21/08/2026
A group of students recently joined us at our London office alongside our client Virgin Media O2 for a day designed to answer exactly that question.
From sixth form students to graduates, participants heard from partners, trainee solicitors, business development professionals and in-house lawyers, gaining a practical insight into life in the legal profession and the many routes into it.
One of the day's highlights was The Great Cake Debate π°. Working in teams, students tackled a real commercial dispute, researched the issues, built legal arguments and presented their case in a lively debate. It was a chance to develop the same skills lawyers use every day: critical thinking, communication, teamwork and commercial awareness.
But one of the biggest takeaways wasn't about legal knowledge.
Success in law relies on much more than understanding legislation and case law. Through networking sessions, panel discussions and conversations with professionals across Shoosmiths and Virgin Media O2, students explored the importance of curiosity, relationship-building, confidence and understanding how businesses operate.
They also discovered that there is no single route into the profession. Whether you're considering university, a solicitor apprenticeship, work experience or a training contract in the future, every career journey is different.
Events like this matter because they offer something that can't always be found online: real conversations with people working in the profession today. Students asked questions, expanded their networks, toured our office and gained a better understanding of both the legal and commercial sides of working in a law firm.
The feedback was incredibly positive, with many students leaving feeling more confident and inspired about their future careers.
You don't need to have your entire career mapped out today. The important thing is to keep exploring, asking questions and being open to opportunities when they come your way. π