As students rush to finish their formatives before heading home for the holidays, the Christmas Market is once again in full swing. With hot chocolate and mulled wine finding their way into eager hands and mouths thirsting to drown, yet enliven, the whole of York City Centre beneath laughter which echoes beneath stars that glitter as bright as an ornamented Christmas tree, the York Law Society, as a parting gift, will convene one last time on November 30th in order to give its members one last chance to leave Santa Claus a kiss under the mistletoe. Put on your top hat, straighten your white ties, and polish your coattails law society — the careers dinner is less than a week away.
Set to take place at the Malmaison this year, fewer numbers are expected as a result of fewer firms being willing to send representatives. Nevertheless, with tickets selling out in less than three minutes after two successive rounds of release on the YUSU website, the York Law Society is anticipating a full house for its signature event where attendees will be slated at a different table with a different firm through the starters, the mains, and desert. And despite being less successful at courting a greater quantity of firms to send personnel to engage with law students in the hunt for a vacation scheme or a much coveted training contract, the quantity is certainly far from diminished with spokespeople arriving from DLA Piper, Herbert Smith Freehills, Walker Norris, Norton Rose Fulbright, and the much revered Slaughter & May. But how does all this Christmas magic happen? Better yet, who made it happen? The individual waving the wand is no other than the Careers Dinner Organizer — Anna Carter.
Aware an exponential number of the York Law Society’s vast membership will be in attendance due to the noteworthiness associated with the Careers Dinner, establishing an environment where guests will feel comfortable and welcome was one of Anna’s top priorities — a pair of elements which were missing at last years iteration of the event.
“I want people to feel this dinner is for them. I’m aware students may not know everyone attending due to the vast membership of the society.” Carter stated via email, “The Malmaison was my top choice for the event, I feel it puts a modern twist on the concept of careers dinner. Staging the dinner in a more modern environment will inevitably be an environment students find themselves in more often as opposed to ancient banqueting halls.”
Breaking with tradition in order to allow its membership to feel at home isn’t just Carter’s goal; it’s an initiative shared by the rest of the York Law Society Committee. Especially when it concerns accessibility.
“I was keen to prioritize a venue which championed accessibility through access and having disabled toilets located nearby. The venue last year was stunning, however wheelchair access was harder due to narrow corridors and place settings.” Carter remarked, reverberating an obstacle other members on the committee have experienced in the past with respect to securing spaces for events. One of the biggest challenges in York is that most venues are in listed buildings — which tend to be unfriendly to customers with various health needs — whether it’s the size of the room, the volume of music vibrating over speakers, or a menu with choices to few to accommodate for allergies or other dietary needs. Another reason why Carter picked Malmaison. “ I want everyone to have a positive and enjoyable evening and not be concerned about adapting to the venue, the venue should adapt to them. I want people to feel as comfortable as possible regardless of their needs. The Malmaison has been great in adapting menus to suit all needs.”
Exercising a compassion as tireless as her efforts, Careers Dinner is far from Carter’s first ball. An experience which has allowed her to brisk through the hurdles of coordinating ticket sails, seating plans, and negotiating with law firms to send representatives with a calm, almost effortless grace. A grace she hopes to carry on when she seeks to carve out a career in commerce or non-profit.
“I’m keen to… work in in the business and charity sectors, so I’d say having experience planning a ball will be helpful going forwards with fundraising events and activities.”
But as she looks forward to November 30th — a day where every member from the York Law Society will be looking forward too — only one thing will be on her mind: whether laughter will spill from the tables, and out the doors of the Malmaison. Joining that which already echoes beneath the stars glittering as bright as an ornamented Christmas Tree. Casting aside the lone shadow hiding beneath the mistletoe.
