The Ultimate Guide to Legal Work Experience for 16-18 Year Olds
- teachlawhub
- Jul 5
- 6 min read
Are you aged 16-18 years old and would like to pursue a career in law?
Explore the TeachLaw Legal Work Experience for 16–18 Year Olds and free work experience download and get a head start searching for the best online and in-person opportunities to kickstart your legal career
Why Legal Work Experience Matters
Legal work experience is one of the most powerful ways to stand out when applying for law degrees, apprenticeships, or even part-time jobs. It not only that you have a keen passion, interest and dedication towards law but it also shows initiative and a willingness to go beyond the classroom. It also gives you real insight into the day to day work of legal professionals and the different types of legal careers you might pursue, whether that’s as a solicitor, barrister, legal executive, or something in-house.
More than that, it helps you build key skills that will be useful in any career: communication, organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving. By completing legal work experience, you’ll also have something concrete to talk about in your personal statement or during interviews, showing that your interest in law is backed up by experience.
The summer holidays are the ideal time to explore your interest in law. With fewer school/college commitments and more flexible hours, you can use this time to build your CV, discover how the legal system works in practice, and start networking with professionals in the industry. Whether you’re applying for university, a legal apprenticeship, or just want to see if law is right for you, gaining legal work experience over the summer gives you a valuable head start.
Many students believe they have to wait until university to start getting involved in law, but that’s not true. There are a growing number of opportunities designed specifically for 16–18 year olds, from in-person shadowing placements to virtual law programmes run by top firms and universities. In this guide, TeachLaw will walk you through all the best options and show you how to apply.
Online Legal Work Experience Opportunities
Online legal work experience has grown rapidly in recent years and many of the law virtual programmes are now open to sixth formers. They’re flexible, free, and can be completed at your own pace. Some even provide a certificate of completion that you can add to your CV or UCAS application.
Download the TeachLaw work experience guide at the end of this blog to access each of the following and track your legal skills and experiences.
Pinsent Masons Virtual Experience (via The Forage)
Pinsent Masons is one of the UK’s top international law firms. Their virtual legal work experience programme, available through Forage, is an excellent way to understand the world of commercial law. You’ll take part in simulated tasks such as reviewing contracts, conducting due diligence, and advising fictional clients. The programme is self-paced and interactive, meaning you can complete it around your other commitments. It gives a real feel for what solicitors do in practice and is perfect for students who are curious about corporate law.
Browne Jacobson Virtual Experience (via The Forage)
This programme focuses on both public and private legal work, with tasks designed to show you what it’s like to work as a legal professional in areas like health, education, and business. You’ll practise drafting legal documents, advising clients, and learning about the importance of diversity in the legal profession. It’s a great option for students who want to see a broader range of legal areas and understand the values behind modern law firms.
University of Law Online Events
The University of Law runs a series of virtual events throughout the year that are tailored for students aged 16 and over. These include interactive “criminal investigation day” sessions where you investigate real-life legal scenarios, online careers panels with legal professionals, and real-world lectures to help you explore law as a degree subject. These events are engaging, easy to access, and can help you understand the different pathways into law, from university degrees to apprenticeships.
UCAS Law Subject Spotlight Series
If you’re deciding whether to study law at university, UCAS’s Subject Spotlight videos are a great place to start. The law sessions include real university lecturers delivering mini-lectures and explaining how legal education works. You’ll also be invited to solve legal problems and think critically, just like a law student would. These videos help you get a sense of whether law is the right subject for you and provide excellent content for your personal statement.
Springpod – Legal Realities Unveiled (with TLT)
Springpod’s “Legal Realities Unveiled” programme is a structured virtual experience delivered with leading UK law firm TLT. Across several days, you’ll explore areas like employment law, banking law, and commercial disputes. The programme includes videos, activities, and interactive quizzes, helping you understand the day to day work of different legal professionals. You’ll also hear from apprentices and graduate lawyers, which is helpful when considering different career routes.
Visit Your Local Crown Court
One of the most powerful and accessible ways to experience the legal system is by visiting your local Crown Court. Most courtrooms are open to the public, and no booking is required, all you need to do is just check the court listings on arrival and ask a court clerk which hearings are open that day. By watching real life trials or sentencing hearings, you can see barristers and judges in action, observe how legal arguments are made, and gain insight into the seriousness and structure of criminal proceedings. It’s an excellent opportunity to understand the roles of different legal professionals and the courtroom environment. Take a notebook with you to reflect on what you see, these notes can help strengthen your personal statement or apprenticeship applications. Just remember to dress smartly, remain silent during the hearings, and follow all court rules.
In-Person Legal Work Experience with Solicitors or Barristers
While virtual work experience is more accessible than ever, traditional placements still offer something unique. Spending time in a real legal environment can help you see how law operates in practice and give you a deeper understanding of the profession.
Many high street solicitor firms and local barristers’ chambers are open to offering short placements for sixth formers, especially over the summer holidays. You might help with basic admin, sit in on meetings, attend court, or shadow different members of staff. These experiences will give you a chance to ask questions and see the legal process up close.
How to Apply for In-Person Work Experience (Email Guide)
Here’s a simple step by step method to request work experience with a solicitor or barrister:
Find local law firms or chambers: using Google Maps, the Law Society’s “Find a Solicitor” tool, or the Chambers Student directory.
Look for a general or HR email address on the firm’s website.
Write a short, polite email
Introduce yourself (name, school, year group, and age).
Explain why you’re interested in law and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Mention any relevant studies or achievements, like A-Level Law or online programmes you’ve completed.
Politely request a short placement, being flexible about dates and open to shadowing or admin work, ask for one or two days experience.
Attach a short CV, or say you’re happy to send one if needed.
Follow up with a polite reminder after two weeks if you haven’t received a reply. Be professional and courteous, some firms receive lots of requests, but persistence and good communication can pay off.
Get Ahead This Summer
Legal work experience is one of the best ways to explore your interest in law and stand out when applying for university or legal apprenticeships. Whether you complete a structured online programme or secure a placement at a local firm, the skills and insight you gain will be invaluable.
Summer is the perfect time to do this. Start small, be proactive, and don’t worry if your first application doesn’t get accepted. Every bit of experience helps build your confidence and career awareness.
Download the TeachLaw Work Experience Guide & Checklist
Here at TeachLaw, we’ve put together a free downloadable PDF to help you take action and pursue your legal work experience, This guide includes:
Links to every online programme mentioned above.
A sample email template for contacting firms.
A checklist to track your experience.
Reflective questions to help with personal statements and interviews.
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