358 results
For Year 12 (Fifth Year in Scotland) students who meet PRIME's social mobility criteria and live within an hour of an AG office in Aberdeen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London or Manchester. An academic-year programme with a refurbished laptop to keep, a mentor, online workshops, a week of paid in-person work experience with travel and lunch covered, and support afterwards. This is how the firm meets its PRIME commitment.
Applications for the 2026/27 cohort open in September 2026.
Through BPP
Addleshaw Goddard lists the BPP Legal Access Scheme among the access initiatives it takes part in. The scheme is BPP's own, for its students, and its details are on BPP's site.
The firm publishes no dates. Check with BPP.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
A grant programme created by Aspiring Solicitors, of which Addleshaw Goddard is a founding member, for vacation scheme candidates and future trainees from socially mobile backgrounds, covering accommodation during schemes, IT equipment, workwear and other agreed costs. Candidates are told about it by the firm rather than applying to it.
No application window. Eligible vacation scheme candidates and future trainees are told about the grant by the firm.
Through City Solicitors Horizons
A three-year programme delivered by SEO London for first-year undergraduates (second years on a four-year degree) who attended non-fee-paying schools and meet at least one social mobility criterion: first in the family at university, care leaver, free school meals or other financial assistance, or a parent or carer. Each candidate gets a mentor at a sponsor firm, monthly commercial awareness sessions and application workshops, and some get a week's work experience at a sponsor.
The current cohort runs 2025 to 2028. The home page says applications are closed while the apply page says the next cohort is open, so check the apply page.
For students in Year 12 (Year 13 in Northern Ireland, S5 in Scotland, 5th Year in the Republic of Ireland) at a state-funded school or on a full means-tested bursary, who meet at least one further criterion such as free school meals, local authority care, a caring role, refugee status, a routine or manual main household earner, or being first in the family to attend university. Two weeks of paid work experience in July, one at the firm and one with the Social Mobility Business Partnership, then a mentor through Year 13. Up to 24 places.
Applications for the 2027/28 programme open 6 October 2026 and close at noon on 6 January, with telephone interviews from 15 to 19 February 2027 and the programme running 19 to 30 July 2027.
A virtual programme for penultimate and final-year secondary school students across the UK and Ireland at a state-funded school or on a full bursary, who meet at least one further criterion such as free school meals, local authority care, a caring role or refugee status. Six online sessions after school from November to March, with a mentor through Zero Gravity.
Applications for the 2026/27 programme opened 1 September 2026 and close 8 October 2026 at midday, with offers by 20 October 2026.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
A grant programme created by Aspiring Solicitors that Ashurst Perkins Coie has signed, for vacation scheme candidates and future trainees from socially mobile backgrounds, covering accommodation during schemes, IT equipment, workwear and other agreed costs. Candidates are told about it by the firm rather than applying to it.
No application window. Eligible vacation scheme candidates and future trainees are told about the grant by the firm.
For Year 12 students (S5 in Scotland, Lower Sixth in Northern Ireland) who have always attended a state-funded school and meet at least one further criterion: local authority care (which qualifies on its own), free school meals or similar support, a caring role, refugee status, a routine or manual main household earner, a low-progression school, or first in the family at university. Grade 4 or above in English and Maths GCSE. An 18-month programme for 20 students with a mentor, virtual skills sessions, networking and a paid three-day placement in London.
The last window opened 1 December 2025 and closed 31 January 2026, with the placement on 4 to 6 August 2026. The next window is not yet published.
Through PRIME
Summer work experience for A-level students under the firm's PRIME commitment, for young people from all backgrounds who meet the PRIME criteria. Bristows is not on PRIME's London listing, so ask the firm how places are filled.
Each summer. No dates or application route are published.
An annual workshop for sixth-form students on the full breadth of careers in the legal sector, open nationally to students from the state education sector.
Runs annually. No dates or application route are published.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
A grant programme created by Aspiring Solicitors of which Bristows is the headline supporter, for vacation scheme candidates and future trainees from socially mobile backgrounds, covering accommodation during schemes, IT equipment, workwear and other agreed costs. Candidates are told about it by the firm rather than applying to it.
No application window. Eligible vacation scheme candidates and future trainees are told about the grant by the firm.
Through City Solicitors Horizons
A three-year programme delivered by SEO London for first-year undergraduates (second years on a four-year degree) who attended non-fee-paying schools and meet at least one social mobility criterion: first in the family at university, care leaver, free school meals or other financial assistance, or a parent or carer. Each candidate gets a mentor at a sponsor firm, monthly commercial awareness sessions and application workshops, and some get a week's work experience at a sponsor.
The current cohort runs 2025 to 2028. The home page says applications are closed while the apply page says the next cohort is open, so check the apply page.
For Year 12 students at state schools who are first in the immediate family to attend university, or have been eligible for free school meals, or attend a school with above-average free school meal eligibility. Two paid weeks at the London Living Wage: one at the firm and one visiting a different organisation each day. Twenty places.
Runs across two weeks in late July and early August. The firm's page says 2027 dates are to be confirmed.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
A grant programme created by Aspiring Solicitors that BCLP supports, for vacation scheme candidates and future trainees from socially mobile backgrounds, covering accommodation during schemes, IT equipment, workwear and other agreed costs. Candidates are told about it by the firm rather than applying to it.
No application window. Eligible vacation scheme candidates and future trainees are told about the grant by the firm.
Through City Solicitors Horizons
A three-year programme delivered by SEO London for first-year undergraduates (second years on a four-year degree) who attended non-fee-paying schools and meet at least one social mobility criterion: first in the family at university, care leaver, free school meals or other financial assistance, or a parent or carer. Each candidate gets a mentor at a sponsor firm, monthly commercial awareness sessions and application workshops, and some get a week's work experience at a sponsor.
The current cohort runs 2025 to 2028. The home page says applications are closed while the apply page says the next cohort is open, so check the apply page.
For students in Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland) or Lower Sixth (Northern Ireland) who meet at least two of the socioeconomic criteria: attended a state-funded school from age 11, first in the family to attend university, received free school meals, Pupil Premium, EMA or a 16 to 19 Bursary, attended a school with below-average A-level results or low progression to university, time in local authority care (which qualifies on its own), a caring role, refugee or asylum-seeker status, a main household earner in a lower socioeconomic occupation, or long-term unemployment. A two-year development programme of paid and unpaid elements with financial support, one-to-one tutoring and help with the SPARK application.
Applications for the 2027 programme open 7 September 2026 and close 22 February 2027, with the assessment centre starting 30 March 2027.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
A grant programme created by Aspiring Solicitors that Clifford Chance supports, for vacation scheme candidates and future trainees from socially mobile backgrounds, covering accommodation during schemes, IT equipment, workwear and other agreed costs. Candidates are told about it by the firm rather than applying to it.
No application window. Eligible vacation scheme candidates and future trainees are told about the grant by the firm.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
For Year 12 students (Year 13 in Northern Ireland) at state-funded schools whose parents and grandparents did not attend university and who are applying to university through the 2026/27 UCAS cycle, plus at least one of: free school meals eligibility between 11 and 16, a school with 20% or more pupils on free school meals, care experience, or a home in a POLAR4 quintile 1 area. Financial support through the degree, mentoring, a trainee buddy and paid first-year work experience (£450).
Applications for 2026 are closed.
For Year 12 students in England and Wales at state-funded schools since age 11 who meet at least one further criterion (first in the family at university, free school meals, local authority care, a caring role, refugee status, or a school with low progression to university), within commuting distance of the London, Bristol or Sheffield office. A paid week of skills sessions and shadowing, then mentoring, application advice and events, with springboard support for the Insight Programme and solicitor apprenticeship.
Applications for 2026 closed 16 June 2026. The week runs in early August in London, Bristol and Sheffield.
For full-time students at a UK university, graduating from a UK law school no later than 2028, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusion and no inclusion award from another firm in the same year. Fellows join the two-week London summer programme a year earlier than the usual eligibility (paid £550 a week), are considered for a second programme, and receive a bursary of up to £12,000 in three instalments, the last on joining as a trainee. Applied for at the end of the first year of a three-year law degree, or the second year of a non-law or four-year course.
The 2026 fellowship ran with the summer programme of 29 June to 10 July 2026. The next window is not yet published.
Through Sutton Trust
Four work experience places a year, of at least four days in the Easter holidays, for Year 12 students already on the Sutton Trust's Pathways to Law programme. Real tasks, skills sessions and time with Cooley trainees. Express interest in Cooley to your Pathways coordinator.
Runs in the Easter holidays. Apply to Pathways to Law through the Sutton Trust, then ask your coordinator for a Cooley placement.
For socially mobile students from their second year of a law degree or final year of a non-law degree, on track for a 2.1 with ABB at A level (mitigating circumstances considered), and not already on another mentoring programme or holding a vacation scheme or training contract offer. Launch event, six in-person skills sessions, and one-to-one mentoring with a lawyer or trainee.
Applications open 28 August 2026 and close 16 October 2026. The programme launches 5 November 2026.
Two-day insight programme for first-year law and second-year non-law students who are not yet eligible for the vacation scheme. Covers key practice areas, a group exercise, an application skills workshop and networking.
Applications open 28 August 2026 and close 12 March 2027. The programme runs 7 to 8 April 2027.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
The firm is an Aspiring Solicitors partner. Membership is free and open to aspiring solicitors from under-represented groups by ethnicity, social background, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence or long-term health condition, and brings coaching, mentoring, work experience and events. The firm's own directory page lists its internal networks rather than a scheme to apply to.
Join Aspiring Solicitors at any time. Firm opportunities are advertised to members.
Through PRIME
For Year 12 (S5) students who have always attended a state-funded school and are first in the family at university, had free school meals, attended a low-progression school, have parents on means-tested benefits, have been in care, or came to the UK as a refugee. Recruited through the Sutton Trust's Pathways to Law: a five-day placement at the nearest DLA Piper office, during which candidates are invited to apply for the multi-year Head Start programme of mentoring, financial support and skills sessions.
Applications for Pathways to Law open in September each year; indicate DLA Piper as your placement preference. The firm hosts up to 50 candidates a year.
For first-year A-level students at state schools, sixth forms or colleges with mostly grade 9 to 6 GCSEs, little or no family history of higher education and an interest in law. A three-day virtual programme with apprentices, trainees, partners, clients and barristers, one-to-one coaching and goal-setting.
Applications for the 2027 scheme open 14 December 2026. The virtual scheme runs over Easter 2027.
For selected Unlocked participants: university tuition fees for the duration of a degree, mentors from the firm and vacation scheme opportunities.
No application. Recipients are selected from Unlocked participants.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
A grant programme created by Aspiring Solicitors that Eversheds Sutherland supports, for vacation scheme candidates and future trainees from socially mobile backgrounds, covering accommodation during schemes, IT equipment, workwear and other agreed costs. Candidates are told about it by the firm rather than applying to it.
No application window. Eligible vacation scheme candidates and future trainees are told about the grant by the firm.
Run with Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, to address the under-representation of Black men from less socially mobile backgrounds in large commercial law firms and City institutions. For eligible first year law students at participating universities UK-wide, and other first year students at some of them. Candidates are nominated by their university, so check with yours whether it takes part. No minimum grade requirement, and the insight day and assessment centre are funded. Scholars receive a 15-month development and mentoring programme, and there is a separate programme for candidates assessed but not awarded a scholarship.
Candidates are nominated by their university. Applications for the 2026 scheme are closed.
Through PRIME
For Year 12 students (S5 in Scotland, Year 13 in Northern Ireland), recruited with the Social Mobility Foundation. 100 students a year get a Freshfields mentor, an online career insight week with a travel-paid day in the London or Manchester office, skills workshops, and the chance of a paid residential internship the following summer.
Runs across October half-term, Easter, May half-term and the summer holidays. PRIME's listing gives no application window; apply through the Social Mobility Foundation.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
Through PRIME
A summer placement at the London office for Year 12 A-level students who meet the PRIME criteria: a first-hand look at life inside a City law firm across practice groups, with partners and employees.
The 2026 programme ran 27 to 30 July 2026 and applications closed 29 May 2026. Apply by emailing a CV and cover letter to London HR.
Through PRIME
A four-day insight programme in October half-term at the London office for sixth-form students who meet the PRIME criteria: interactive sessions, workshops, talks from lawyers and staff, CV and interview advice. Eight to ten places.
PRIME's listing still shows the 2025 dates, 27 to 30 October 2025. Apply by emailing a CV and cover letter to graduate recruitment.
For Year 13 students at state schools, colleges or academies who are applying to study law at a UK university and meet at least one criterion: first in the immediate family at university, free school meals, a school with 20% or more pupils on free school meals, time in local authority care, refugee or asylum-seeker status, or being a parent or registered carer. A scholarship of £3,750 for each year of a three-year degree, with skills sessions, career guidance and mentoring.
Applications for the next programme open in April 2027.
Through City Solicitors Horizons
A three-year programme delivered by SEO London for first-year undergraduates (second years on a four-year degree) who attended non-fee-paying schools and meet at least one social mobility criterion: first in the family at university, care leaver, free school meals or other financial assistance, or a parent or carer. Each candidate gets a mentor at a sponsor firm, monthly commercial awareness sessions and application workshops, and some get a week's work experience at a sponsor.
The current cohort runs 2025 to 2028. The home page says applications are closed while the apply page says the next cohort is open, so check the apply page.
Through PRIME
For Year 12 students who meet both the PRIME criteria and the Social Mobility Foundation's Aspiring Professionals Programme criteria. The firm recruits from that programme rather than taking direct applications. A week of workshops, shadowing and one-to-one mentoring, with 15 places for London students and 10 residential places for students elsewhere in the UK.
A week in the summer holidays, typically August. No direct applications: places come through the Social Mobility Foundation's Aspiring Professionals Programme.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
Through PRIME
For Year 12 students at UK state schools who identify as Black African, Black Caribbean or mixed Black heritage and were eligible for free school meals or are first in the family to attend university. Run with Rare across Years 12 and 13: mentoring from the firm's lawyers, networking, commercial awareness exercises, UCAS support and work experience at the end of Year 13.
A year-round programme with applications opening in September each year.
Through Sutton Trust
For Year 12 students who have always attended a state-funded school and are first in the family to attend university. A week's paid work experience at the firm in February half-term with panel discussions, case studies and work shadowing, delivered through the Sutton Trust's Pathways to Law programme.
Runs in February half-term each year. Apply through the Sutton Trust.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
The firm is an Aspiring Solicitors partner. Membership is free and open to aspiring solicitors from under-represented groups by ethnicity, social background, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence or long-term health condition, and brings coaching, mentoring, work experience and events. The firm's own directory page lists its internal networks rather than a scheme to apply to.
Join Aspiring Solicitors at any time. Firm opportunities are advertised to members.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
Through PRIME
A summer week at the London office for Year 12 and 13 students (S5 in Scotland) interested in law: skills sessions, panel Q&As, an application advice workshop and a week-long business challenge. Latham is a founding member of PRIME.
The 2026 week runs 17 to 21 August 2026; applications were open 1 June to 12 July 2026 on the firm's application portal.
Through PRIME
For Year 12 students (or equivalent) who meet the PRIME criteria, have at least four grade 7 (A) GCSEs and have been eligible for free school meals at some point in secondary school. An 18-month programme run with the Social Mobility Foundation and the Amos Bursary: mentoring, work shadowing, academic tutoring and university preparation, for up to 30 places.
Starts in April and runs 18 months, with a three-day placement in August and a two-day course in October half-term. Apply through the Social Mobility Foundation.
For first-year undergraduates on a three-year degree (or second years on a four-year programme) at a UK or Irish university, law or non-law, from a socially mobile background. Includes a financial award, one-to-one coaching, a trainee mentor and a fast track to a vacation scheme assessment centre.
Applications for the 2026/27 scholarship are open. The page's own dates block still shows last year's window.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
For first-year LLB students at Brunel University London who meet the firm's social mobility criteria, as set out in Rare's contextual recruitment. A three-year programme developed with Brunel Law School, with work experience and mentoring from senior Macfarlanes lawyers.
Applications are closed and reopen in 2027.
For sixth-form and college students from less advantaged backgrounds who have always attended a state-funded school and meet at least one further criterion: free school meals, local authority care, a caring role, refugee status, regular term-time work, a routine or manual main household earner, first in the family at university, or a school with low progression to university. A paid work experience week in February half-term of Year 12, a mentor, and a workshop day in Year 13.
Applications for the 2026 academy are closed and the next dates are not yet published. The 2026 work experience week ran 16 to 20 February 2026.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
The firm is an Aspiring Solicitors partner. Membership is free and open to aspiring solicitors from under-represented groups by ethnicity, social background, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence or long-term health condition, and brings coaching, mentoring, work experience and events. The firm's own directory page lists its internal networks rather than a scheme to apply to.
Join Aspiring Solicitors at any time. Firm opportunities are advertised to members.
Through Sutton Trust
The firm partners with social mobility organisations including the Sutton Trust to host insight days and work experience placements through the year for committed candidates who want to learn about life at a commercial law firm. Eligibility and applications are the Sutton Trust's.
Multiple programmes through the year. Apply through the Sutton Trust.
An open day for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, run in person and virtually. The firm's page lists dates and registration deadlines but no criteria; register through the early careers page.
In person on 2 October 2026 (registrations close 18 September 2026) and virtually on 7 October 2026 (registrations close 16 September 2026).
An open day for students from ethnic minority backgrounds, run in person and virtually. The firm's page lists dates and registration deadlines but no criteria; register through the early careers page.
In person on 9 October 2026 (registrations close 18 September 2026) and virtually on 14 October 2026 (registrations close 23 September 2026).
A breakfast event for students and graduates of Black heritage. The firm's page lists the date and registration deadline but no criteria; register through the early careers page.
23 October 2026, with registrations closing 2 October 2026.
An open day for students with a disability or long-term health condition, run in person and virtually. The firm's page lists dates and registration deadlines but no criteria; register through the early careers page.
In person on 6 November 2026 (registrations close 16 October 2026) and virtually on 11 November 2026 (registrations close 21 October 2026).
The firm's social mobility initiative, addressing barriers into the legal profession inside and outside the firm. No application route, criteria or dates are published; the firm's careers site does not load, so this record rests on the firm's Legal 500 profile.
Nothing to apply to is published. Contact the London graduate recruitment team.
An insight day, called Make your Mark, for penultimate and final-year students and recent graduates of any discipline who are Black or of Black heritage, including mixed White and Black Caribbean or African. Workshops and discussions with the firm's lawyers, travel reimbursed, and fast-tracking to the screening stage for the vacation scheme and training contract.
The page still shows the 2025 edition, whose applications closed 26 October 2025.
Known as Scholars: £5,000 over the degree for ten first or second-year students facing socio-economic barriers, with AAB at A level, on a first degree of at least three years at a UK university. Includes a place at a vacation scheme assessment centre, a mentor and insight days.
Runs every two years. The last window closed 20 October 2025 and the page does not yet show the next one.
For Year 12 students starting in September 2026 who attended a state school, average a grade 6 across their top eight GCSEs including English and Maths, have a household income under £25,000 and meet at least one further criterion (care, free school meals, first in the family at university, refugee status, a caring role or a routine or manual main household earner), within reach of the London or Newcastle office. A two-year programme paid £500, with a laptop, a week in October half-term, mentoring and a mock assessment centre.
Applications for the 2026 intake opened 20 August 2026 and close 24 September 2026. The programme starts in October half-term 2026 and ends with a graduation two years later.
Run with Barclays through Aspiring Solicitors, so you need to be an Aspiring Solicitors member to apply. For second year law undergraduates or final year non-law undergraduates, with ABB at A level and on track for a 2.1, taking mitigating circumstances into account. Not open to anyone who has already done a Pinsent Masons placement or training contract interview, or who holds a training contract. Mentoring from Pinsent Masons and Barclays professionals, plus sessions on commercial awareness and how AI is used in practice.
Applications close 9 September 2026 at midday
Through 10,000 Interns Foundation
A six-week paid placement in the London, Birmingham or Leeds office for 10,000 Interns Foundation members, from penultimate-year law students to graduates. Register with the Foundation, which allocates interns to firms, and apply to Pinsent Masons within its window. The placement is a route to a training contract starting September 2029.
Applications open 15 September 2026 and close 2 December 2026 at midday. The placement runs 28 June to 6 August 2027.
Through PRIME
A paid summer placement in a UK office for Year 12 and 13 students (S5 and S6 in Scotland) who meet the PRIME criteria: shadowing a practice area, working with a supervisor, group exercises and CV and interview advice. English office places are filled through the Sutton Trust's Pathways to Law; Belfast through Business in the Community.
PRIME's listing still shows the 2025 dates: the week of 28 July 2025 in Northern Ireland and Scotland and 18 August 2025 in England.
Through Aspiring Solicitors
The firm is an Aspiring Solicitors partner. Membership is free and open to aspiring solicitors from under-represented groups by ethnicity, social background, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence or long-term health condition, and brings coaching, mentoring, work experience and events. The firm's own directory page lists its internal networks rather than a scheme to apply to.
Join Aspiring Solicitors at any time. Firm opportunities are advertised to members.
Run with SEO London and Bloomberg for twelve first-year university students of any degree from lower socio-economic backgrounds: a week at Ropes & Gray and a week at Bloomberg, with masterclasses, panel events and mentoring, and a scholarship for the two best performers. The firm's own recruiting site blocks automated reading, so this record rests on Chambers Student's interview with the firm.
Apply through SEO London's portal in the spring. Check SEO London for the current window.
For students at UK state schools or sixth form colleges with a household income of no more than £30,000, first in the immediate family to attend university, predicted AAA at A level, holding an offer to read law at a UK university from 2027, and either a full-time carer or eligible for free school meals (or at a school where 20% of pupils are). A £3,500 bursary paid in three instalments across the first year, renewable for later years on a 2.1, with a trainee mentor and a week of work experience.
Applications open 5 April 2027 and close 21 May 2027.
Through PRIME
A summer week at the London office, open nationally to Year 12 students who meet the PRIME criteria: meeting lawyers and support staff, career development workshops and hands-on project work, with a further week run with the Social Mobility Business Partnership.
PRIME's listing has not been updated since the 2022 programme, which ran 18 to 22 July 2022. Check with the firm for the current dates.
Run with Frederick Bremer School in Walthamstow, so places go to that school's students rather than by open application. A seven-year commitment from Year 10: work experience, a paid internship after GCSEs, ongoing mentoring and skills sessions, and the chance to apply for a university bursary awarded to four students per cohort. Running since 2012.
Through the partner school. No open application.
Run with Brampton Manor Academy in East Ham, so places go to that school's students. Two years of work experience, mentoring and skills sessions for students who want to pursue a career in law.
Through the partner school. No open application.
Three weeks of paid work experience each year for school leavers, before university, from ethnic minorities and under-represented groups who aspire to work in law, hosted with IntoUniversity.
Runs each year for school leavers before university. Apply through IntoUniversity.
Through 10,000 Interns Foundation
Simmons is a founding partner and signatory of the 10,000 Black Interns programme, which offers paid work experience to Black students across a range of sectors each year. Register with the 10,000 Interns Foundation, which allocates interns to employers.
Apply through the 10,000 Interns Foundation's own cycle.
Through 10,000 Interns Foundation
Paid work experience for university students with a disability, run on the same framework as 10,000 Black Interns. Register with the 10,000 Interns Foundation, which allocates interns to employers.
Apply through the 10,000 Interns Foundation's own cycle.
Through City Solicitors Horizons
The firm provides mentoring and work experience for three City Solicitors Horizons students each programme year. The programme itself, delivered by SEO London, is for first-year undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds; eligibility and applications are on its site.
Three students per programme year. Apply to City Solicitors Horizons directly.
The Justice First Skadden Trainee Program, set up by the London office in 2020 and administered by the Legal Education Foundation's Justice First Fellowship, for prospective trainees interested in social welfare law.
No application window is published. Contact the graduate recruitment team.
Through PRIME
A paid February half-term placement for Year 12 students at schools and colleges in and around London that partner with Causeway Education. Training workshops, insight sessions on legal and non-legal roles, and shadowing Skadden lawyers, with travel and food covered.
Runs in February half-term. Places go through partner schools, so there is no open application.
For first-year law students (and second years on a four-year degree) from lower socio-economic and/or ethnic minority backgrounds, with the right to work in the UK. A one-week placement in April paid £550, with help towards accommodation and a professional clothing grant, and support for summer scheme applications afterwards.
Applications for the 2027 programme open 5 October 2026 and close 6 January 2027. The programme runs 5 to 9 April 2027.
Through upReach
upReach's two-year careers programme for first-year undergraduates (second years on a four-year degree) at any UK university, any degree subject, who are state-school educated with a household income below £42,620 and AAB at A level on a contextualised basis. A dedicated programme coordinator, application and interview support, and the chance to apply for work experience and a mentor at Slaughter and May, which sponsors the programme.
Applications for the 2027 programme open in December 2026. Register interest with upReach earlier.
For Year 12 students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds outside London who meet the PRIME criteria. A virtual work insight programme delivered with Futures for All, with three placements across the end of Year 12 and the start of Year 13 and priority for the Social Mobility Business Partnership's in-person weeks.
Applications open in March each year, during Year 12.
For Year 12 students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who meet the PRIME criteria, run with Rare. Twenty places a year, with one-to-one university application support, mentoring and in-person work insight across Years 12 and 13.
Applications open in autumn each year at the start of Year 12, through Rare. The 2026 intake is closed and applications for 2027 open in September 2026.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
Through Social Mobility Foundation
Work experience at Stewarts is only available to students introduced by the Social Mobility Foundation, whose Aspiring Professionals Programme supports 16 and 17 year olds who cannot get such opportunities from school or family. A week in the London or Leeds office, normally in the summer, with legal concepts, CV and interview advice and a mentor.
One week, normally in the summer. Apply to the Social Mobility Foundation's Aspiring Professionals Programme; the firm takes no other applicants.
Through City Solicitors Horizons
A three-year programme delivered by SEO London for first-year undergraduates (second years on a four-year degree) who attended non-fee-paying schools and meet at least one social mobility criterion: first in the family at university, care leaver, free school meals or other financial assistance, or a parent or carer. Each candidate gets a mentor at a sponsor firm, monthly commercial awareness sessions and application workshops, and some get a week's work experience at a sponsor.
The current cohort runs 2025 to 2028. The home page says applications are closed while the apply page says the next cohort is open, so check the apply page.
Through Sutton Trust
The firm offers work experience, mentoring, training and ongoing support during their studies to students from state school backgrounds on the Sutton Trust's Pathways to Law programme. Eligibility and applications are the operator's.
The firm's page gives no dates. Apply through the operator.
Through City Solicitors Horizons
The firm offers work experience, mentoring, training and ongoing support during their studies to students from state school backgrounds on City Solicitors Horizons. Eligibility and applications are the operator's.
The firm's page gives no dates. Apply through the operator.
Through PRIME
A paid in-person week in February half-term for Year 12 students who meet the PRIME criteria: presentation and negotiation skills, interview technique, CV work and a look at the careers inside a law firm beyond the lawyers.
Applications open in the autumn.
Through Rare Recruitment
Rare's development programme for Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black heritage students in their first year of a three-year course (second year of a four-year course), with AAA at A level or 38 IB points, contextualised. In-person group sessions with the ten participating firms, of which this is one, plus application and interview support.
The 2026 round took applications from 12 January to 16 February 2026, with interviews in February and March 2026. Apply through Rare.
Through City Century
WFW joined City Century in June 2023, the City of London Law Society's collaboration of 50 or more firms to increase the number of solicitor apprentices in the City. The route students apply to is the firm's own six-year solicitor apprenticeship, open to school leavers with at least ABB at A level and seven GCSEs at grades 5 to 9; students who have completed more than a year of a degree are not eligible.
The 2026 intake's applications ran from 17 November 2025 to 20 February 2026. The next window is not yet published.
Through PRIME
A paid five-day placement at the London office for 16 to 18 year olds in sixth form or college: workshops, discussions and sessions with Weil lawyers and business services professionals on the routes into law, including the training contract and the solicitor apprenticeship. Students receive £550, with travel and accommodation covered.
The 2026 week runs 3 to 7 August 2026. PRIME's listing says applications close on Friday 6 April, with no year given.
Through PRIME
A week-long programme for Year 10 to 12 students at the firm's three partner schools in Lambeth (St Thomas the Apostle College, Lillian Baylis Technology School and Platanos College) who meet the PRIME criteria. Sessions on routes into law, life as a trainee, areas of law and business services roles, plus CV, interview and presentation workshops.
Runs in the last week of the summer term. Places go through the partner schools; applications open at the start of each year.
Through PRIME
Willkie is listed among PRIME's member firms, but PRIME's search for London work experience returns no Willkie programme. Contact the firm's graduate recruitment team for any placement it runs under PRIME.
No programme or dates are published on PRIME's site.