal sector.

4:45pm
Closing remarks

Key takeaways and guidance on next steps for your legal career journey.

5:00pm
Event end

Self-Made in Law 2026

02 October 2026
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Central London