Looking for some work experience? We’ll be honest. This isn’t always easy. However, there are several different routes if you are willing to take the time and commit yourself to it.
Here are some different ways to approach your search:
PRO BONO
The easiest way is probably to sign up to a pro bono scheme being run by your uni. Many institutions offer some such experience and you should think about grabbing a spot, particularly if you want to work in a smaller firm helping individuals.
ACCESS SCHEMES
The next possibility is through widening participation access schemes. If you come from a background that is under-represented in the legal field talk to your uni careers team about diversity opportunities. The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme will be opening for 2024 at the end of February, The Aspiring Solicitors Meta scheme offers you work experience and internships and Rare Recruitment offers a range of different schemes, these are just three of the many opportunities available. Make it your business to find out what is out there and make some applications – this can be a great way of “levelling the playing field”.
LOOK AT YOUR NETWORK
If you’re from a more privileged background you may be able to make use of contacts of your family and friends to get some work experience. While many firms have been closing their doors to such work shadowing, opportunities do still arise. Even if you can’t ask for a job - you may be able to get time work shadowing, or at the very least have the chance to sit down with someone and ask them about their role and journey into the law - all useful insight when applying for other work opportunities.
DEVELOPING LEGAL SKILLS ELSEWHERE
What if you can’t fit in work experience like this or pro bono because you have to work? Don’t despair! Law firms will value the work that you do in whatever field. If you’re in hospitality or retail you’ll have gained great customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and you’ll demonstrate your work ethic and your time management skills. You’ll have an understanding of what makes a business successful – that’s a key ingredient for all law firms!
But… there is another option.
PART-TIME PARALEGAL WORK
Sometimes smaller law firms are open to having paralegals working for them on a part-time basis and perhaps you could swap one part-time job for another? Your best chance of success will be to put together a great CV and then compile a list of possible law firms. Check their websites for job vacancies or put together a speculative cover letter. Make sure that your letter is crafted carefully to be personal to each different law firm and look at it from the point of view of the firm reading it. They don’t want to hear what’ll be great for you! They want to hear what skills you’re going to bring to them!
Don’t forget that our paid 10 week summer Legal Internship applications are now open - find out more here.