a placement in the summer before their final year at university at the latest; non-law students should apply during the summer following their third year. In fact, more firms than ever are running schemes aimed at first years, so you must be on the ball right from the beginning of your university career.
phones at a nearby legal advice centre. Court ushering at your nearest magistrates’ court and outdoor clerking are suggested for those unable to get on a formal mini-pupillage. We asked graduate recruiters how non-law graduates in particular can get a foot on the ladder if they’re unable to secure a formal work placement or vacation scheme. All said that non-law graduates should at least make the effort to research the profession, speak to solicitors/trainees about their experiences and visit firms or attend open days. Work of all types – including retail and restaurant work – shows grit and determination, as well as a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get on with the job. Many firms recruit candidates with wide interests and if you’ve experienced other careers, you can speak from the heart at interview about the reasons you’ve excluded those careers and feel propelled towards law. Commercial experience, perhaps in-house, is also regarded as valuable. Previous non- legal work experience can help students to understand businesses or individuals that they’re working with and the challenges they face. Students with disabilities should get in touch with the Lawyers with Disabilities Division. This division of the Law Society aims to achieve equality of opportunity for people with disabilities, whether they be qualified solicitors, trainees, law students, clients or members of the public. One of the things that the division does is contact firms to encourage them to offer work placements to disabled students. For more details visit: www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/lawyers- with-disabilities/about-the-lawyers-with- disabilities-division.
For informal experience, get in contact with local law firms, courts and barristers.
How do I get the most out of my legal work experience? Formal and informal work experience schemes are an important part of the recruitment process. You can only learn so much from an application form and interview. However, a week or two spent with lawyers and support staff is the best way for both firm and student to make an informed decision about each other. Treat your applications for summer schemes as seriously as – if not more seriously than – your training contract applications. This is your opportunity to show off your skills and personality to their very best advantage. So, while there, make sure that you do all you can to be your best possible self. That means: • asking questions; • showing enthusiasm and initiative; • taking advantage of all opportunities; and • behaving professionally. Equally, if you’re at a firm or chambers, you should be assessing whether it’s the sort of place you can imagine working. If you’re at one of the other voluntary schemes (eg, CAB or a pro bono clinic), make sure you’re taking mental notes about how you respond to the type of work to which you’re being exposed. What sparks your interest? What makes you switch off? What would you like to learn more about? Don’t forget, it’s a two-way process. Following up after the placement Send a brief email thanking the recruiter for your placement/mini-pupillage/work
When should I look for legal work experience?
It’s never too early to start. In terms of formal schemes, law students should try to secure
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