Spotlight On: Student Societies

Joining Warwick Bar Society is completely free: simply sign up through the Warwick SU website or follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with all our events. We welcome students from all year groups and degree programmes, and there's no commitment required. Just show up, get involved, and see what we're about.

One thing we're really focused on this year is raising awareness of the different routes into the legal profession and making the Bar feel accessible to everyone. That means bringing in speakers beyond just barristers (including clerks, judges, and other legal professionals) so that students can understand the full picture of the profession and find the path that's right for them. Alongside this, we're introducing our joint Dual Court Competition with the Law Society, which brings together mooting and mock trial (advocacy) in a single competition for the first time: open to all, regardless of experience.

Warwick Bar Society is completely free to join, which means there's no barrier to getting involved. Beyond careers events, we host socials throughout the year- a great way to unwind, meet people outside of a formal setting, and build friendships with students who share your interests. You'll also develop real advocacy and public speaking skills through our competitions, and gain a genuine sense of what life at the Bar looks like long before applications open. Many of our alumni have secured mini-pupillages and pupillages through connections first made at Warwick Bar Society events.

Myth #1: Bar Society is only for people who already know they want to be a barrister.

Reality: Not at all! We cater to students at every stage. Whether you're not yet sure what a barrister does, curious about how the Bar differs from being a solicitor, exploring different practice areas like family, crime, or medical law, or actively putting together your pupillage application, Warwick Bar Society has something for you. Our events are designed to meet you wherever you are, so there's no reason not to come along and find out more.

Myth #2: Advocacy and competitions are only for naturally confident law students.

Reality: Advocacy is a skill, not a personality trait, and it's one we help you build, whatever your degree. You don't need to be studying law to get involved; non-law students are very welcome and bring a fresh perspective that often proves invaluable in competition and in practice. Our events and competitions are open to all, and the Dual Court Competition this year is a perfect entry point if you've never tried advocacy before. Everyone starts somewhere.

Myth #3: The Bar is only for a certain type of person - it is not for me.

Reality: The Bar is changing, and Warwick Bar Society is part of that change. We actively work to ensure our events and opportunities are accessible to students from all backgrounds. Our careers talks and speaker events feature barristers, clerks, and judges from a diverse range of routes to the profession, because we believe representation matters and that there is no single path to the Bar.

Myth # 4: I'm not confident enough, experienced enough, or sure enough to join.

Reality: You don't need to be confident, experienced, or certain to join, and every single person on our committee has been exactly where you are now. We've all felt unsure, under-prepared, or like we didn't quite belong. Warwick Bar Society is a society where members genuinely look out for one another: whether that's helping someone prep for a competition, sharing advice on applications, or just making a new face feel welcome at a social. Warwick Bar Society is free to join and there's nothing to lose by showing up. Come as you are, and grow with us.

Everyone is welcome to our society! Simply subscribe to BASE for free on the SU website, rock up to our events and enjoy. Through-out the year, we will hold fun socials, informative career workshops and wellbeing opportunities. Follow us on socials (@Baselawwarwick) to see what we have in store!

Myth #1: BASE Law is only for BAME and state-school students.

Reality: We're the society for BAME and state-school-educated students who want a career in law. We are here to show you don’t need to be privately educated with all the connections to succeed. We are here to make law inclusive, less intimidating and give you the confidence to succeed!

Being a BAME-focused society means we champion the voices and experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students while welcoming anyone who supports our mission of widening access to the legal profession. Unlike a general law society, our focus is on breaking down barriers through representation, tailored career opportunities and an inclusive community where students from underrepresented backgrounds can thrive.

Myth #2: BASE Law only offers the same careers events as every other law society.

Reality: This year, we're placing a greater emphasis on developing the soft skills that are essential for a successful legal career but aren't always taught in lectures or traditional careers events. Through interactive workshops, we'll cover everything from networking confidently and building a professional LinkedIn profile to CV writing, communication, personal branding and making the most of career opportunities.

Alongside this, we'll be shining a spotlight on scholarships, mentoring schemes, diversity programmes and social mobility initiatives specifically aimed at BAME and state-school students. We want to make sure our members know these opportunities exist and feel confident applying for them. Our aim is to equip students with the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed throughout their legal journey.

Myth #3: BASE Law is just about careers.

Reality: Alongside our careers programme, we're planning welfare-focused events that create space for open conversations about topics that matter to our members, including neurodiversity in the legal profession, imposter syndrome and navigating law as a student from an underrepresentedbackground.

We'll also be hosting a range of non-law events, giving members the opportunity to hear diverse perspectives, explore different career paths and develop skills beyond the legal profession. Of course, there will also be plenty of socials throughout the year, making it easy to meet like-minded students, form lasting friendships and find a community where you feel you belong.

We're also proud to work with a growing network of leading law firms and organisations that support our mission of widening access to the legal profession. These partnerships allow us to offer members exclusive opportunities, workshops and insights from legal professionals across a range of practice areas.

Myth #4: I'm not confident enough, experienced enough, or sure enough to join.

Reality: BASE Law is for everyone, whether you're certain about a legal career or still figuring things out. You don't need an impressive CV, prior experience or all the answers to get involved. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where you can explore your interests, build confidence at your own pace and find a supportive community that grows with you.

Getting involved is simple. Subscribe to BASE for free on the SU website, come along to our events and see what we're all about. Throughout the year, we'll be hosting socials, practical careers workshops and wellbeing events designed to help you make the most of your time at Warwick. Follow us on Instagram@baselawwarwickto keep up with everything we've got planned.

There are plenty of ways to get involved with LEAD for all kinds of people. We off a Family Mentorship Scheme, weekly social and academic events, and a society newsletter featuring society updates, student insights, and careers advice. Joining a LEAD family means you’ll receive support from students who understand the challenges you may face. Alternatively, our workshops and careers panels may provide you with the detailed advice you need to succeed in a legal career. But more importantly, LEAD is a place for everyone to connect, grow and feel part of our community. So, if you’re keen to get involved just come to our events/ schemes and join our mission to lead the way!

You can join Warwick Legal Tech Society by buying our memberships through the SU website. And its free. To find out about our events, please visit our Instagram page warwicklegaltechsociety.