Legal Work Experience

If you are thinking about a career in law, it is never too early to start gaining experience.

 

Legal work experience can help you to understand what working in the legal profession is actually like. It can also help you develop key skills that are important for future applications, such as communication, research, organisation, problem solving and time management. Most importantly, it can help you work out whether a career in law is right for you and which areas of law interest you.

 

Starting to look for opportunities whilst you are studying your A Levels is a great idea. You don’t need to wait until university. Building up experience now means that, when you apply for university, apprenticeships or future legal opportunities, you can demonstrate that your interest in law goes beyond simply studying the subject.

 

In person or virtual work experience?

In person work experience can give you the opportunity to see a legal workplace for yourself, meet solicitors and other legal professionals, and experience what a working day might be like.

 

These opportunities can be competitive, so it is worth looking at law firms, local solicitors, barristers' chambers and other legal organisations to see what they offer.

 

However, virtual work experience is also a fantastic way to start.

 

You can complete opportunities from home, often around your studies, and gain experience of completing tasks that reflect the work carried out by legal professionals.

 

This can be particularly useful if you haven't yet been able to secure an in person placement.

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Click here for more advice on work experience and a free work experience skills tracker