are awarded six weeks’ work experience at sponsoring firms, including new firms Allen & Overy and Skadden, and Barclays Legal. A series of annual diversity events, including AS Pride, AS Ability, AS Social Mobility, AS Working Families, AS Women in Law and AS Culture, are hosted throughout the academic year. Panels of diverse professionals share their experiences of overcoming barriers within law on their road to success. On campus, the universities teamdelivers a series of employability workshops and presentations at over 70 universities each academic year, a large proportion of which are outside the Russell Group. The HeadStart Programme combines advice fromgraduate recruiters, future trainees and qualified solicitors on how to successfully navigate vacation schemes and applications to law firms. Finally, work experience placements available through AS with its partner organisations with in-house legal teams include Apple, ASOS, American Express, Barclays, Network Rail, Virgin Money and XTX Markets. AS is committed to increasing diversity in the legal profession and if you’re a talented aspiring solicitor from an underrepresented group, applying for these opportunities could be the decision that secures your future in the legal profession. Go to aspiringsolicitors.co.uk or follow AS on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter to find out more about AS’ opportunities. Applications for AS First 2020/21 open in Autumn 2020. Further reading: • Aspiring Solicitors - https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=36DWfZzQTsQ&t=64s • Diversity access schemes - www.lawcareers. net/MoreLaw/DiversityAccessSchemes
• disabled or with long-term health conditions; or • LGBTQ+.
Historically, these successes have resulted from free one-to-one coaching andmentoring, events and employability workshops. With a focus on building confidence and refining competencies, the coaching and mentoring teamat ASworks with candidates to strengthen their applications, help them excel at interview and secure an offer from the firm that’s right for them. Today, AS is also able to offer a wide range of additional opportunities, including unique forums to showcase commercial awareness skills, a large and readily accessible network of professional ambassadors, and work experience placements at industry- leading commercial organisations. AS coaching programmes, delivered by former lawyers, are available to you at each stage of your career journey. Apply for AS First to gain a grounding in commercial law and a career strategy to secure your training contract. The AS Aspire programme for second-year students and beyond entitles you to one-to-one coaching and limitless access to law firms to help you secure a training contract at your dream firm. The Professional Ambassador platform allows AS members to access a network of legal professionals that want to help directly via the AS website. Over 650 ambassadors representing over 100 law firms are putting their hand back down the ladder to provide insights about their firm and advice to those who want it. The annual Commercial Awareness Competition is not only an effective means of improving commercial acumen, but it also thoroughly prepares candidates for law firm assessments. The Grand Final takes place at Barclays’ HQ in Canary Wharf and winners
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