Saul Goodman (Better Call Saul)… Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)… famous TV lawyers make the job look like a walk in the park. Luckily, a career in law is even more exciting in real life than it is in Hollywood, making it an excellent career to choose.
Work experience in the law and legal sector is your key to understanding the landscape and gaining a competitive edge against other applicants for jobs and apprenticeships. Ready to explore your options? We’ll guide you through the benefits of high-quality work experience and show you how to find valuable placements.
What can you gain with work experience in law and legal?
Securing a meaningful work experience placement can really open the doors to a thriving and long-term career in the legal sector. You’ll gain:
- Understanding the legal landscape: Get a firsthand glimpse into the different areas of law that might grab your interest, such as criminal, corporate, family or public law.
- Practical skills development: Develop crucial skills like legal research, drafting documents (under supervision, of course!) and case analysis.
- Networking opportunities: Build connections with legal professionals, which can be super valuable for future career prospects.
- More employability: Demonstrate your commitment to the field and get tangible skills that make you a more competitive candidate for future roles and apprenticeships.
How to find work experience in the legal and law sector
One thing to keep in mind is that many work experience placements in this industry are looking for candidates who are currently studying law in higher education, such as a university. Be sure to check that the placements you apply for are open to younger students.
Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding work experience in law/legal.
- Networking: Tap into your existing network by speaking to family, friends, teachers and careers advisors to see if they have any contacts within the legal profession.
- School careers services: Your school careers service is an invaluable resource. They can provide awesome guidance on crafting your applications and preparing for interviews.
- Job boards: While not always specifically for work experience, keep an eye on general job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. Plus, look at targeted internship or apprenticeship websites like Best Apprenticeships. Use keywords carefully to get what you want, such as “legal work experience,” “law internship,” or “legal placement.”
- Legal career events: Look out for legal career fairs and open days hosted by universities or law firms. These events provide a chance to meet legal professionals, learn about different career paths and ask about work experience.
The best law and legal work experience available now
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May has a range of work experience opportunities, including the Explore Law Virtual Insight Programme and the Summer Work Experience Scheme. The Lead In to Law opportunity is a two-year talent development programme for year 12 and 13 students hoping to become solicitors. Not sure if this is the right opportunity for you? Join their spring open day to get a taster first.
JMW Solicitors
JMW offers work experience opportunities in London or Manchester for students in year 12 and above. You’ll get insight into the daily workings of legal trainees and lawyers – sounds great, right?
Sills & Betteridge
If you’re an A Level student or are pursuing an undergraduate degree in law, you can get involved with this fantastic three-day work experience opportunity at Sills & Betteridge. They have locations across the UK, plus you’ll get hands-on experience observing different departments and legal proceedings.
Charles Russell Speechlys
The annual Career in Law Work Experience Day at Charles Russell Speechlys is designed to give you a peek into the inner workings of the legal sector. It’s based at the head office in London, and there are only twenty places per day – apply fast!
Secure your spot in the legal industry
Practical work experience in the legal sector is an investment in your future. The insights and skills you gain will provide a solid foundation for your career aspirations – and there’s nothing in the way to stop you.
Wanna know more? Check out our ultimate guide to a career in legal and law.
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