Legal work experience is important for a whole host of reasons. The skills you gain and projects you work on will give you plenty to discuss at interview, and any form of work placement demonstrates commitment to a legal career.

In some firms, those who perform well during a work placement are offered permanent positions.

Work placements at solicitors’ firms

Many big solicitors’ firms offer work placements during the summer and over Easter, and a few offer them at Christmas. They are paid (typically between £125 and £270 per week depending on location and type of firm). Students sit in on client meetings, research legal issues and attend hearings. Usually there is some form of appraisal at the end of the placement.

Mini-pupillages

Mini-pupillages – short-term shadowing or experience in chambers for potential barristers – are rarely offered on a formal basis. Instead, locating a set and planning a schedule is left up to the student. Pupillages.com lists chambers that you could approach.

Law placements in Europe

If working abroad appeals to you, the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) organises Student Trainee Exchange Programme (STEP) work placements throughout continental Europe. These run for anything from two weeks to 18 months in law firms or related organisations, such as the courts, consultancies or banks.

Other law placement options

Some students claim that vacation programmes with major firms are nearly as difficult to obtain as a training contract. Don’t despair – the key thing from a recruiter’s point of view is that you have some kind of experience of the law.

ELSA and some of the Inns of Court run conferences and events that can help increase your inside knowledge. You could also consider exploring alternative ways to gain experience.

You could spend time at smaller solicitors’ firms, local government legal departments, law centres, probation offices or courts. You may be able to find paid clerical work, but even if you work as an unpaid volunteer or simply do work shadowing you should view it as an investment in your future. At the very least, playing an active role in your university law society will work in your favour.

Or get a new angle on the legal process. Head for a commercial organisation, such as a bank, if you want to become a corporate lawyer. If human rights is your area of interest, work with a refugee group or women’s hostel. Any experience will demonstrate your commitment.

Available law placements

There are many law placements available – the following is just a sample.

Allen & Overy
Winter and summer vacation schemes.

Dickinson Dees
Work placements throughout the year.

Slaughter and May
Work experience schemes during the Christmas, Easter and summer breaks.

Go to the law career advice area.