Best Work Experience Opportunities For First-Year Law Students

Why do I need work experience as a first year law student?

Gaining legal work experience in the first year of law school is crucial. It affords students an early understanding of the legal landscape beyond theoretical knowledge. Engaging in internships, pro-bono work, or shadowing professionals, students witness the law in action, which can profoundly influence their studies and future career choices.

Such experience helps in honing practical skills like legal writing, research, and client interaction that are invaluable in the legal profession. Additionally, early work experience is a significant differentiator in a competitive job market, enhancing a resume and establishing professional networks that can be pivotal for post-graduate opportunities. It’s an investment in a student’s legal career trajectory from the outset.

Virtual Internships

In today’s digital era, many law firms offer virtual internships, providing a flexible platform to understand the intricacies of legal practice. These remote opportunities can include case studies, interactive simulations, and legal drafting exercises. These programs, like those offered by our partner firms, can give you a taste of legal practice from the comfort of your home:

• RPC – First Year Virtual Workshop: RPC’s first year workshops are a great opportunity to learn, network and get prepared for a career in law. You’ll have the chance to take part in skills sessions, listen to insightful presentations and join networking events.
• Linklaters – Virtual Internship Programme: Engage with self-paced, online legal tasks reflective of what Linklaters’ lawyers encounter daily.
• Allen & Overy – A&O First: Gain online insight into the world of commercial law through virtual sessions at Allen & Overy.
• Slaughter and May – Virtual Work Experience Programme: Experience realistic legal tasks through Slaughter and May’s simulated work placement.
• Norton Rose Fulbright – Virtual Internship: Delve into various legal sectors with Norton Rose Fulbright’s comprehensive virtual internship.

Insight Days

Insight Days provide a real-time glimpse into the legal world where first-year students can network with professionals and learn about the day-to-day workings of a law firm.

• Charles Russell Speechlys – Open Days (Virtual and In-person): Hear from trainees, associates and partners about what it’s like to work there and what kind of work the firm focuses on. You’ll also have the chance to participate in an application masterclass. Open days are offered both online and in-person in London.
• RPC – Bristol Insight Event: For students in their penultimate or final year studying law, join RPC’s insight day for guidance on a career in law before submitting your training contract or summer scheme applications.
• Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer – Virtual Insight Scheme: Explore legal careers and gain insights into the firm’s cutting-edge legal work from anywhere.
• DLA Piper – Global Virtual Insight Programme: Understand DLA Piper’s work culture and global reach through their virtual programme.

Summer Internships &  Work Placements

Summer internships are a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the legal field. Partner firms often seek first-year, penultimate or final year law and non-law students for their summer programs, providing a foundational experience that is both rewarding and enlightening.

• Slaughter and May’s Structured Summer Program: Offers first-year law students the chance to work alongside experienced solicitors.
• RPC’s London Summer Scheme: This scheme is for students in the penultimate or final year, giving participants a chance to work across multiple projects and experience what life is like at the firm.

Internships

Internships in the UK legal sector are opportunities for you to gain hands-on experience in a law firm or legal department, offering an insight into the profession and practical skills development. These positions are highly sought after, so applying early and preparing thoroughly for the application process is crucial.

• White & Case LLP – Internship Programme: Participate in international legal matters at a globally recognized firm.
• Norton Rose Fulbright – First Step Programme: Introduces first-year students to the operations of a major legal firm.

Work Placements

Work placements or ‘vacation schemes’ at law firms provide an immersive experience into the legal profession, allowing participants to engage with actual legal work and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of lawyers. These can range from one week to a month, offering a deep dive into legal practice.

• Hogan Lovells – Vacation Scheme: Provides students with practical experience at different times of the year.
• Baker McKenzie – Insight Programme: Offers a concise overview of the firm’s practices for those seeking a shorter commitment.

Pro-Bono Work Experience

Engaging in pro-bono work is a way to contribute to the community while gaining practical legal experience.

• Clifford Chance – Intelligent Aid Competition: Combines competition and pro-bono work, allowing students to address real-life legal challenges.
• Allen & Overy – A&O Pro Bono & Community Affairs: Reflects the firm’s dedication to social responsibility and pro-bono work. You can also participate in this work as a first year law student.

Legal Clinics

Legal clinics are educational law programs that provide students with hands-on experience by allowing them to work on real cases under supervision, thereby bridging the gap between academic studies and practical legal work. They provide indispensable practical experience and instill a strong sense of professional ethics.

• University of Law – Legal Advice Clinic: Students offer legal advice under supervision, serving the community.
• BPP Law School – Pro Bono Centre: Features various clinics for students to apply their learning in practical scenarios.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is essential in law; engaging with professionals can lead to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities.

• The Lawyer Portal – Law Firm Events: Helps students meet practitioners and begin building their networks.
• Bar Council – Young Barristers’ Committee Events: Offers invaluable contacts for those starting as barristers.

Other First-Year Opportunities

In addition to traditional paths, there are several other opportunities for first-year law students to explore the legal field:

• Mooting and Debating Societies: Participate in university-led mooting and debating activities to sharpen your legal reasoning and public speaking skills. For instance, you could join the Oxford University Law Society’s mooting competitions.
• Legal Research Groups: Joining a legal research group or project can provide insight into legal scholarship and enhance your research skills. An example is the research opportunities provided by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL).
• Legal Blogs and Journals: Contribute to legal blogs or student-led journals to showcase your writing skills and legal acumen. Start by exploring The Lawyer Portal Blog which discusses a variety of legal topics including weird laws around the world.
• Quizzes and Competitions: Engage with law-related quizzes and competitions to test your knowledge and gain recognition. Participate in events like The Great Legal Quiz for law students across the country.