Year 12 Law Work Experience - How to get law work experience

Law Work Experience looks great on your personal statement, but it can be a bit tricky to know where to start looking. This guide provides some handy tips to help you find law work experience, and get the most out of your time.

How to get law work experience …

Lots of year 12’s are looking for law work experience, and not every law firm provides work experience. That means that you need to be smart in your law work experience planning, here is my guide to getting to the top of the pile and finding the perfect work experience for you.

1. Be Personal

  • Law firms will get hundreds of emails from year 12 students looking for legal work experience, you need to make your email stand out. The best way to do this is to research the law firm and find something personal to them that particularly interests you. Your email should not sound ‘copy and pasted’, instead, be engaged with the firm and their areas of speciality.

2. Quality and quantity

  • It’s really important to send quality applications to law firms when looking for law work experience, but you would be very lucky to be successful with the first firm you apply to, so, don’t bank on one firm, instead, send lots of emails plenty ahead of time.

3. Think outside of the box

  • Emailing law firms is by no means the only way to get law work experience. Think outside of the box! Perhaps you listened to an interesting speaker at school and could get in touch for a shadowing opportunity, or, maybe you can get yourself to a local court and listen in to the week’s cases.
  • Here’s a handy list of people and places that you might be able to get in touch with …
    • Solicitor’s firm
    • Barrister
    • Paralegals
    • Local courts
    • The Old Bailey
    • The council
    • Universities
    • Law websites
  • Also, keep in mind that your university law application is all about skills that make you suited to a law degree, relevant law work experience is a great way to show your passion for the subject, but any kind of work experience is a bonus if you can link it to law.
    • For example …
      • As a law student you need to be able to write cogent essays, perhaps you can find some work with a local newspaper or publisher to help you practice this new skill
      • As a law student you need to be able to construct arguments, perhaps you can find some work experience within a debating organisation to help you enhance your debating ability
This is the Old Bailey, a court in London which holds some very important and high up case hearings. You can go here for free and listen to these cases – a great experience outside of a law firm office.

Make the most of your Law Work Experience

1. Notes

  • Your law work experience should be really interesting and insightful, it is also a great thing to write about in your personal statement and to talk about in any university interviews. By the time you come to writing your personal statement or sitting an interview it might have been some time since your work experience. That’s why it is really important to keep a note diary of your experience – don’t just include your itinerary, also include your thoughts, feelings and any questions the experiences left you with.

2. Ask Questions

  • Law firms are confusing places, and there is no reason why you should know how they work and what solicitors and barristers do. This means it is the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions to find out more about the day to day work life for people in law – don’t be afraid to ask, your law work experience is your opportunity to learn.

3. Reflect

  • As well as helping your personal statement, and providing content for interviews, your work experience is for you! Reflect on how you really found the experience, what parts of law do you think might suit you best, and which parts are not for you. Remember there are lots of jobs within ‘law’ and many different areas for you to explore.

Law Mind’s Law Work Experience Programme

Are you having difficulties securing legal work experience? Don’t worry! Law Mind is hosting a 5-day law work experience programme in London! Over these 5 days, you will be supported by senior lawyers and legal experts when exploring the world of the legal profession. You will learn:

  • What it takes to become a prestigious lawyer
  • How to conduct a mock murder trial, including reviewing police disclosures, making closing speeches and cross-examining witnesses
  • How a real-life courtroom works at the Royal Court of Justice
  • And more!

Check out our programme details below:

With tips and advice on your UCAS application, personal statement, LNAT and law interview, this really does cover everything you need to know! And you can benefit from £100 OFF with our code SUMMER100! With limited places available, book NOW to avoid disappointment!!

BOOK NOW!!

FAQs

Can international students participate in law work experience programmes?

International students can participate in law work experience programmess, depending on the specific requirements and regulations of the country or institution offering the programme. Before applying, researching and understanding the eligibility criteria, visa requirements, and any other restrictions are vital.

Is prior legal knowledge or experience necessary for legal work experience opportunities?

While prior legal knowledge or experience can be beneficial, it is only sometimes a requirement for law work experience opportunities. Some programmes may be designed for beginners or those with limited legal knowledge, while others may have specific prerequisites. It is essential to review the requirements of each opportunity and apply accordingly.

How long does legal work experience usually last?

The duration of law work experience can vary depending on the programme or opportunity. Some programmes may last a week or two, while others may span several months or even a year. It is essential to carefully review the duration of the programme and ensure it aligns with your availability and goals.

What should I include in my application for legal work experience opportunities?

The application requirements for law work experience opportunities may vary, but typically, you may need to submit a resume, a statement of purpose, reference letters, and other relevant documents. It is essential to carefully review the application guidelines and provide all the requested information in a well-organised and professional manner.

How can I make my law work experience stand out in my resume or CV?

To make your legal work experience stand out in your resume or CV, highlight your roles and responsibilities, skills acquired, and any notable achievements during your work experience. Use specific examples and quantifiable results to demonstrate your contributions and impact. It can also be helpful to tailor your resume or CV to the specific legal work experience opportunity or job you are applying for to showcase your relevant skills and experiences.

Was this article helpful?

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Still got a question? Leave a comment

Leave a comment

Post as “Anonymous”