Students Tilburg University

Law firm Van Iersel Luchtman to attend Tilburg University Career Week | ‘Orientation takes time, so be sure to start early’

Published: 28th February 2022 Last updated: 28th March 2022

Last year, Van Iersel Luchtman Advocaten participated in the online edition of Business Day during the Legal Business Days (LBT). The Brabant law firm will put in appearance this year as well. “Some students do not realize that they need to get a job soon until graduation is almost upon them. This kind of event is a low-threshold opportunity for them to explore potential employers and career opportunities at an early stage. This allows them to form a better picture of their future.”

Jolijn Geven is a barrister at Iersel Luchtman Advocaten. She specializes in corporate law, chairs the Healthcare sector team within the law firm, and is currently pursuing specialized training in that field of law. She earned her law degree from Tilburg University, “like many of my colleagues here. Approximately 40 lawyers work at our office. We focus on ten fields of law and specialize in various sectors, including gaming, healthcare, and sport. Given our size, we think we belong at an event like the LBT of the Tilburg University Career Week. I hope that most students already know us, by name at least. And if they don’t, they will get every opportunity during the Business Day: we introduce ourselves and have one-on-one interviews with students.”

Jolijn Geven

Valuable contact

Participating in the LBT last year was very successful for Van Iersel Luchtman Advocaten. Jolijn: “We had such a good interview with one of the students that she has recently started working for us as a legal assistant. We had continued the contact via LinkedIn and agreed that I would keep her informed in case there was a vacancy. Recruitment is not a purpose in itself at the LBT. We mainly want to meet students and give them insight into the work of a lawyer. But of course it’s a bonus if the LBT provide us with a good colleague.”

Informal and low-threshold

During her studies, Jolijn was an active member of Magister JFT, the association organizing the LBT. “The event is a low-threshold and pleasant way to come into contact. Students can talk directly to lawyers and sometimes to recruiters, so they have an informal opportunity to ask questions. They can test the waters: can I see myself working here? Van Iersel Luchtman Advocaten already participated in the Brabant Business Lunch earlier. Last year we also gave a workshop in which we presented our law firm and held a quiz with questions on ethical dilemmas, for example, professional secrecy issues: what may or must you do if your client says a bomb is going to go off somewhere in an hour?”

Pen in hand

“It is more difficult to get a taste of the atmosphere if the event is online. On the other hand, asking questions seemed to be easier for students; there was less stage fright,” Jolijn says. “Online or in person, both have their pros and cons. It struck me how well prepared students were. They were literally ready to ask questions, pen in hand. Online it is easier to get more targeted information whereas, during a physical event, it is easier mix and have a chat. When I was a first- or second-year student, I found addressing a lawyer a daunting task; that may be easier online. However, when I did work up the courage, it was not so bad at all. After all, they are just ordinary people!”

New generations

Is the image that students have of the legal profession correct? Times are changing and that also goes for new generations of students. Jolijn: “The traditional hierarchy that is characteristic of many law firms is shifting. Students nowadays see their principal not so much as a supervisor but more as an experienced colleague. In addition, students are becoming increasingly articulate. For lawyers who have been in the profession for a long time, this can sometimes take some getting used to. I also see that students are currently more aware of what an internship or a job may or may not bring them. And students are interested in the work-life balance. Which is fine here, by the way. Of course it happens that you have to check some work at night, but that also depends on your field of law. For instance, the final phase of a takeover is often a hectic time.”

Developing soft skills

How do you as a student make sure that you are ready for the job market after you graduation? Jolijn: “My advice would be to do an internship as part of your studies. That will give you a better idea what it is like to be working. It is also useful to gain other work experience during your studies, for example, at a legal aid center or in a commission. But working in the hospitality industry or a call center can be useful too because you learn skills like collaborating, making phone calls, and maintaining contact. You will need that kind of soft skills during your career. You can also take training courses, by the way.”

Plotting your route

Lots of options are open to you after law school. Therefore Jolijn thinks it is important that students explore widely. “Regularly participate in events like the LBT. You will gradually discover what you do and don’t enjoy. Orientation takes time, so be sure to start early. Moreover, it will help you to make decisions, e.g., when choosing your Master’s program or electives. If you want to become a legal-aid lawyer, your route may be different from a choice for commercial or litigation practice. But what is ultimately the most important thing is that students can form a good picture of what the work entails. We hope that budding young lawyers who opt to work for us know what they can expect. That works best for both parties. You need to make a choice that is a good fit for you. You shouldn’t become a lawyer because others expect you to do so.”

JBT