Schemes and opportunities explained
There are many ways to explore a career in law, both in person and online. Making the most of these opportunities early on helps you decide whether law is right for you, gives you time to reflect on your experiences, and adds real value to your CV.
Social mobility schemes
Law firms and barristers’ chambers recognise that they need to cast their nets wide to reach the best talent. To facilitate this, many larger firms have developed specific events and schemes aimed at increasing diversity in the legal profession.
See a full list of current schemes.
Eligibility
Make sure you check the eligibility requirements to see which schemes you are eligible to apply for. Some schemes open for applications early in the academic year, so it is a good idea to make a shortlist of the ones you are interested in and to add the key dates to your calendar to avoid missing out.
Law firm open days, insight schemes, and job simulations
If you're interested in becoming a lawyer but unsure if the environment is right for you, attending a law firm open day or insight scheme could be a great first step. These events offer valuable first-hand experience of what it's like to work in a law firm.
During an open day or insight scheme, you'll hear directly from lawyers and recruiters about the firm's culture and the type of work they do. These programmes are designed to help you decide whether to apply for a vacation scheme or a training contract. In fact, many firms prefer applicants who have participated in these events.
Be sure to check the eligibility requirements for each scheme, as some are tailored to specific groups, such as second-year law students. You can search for opportunities on individual firm websites and through MyEmployability, using filters like ‘Insight Experiences’ and ‘Law Vacation Scheme’ to find relevant ads.
You can also explore law careers online from the comfort of your own home. Forage offers free virtual work simulations that give you a taste of the type of work you'd be involved in at various organisations, including law firms.
Opportunities exclusive to NLS students
The Nottingham Law School experience is about more than achieving your academic goals. You'll benefit from the opportunity to take part in exciting extra-curricular activities, in-course experiences, and access to our award-winning Employability team. It's a journey to help you stand out.
Vacation schemes and work experience at large commercial firms
To boost your chances of becoming a solicitor, consider completing a vacation scheme or work experience with a law firm. Vacation schemes are paid work experience opportunities, typically lasting one to two weeks, offered by larger commercial firms. Most take place during university holidays in the summer, winter, or spring.
During a vacation scheme, you’ll have the chance to network with the firm's employees, including current trainees, and learn about the company culture and the nature of their work. It’s also an excellent way to understand what skills and personal qualities the firm values in applicants. Plus, you’ll gain new skills and expand your knowledge along the way.
Keep in mind that vacation schemes are highly competitive and usually aimed at second and final-year students or graduates. Some law firms even restrict training contract applications to those who have completed their vacation scheme.
Visit the Law vacation schemes page on Prospects to find out more.
NLS Legal
Our fully regulated, multi-award-winning teaching law firm NLS Legal, allows us to offer our law students the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Hundreds of Nottingham Law School students get involved in NLS Legal every year across a wide range of activities, allowing them to grow in confidence and gain key skills that are highly valued by employers.
At the same time, our students know they are giving back to the community as they help to provide access to justice to those unable to afford, or otherwise access, legal services.
Support Through Court
NLS is additionally the sole host university for Support Through Court's (STC) National Helpline and National Online Service. Both national services enable those without legal representation to receive immediate support and guidance.
A benefit of our expanded STC partnership is that NLS students can access an increased number of work experience opportunities, making it the largest STC university partnership to date.
Opportunities are advertised on the STC NOW learning room.
Mini pupillages
To improve your chances of becoming a barrister, consider completing a mini pupillage. These unpaid work experience opportunities at barristers' chambers typically last from one day to a week. Some mini pupillages include assessments with tests and feedback, while others are more observational.
During a mini pupillage, you may observe barristers in chambers and in court or engage in more interactive activities like reading briefs and instructions. This experience provides valuable insight into life as a barrister, and most successful pupillage applicants complete three or more mini pupillages before applying. Many opportunities are advertised directly on chambers' websites, and some can also be found on MyEmployability, so be sure to check throughout the year for new openings.
When applying, you may be asked to complete an application form, submit a CV and cover letter, or both. Research the chambers and their recent cases to strengthen your application.
Networking Events and Mentorship Programmes
- Our Law Careers Fairs are held regularly and are a great chance to meet professionals and recruiters from a range of law firms across the country, government departments, and chambers.
- Mentoring programs are available to help you to navigate your legal career path, too. Having a mentor can be a great confidence boost and may open doors to other opportunities and valuable connections.
Legal volunteering
Volunteering has lots of benefits and is a worthwhile use of time. As well as practical client-facing experience, volunteering can give you exposure to different areas of law, networking opportunities and a chance to learn new skills. It will appeal to employers on your CV too.
There are lots of local opportunities. You could apply to volunteer at NTU’s on-campus law firm, NLS Legal or directly to a range of external organisations. Students in the past have volunteered with Citizen’s Advice, Nottingham Refugee Forum and Nottingham Women’s Centre. Both MyEmployability and local websites such as NCVS advertise a range of opportunities.
Further resources
- Access a range of diversity schemes through the RISE Directory.
- Browse a range of CV and cover letter examples/resources available on the NLS Employability NOW room.
- Access 1-1 drop-in support available from the Employability Hub and from career coaching appointments.