FESTIVAL OF LAW
Self-Made in Law 2026

Hosted by
targetjobs
02 Oct 2026
•
10:30 AM-5:00 PM
Central London

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.

Hosted by
targetjobs
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.
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.
Who's coming?
The firms you could meet
We're delighted to be joined by the following firms, who are all working to help break down barriers into legal professions! More firms to come, so keep an eye on this page.
Find out more by clicking the logos below:
Frequently asked questions
Programme
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



