Legal work experience is crucial for anyone aspiring to pursue a career in law. Acquiring relevant work experience not only enhances your CV but also provides valuable insights into the legal profession. It helps you determine your interests, preferences, and potential areas of specialization within the field of law.
Although gaining legal work experience is extremely important, many people are unsure of how to obtain it. In this article, we provide an overview of the different types of legal work experience and explain how they can benefit your future career in law.
- Mini pupillages
A mini-pupillage is a short work experience opportunity for undergraduate students who want to become barristers. It lasts for one or two weeks and allows you to follow a barrister and observe their work in chambers and court.
If your goal is to become a barrister, then a mini-pupillage is the kind of legal work experience you should aim to acquire. It is strongly advised that you do at least one mini-pupillage before you finish your studies. It is a good idea to apply early to give yourself the best chance, as they are very competitive.
- Internships
Internships are job opportunities provided by some law firms and institutions, which can offer valuable experience, even though they are typically unpaid. To find opportunities, you can reach out to your law school or career service, or look for them on the internet.
- Vacation schemes:
Vacation schemes are like internships at law firms that are usually given to college students or recent graduates. They aim to provide a wide understanding of how the law firm operates and real-life experience in handling cases and transactions. This will significantly improve your legal abilities and knowledge.
During a vacation scheme, you’ll often work with lawyers at different levels – from trainees to partners, and this will give you an idea of what to expect in the short and long run.
Usually, these schemes last for about a month and are available to students all year round. If you’re looking for legal work experience in the summer, vacation schemes are a good choice. But keep in mind that many students apply for these opportunities, so it’s best to submit your application as soon as possible to increase your chances of being accepted.
- Go to open days and attend law fairs
Law firms often organize open days to help students understand what it’s like to work at a law firm. These events are usually for students in their second or third year and can include talks, group activities, and shadowing opportunities. Bigger firms may hold several open days throughout the year, but most of them happen in the spring and summer.
Attending open days is crucial as it can help you understand how law firms work. Moreover, if you make a good impression and distinguish yourself from the other attendees, the firm may offer you a vacation scheme or internship in the future.
Law fairs are held at universities across the UK and provide students with the chance to meet and network with law firms, recruiters, chambers, and course providers. These events also typically offer career guidance talks, presentations, and workshops to improve your CV.
Whether you’re interested in legal secretary work experience, Legal Aid work experience, or any other type of legal work experience, law fairs are a good starting point. They offer a variety of opportunities to learn more about how to get legal work experience and improve your long-term career prospects.
- Attend court
If you want to see how lawyers work in court and how the justice system operates, you can attend a court hearing. You can observe barristers and how they argue for their clients. It is also a good way to show your interest in law, even if you don’t want to become a barrister. Most hearings are open to the public and free to attend. You can check the website of your local County, Crown, or Magistrates’ Court to find out when and where the hearings will take place.
If you want to find out more about legal work experience, email charlotte.reason@attwells.com
