SQE Preparation Tips: SQE1 Practice Questions
Get helpful tips for preparing for the SQE1 exam, including how using SQE1 practice questions can improve your study routine and exam readiness.
Law Work Experience: Guide for Students and Career Changers 2025
Law work experience is your chance to see what life as a lawyer is really like, whether you’re at school, at university, or changing careers. From internships and vacation schemes to pro bono opportunities, this guide highlights the best options to look out for in 2025.
Table of Contents
Why Law Work Experience Matters
Many law firms value previous legal experience when considering candidates for training contracts, pupillage and other positions. This is because:
It Demonstrates Commitment
Participation in legal work experience often shows a commitment to pursuing a career in law.
You can Develop Legal Skills
Legal work experience can be a great way to develop essential legal skills. From legal research to attending client meetings, these experiences provide a hands-on understanding of the legal profession.
You’ll Discover Specialisms
Legal work experience can help you identify specific areas of interest within the legal field early on. This can help with focus, motivation and identifying firms that are the right fit for you.
Best Ways to Get Law Work Experience
1. Vacation Schemes
Vacation schemes are among the most popular paths to gaining legal work experience. They typically last from two to eight weeks and are primarily aimed at third-year law students seeking practical legal experience.
These programs provide invaluable insights into the legal profession and help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.
For trainee solicitors, participating in these schemes is almost a rite of passage.
How to Find a Vacation Scheme
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Start early
– Applications typically open in the autumn, with deadlines often in January for spring and summer schemes. Prepare your materials well in advance. -
Tailor your application
– Research each firm thoroughly and align your application with its practice areas, values, and recent matters. Show why the firm’s work appeals to you and how you can contribute. -
Present a strong CV
– Highlight academic achievements, legal experience (such as mooting, pro bono work, or mini-pupillages), and transferable skills including teamwork, leadership, and communication. -
Write a focused cover letter (where required)
– Demonstrate your motivation for becoming a solicitor, your interest in that particular firm, and what you hope to gain from the scheme. Keep it clear, concise, and professional. -
Prepare for online assessments
– Many firms include psychometric tests, situational judgement exercises, or video interviews as part of the process. Practise these in advance to build confidence. -
Perform well at interview or assessment centre
– If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview or assessment centre. Be ready to discuss your experiences, commercial awareness, and reasons for pursuing a career in law.
2. Virtual Work Experience
Virtual work experience programmes have also become more prevalent, allowing students to gain legal insights without the need to be physically present at the firm’s location.
These programmes offer flexibility and accessibility, making it easier for students to balance their academic commitments with gaining experience.
How to Find Virtual Work Experience
-
Explore law firm programmes
– Firms such as Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and Pinsent Masons offer online internships through platforms like Forage. These programmes often include tasks like drafting memos, reviewing contracts, or advising clients. -
Use online platforms
– Sites like Bright Network and InsideSherpa host a wide range of legal virtual experience schemes, allowing you to complete modules at your own pace and gain certificates to evidence your participation. -
Look for university and society opportunities
– Many universities, law societies, and careers services organise virtual placements, online workshops, and webinars that count as work experience. -
Get involved in online pro bono projects
– Charities and legal advice clinics sometimes run remote volunteering opportunities, enabling you to assist real clients under supervision. -
Showcase your initiative
– Add virtual work experience to your CV and LinkedIn profile, and be prepared to discuss the skills you gained in applications and interviews.
3. Legal Internships
Legal internships offer a wealth of benefits for aspiring lawyers. By participating in internships they provide an opportunity to acquire practical experience, develop a professional network, and enhance your CV with real-life examples that are relevant to future applications.
Internships also allow you to explore different law firms and understand their work culture and practice areas. Engaging in legal research, attending client meetings, and participating in court visits are just a few of the tasks that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession.
How to Find Legal Internships
-
Start Early
– Begin researching internship opportunities as early as possible. Many law firms, government bodies, and legal charities advertise internships months in advance — some even follow seasonal recruitment cycles (e.g., summer, spring, or winter placements). -
Identify Your Areas of Interest
– Think about what kind of legal work you’re interested in — commercial law, family law, human rights, criminal defence, etc. Tailor your search to firms that align with your interests to increase your engagement and relevance. -
Research Law Firms and Organisations
– Use firm websites, LinkedIn, and legal career portals to find suitable placements. Look into the firm’s practice areas, values, recent cases, and internship structure so you can personalise your application. -
Prepare a Strong CV and Cover Letter
– Your application should highlight your academic achievements, relevant experience, transferable skills, and genuine interest in the firm or organisation. Use examples where possible to show your legal research, communication, and teamwork skills. -
Follow the Instructions for Applying
– Be sure to follow all instructions carefully — missing documents or incorrect formatting may result in an automatic rejection. -
Leverage Your Network
– Reach out to university careers services, professors, or contacts in the legal field. They may alert you to opportunities or refer you to internship roles that may not be widely advertised. -
Prepare for Interviews and Assessments
– Some internships may require interviews, written exercises, or legal reasoning tests. Practise common interview questions and stay up to date on current legal news and issues. -
Be Open to Smaller Firms and Alternative Routes
– While city law firms are highly sought-after, don’t overlook the greatness of regional firms, legal aid organisations, or in-house placements. These can offer more hands-on experience and often lead to strong references.
4. Mini-Pupillages
Mini-pupillages are short-term placements with barristers’ chambers that provide first-hand experience of the barrister profession. These placements, which can last from one day to two weeks, offer aspiring barristers a unique opportunity to observe court proceedings, interact with barristers, and gain insight into the legal processes involved in specific cases.
Whether you’re an aspiring barrister or simply interested in understanding the barrister profession, mini-pupillages are an excellent way to gain relevant experience and build your professional network.
How to Find a Mini-Pupillage:
-
Research the chambers
– Before applying, familiarise yourself with the chambers’ practice areas and reputation. Tailor your application to show why you are specifically interested in that set. -
Prepare a strong CV
– Highlight relevant achievements such as mooting, debating, pro bono work, internships, and academic results. Demonstrating commitment to advocacy and legal research is particularly valuable. -
Create a tailored covering letter
– Explain your motivation for pursuing a career at the Bar and why you are applying to that chambers. Keep your letter concise, professional, and focused. -
Demonstrate transferable skills
– Evidence of public speaking, problem-solving, and analytical ability can strengthen your application, even if gained outside formal legal settings. -
Observe deadlines
– Chambers often have strict application windows. Some offer rolling applications, while others may set seasonal deadlines, especially for summer placements. -
Prepare for informal interviews
– Some chambers may conduct short interviews before offering a mini-pupillage. Be ready to discuss your interest in the Bar, your experiences, and your career aspirations.
5. Pro Bono Work
Pro bono work plays an important role in the legal profession, giving aspiring lawyers the chance to support their communities while building valuable legal skills. Taking part in pro bono projects can strengthen legal knowledge, sharpen communication skills, and foster empathy and awareness of social issues.
Organisations such as Citizens Advice and the Prisoners’ Advice Service provide opportunities to gain practical experience with client interaction and legal processes. Whether assisting clients online, over the phone, or face-to-face, pro bono work offers a hands-on insight into the realities of legal practice.
For aspiring lawyers, these opportunities are invaluable — they not only provide a way to give back but also help develop the skills needed for a successful legal career.
Where to Find Pro Bono Opportunities
-
University Law Clinics
– Most law schools run legal advice clinics where students can volunteer under supervision. These provide real experience with client queries and legal research. -
Citizens Advice and Charities
– Citizens Advice, the Prisoners’ Advice Service, and other charities often rely on volunteers. They offer valuable training and practical client work. -
Pro Bono Societies and Student Groups
– Join your university’s pro bono society or law society, which usually have partnerships with local organisations and can connect you with projects. -
Law Firms and Chambers
– Some firms and chambers run structured pro bono schemes. Check their websites or speak with recruiters to see if you can get involved. -
Online and Remote Volunteering
– Many organisations now provide remote volunteering, allowing you to help with casework, research, or advice from home. -
Career Services and Legal Networks
– University career services, mentoring programmes, and professional networks often advertise pro bono placements and projects.
6. Work Shadowing
Work shadowing is an excellent way to see how legal professionals operate day to day and to gain a real sense of the legal workplace. By observing solicitors, barristers, or other practitioners in action, you can better understand their responsibilities, decision-making, and the realities of legal practice.
This kind of experience is invaluable for law students, as it provides insights that go far beyond textbooks or lectures. From sitting in on client meetings to watching court proceedings, work shadowing offers a first-hand view of the profession and the many different roles within it.
How to Find Work Shadowing Opportunities
-
Research the Firm or Chambers
– Start by identifying firms or barristers’ chambers that match your interests, such as criminal law, commercial law, or family law. Look at their practice areas, values, and recent work so you can tailor your approach. -
Write a Professional Email
– Contact the firm politely by email. Introduce yourself, explain your interest in the area of law they practise, and highlight what you hope to learn from shadowing. Keep it concise and professional, and attach a short CV (if required). -
Use Your University and Network
– Ask your careers service, lecturers, or law society if they can connect you with practitioners. Networking events and LinkedIn can also be useful for finding contacts willing to offer shadowing opportunities. -
Be Flexible and Open
– Firms are often busy, so offer a range of dates when you’re available. Even a day or two of shadowing can provide valuable insight. -
Follow Up Politely
– If you don’t hear back within a couple of weeks, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence (without being pushy) shows genuine enthusiasm. -
Say Thank You
– Always thank the firm or professional after your shadowing experience. A short message of appreciation can help you leave a positive impression and may lead to future opportunities.
7. Insight Days and Open Days
Insight days and open days are a great way for law students to explore different firms and see how they operate. These events give you the chance to meet legal professionals, learn about the firm’s culture, and gain a clearer picture of what trainee solicitors do day to day.
Typically, they include workshops, talks, and networking sessions, offering both practical insights and the chance to build valuable connections. Experiencing a firm’s culture first-hand can also help you decide whether it’s the right place for you.
Whether you attend an insight day at a large City firm or an open day at a smaller regional practice, these events provide knowledge and contacts that can be crucial for shaping your legal career.
How to Find Insight Days and Open Days
-
Law Firm Websites
– Most firms advertise their insight and open days directly on their careers pages. Check regularly, as application deadlines can be early. -
University Careers Service
– Your careers team often keeps an updated list of opportunities and can guide you on applications. They may also run events with law firms on campus. -
Law Societies and Student Groups
– University law societies usually partner with firms to promote events. Joining these groups ensures you hear about opportunities early. -
Online Platforms
– Websites like LawCareers.Net, Chambers Student, and TargetJobs regularly post details of open days and deadlines. -
Networking and Social Media
– Follow firms on LinkedIn and other platforms to stay updated on upcoming events. Some firms also share exclusive opportunities with their followers. -
Email Newsletters
– Sign up to careers services, law careers websites, or firm mailing lists to get updates straight to your inbox.
8. Mooting and Debates
Mooting competitions and debates are key activities that demonstrate transferable skills relevant to law. Engaging in mooting competitions helps participants develop advocacy skills and enhance their legal argumentation capabilities, which are essential for a successful legal career. These competitions provide a platform to practice and refine your legal research, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.
For aspiring barristers, mooting and debates are particularly valuable, as they closely mimic the real-life scenarios faced in court. Whether you’re participating in university mooting competitions or national competitions, these experiences can significantly enhance your confidence and legal skills, making you a more effective advocate and legal professional.
How to Get Involved in Mooting and Debates
-
Join Your University Law Society
– Most law schools have a law or mooting society that organises regular competitions and training sessions. These are often the easiest entry point for beginners. -
Take Part in Internal Moots
– Universities often run internal mooting competitions designed for students with little or no experience. These give you a safe space to practise your skills before moving on to larger contests. -
Look for National and International Competitions
– Competitions such as the Jessup International Law Moot or the ESU Moot Court Competition provide opportunities to compete at a higher level, often against students from other universities. -
Explore Debating Societies
– Many universities also have debating clubs open to students from all disciplines. Joining can help you build quick-thinking and persuasive speaking skills that complement mooting. -
Ask Tutors and Careers Services
– Your lecturers and careers service may know of external opportunities or be able to recommend competitions that suit your level of experience. -
Practise and Prepare
– The more you practise researching cases, structuring arguments, and speaking with confidence, the stronger your advocacy skills will become.
9. Court Visits and Marshalling
Court visits and marshalling offer valuable opportunities to experience the courtroom environment and observe judicial proceedings up close. Taking part in a mini-pupillage or structured scheme allows students to watch cases unfold, interact with legal professionals, and gain practical insights into how the justice system operates.
Programmes such as the Middle Temple Marshalling Scheme enable aspiring lawyers to shadow a judge for several days, providing a detailed view of daily court operations, case management, and the decision-making process.
For aspiring barristers in particular, these experiences are highly beneficial, offering a realistic look at advocacy in practice and the workings of the courts. Whether through a formal marshalling scheme or independent court visits, these opportunities give you first-hand knowledge that can’t be gained from textbooks alone.
How to Take Part in Court Visits and Marshalling
-
Attend Public Hearings
– Most courts in England and Wales are open to the public, meaning you can often sit in the public gallery to observe hearings. This is a simple way to gain courtroom experience without needing prior arrangements. -
Apply for Formal Marshalling Schemes
– The Inns of Court, including Middle Temple, run marshalling programmes where students can shadow a judge for several days. These schemes are competitive, so apply early and ensure your application is tailored and professional. -
Arrange Informally Through Networking
– If you have contacts in the legal profession — lecturers, mentors, or practising lawyers — they may be able to help arrange informal marshalling or court visits. -
Use University Support
– Careers services and law faculties often advertise opportunities for mini-pupillages, marshalling, or organised court trips. Check regularly and register your interest early. -
Contact Chambers or Courts Directly
– Some barristers’ chambers and courts are open to receiving direct enquiries from students about shadowing or observing proceedings. Always be polite, concise, and professional when making contact. -
Be Prepared and Professional
– When attending a court or marshalling, dress appropriately, arrive on time, and observe courtroom etiquette. Making a good impression can leave the door open for future opportunities.
10. Campus Ambassador Roles
Campus ambassadors serve as a bridge between law firms and universities, promoting the firm’s brand and opportunities among students. Becoming a campus ambassador can be a rewarding experience that opens up numerous opportunities for further employment, especially for impressive candidates. Campus ambassadors play a key role in strengthening the university’s presence with law firms and coordinating events, making them an integral part of the recruitment process. These positions are usually compensated, with payment provided per semester or academic year, making them financially beneficial as well.
By organising and participating in recruitment events, ambassadors develop essential skills such as networking, public speaking, and marketing, all of which are valuable for a future legal career.
Whether you’re working with a leading law firm or a smaller organisation, being a campus ambassador can significantly enhance your CV and make you more appealing to future employers in the legal field.
Campus ambassadors often work closely with law firm representatives and engage with peers about legal careers, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities. Typical responsibilities of campus ambassadors include promoting the firm’s brand on campus, organising events, and engaging with students to inform them about legal opportunities.
How to Become a Campus Ambassador
-
Check individual law firm websites
– for information about campus ambassador roles. -
Research opportunities carefully
– to understand what each firm is looking for. -
Apply early
– to maximise your chances of securing a position. -
Use the role to gain valuable experience
– that can support your future career in law.
11. Mentoring Programmes
Mentoring programmes provide aspiring lawyers with an opportunity to build confidence and form valuable networking connections. Having a mentor can offer personalised guidance and help navigate career challenges effectively, making it an essential part of professional growth in law. Each year, hundreds of students are paired with mentors, facilitating their development and helping them achieve their career goals.
Whether you’re seeking advice on legal research, career paths, or specific practice areas, a mentor can provide invaluable insights that may influence your career trajectory. Mentoring programmes help you gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession and develop the skills needed for a successful legal career.
How to Find a Mentor
-
Check individual law firm websites
– for information about campus ambassador roles. -
Research opportunities carefully
– to understand what each firm is looking for. -
Apply early
– to maximise your chances of securing a position. -
Use the role to gain valuable experience
– that can support your future career in law.
12. Essay Competitions
Essay competitions offer aspiring lawyers a platform to showcase their legal research and writing skills, enhancing their career opportunities. The Bar Council Law Reform Essay Competition, for example, offers a top prize of £4,000 for essays proposing desirable and practical law reforms. Participating in these competitions can significantly enhance your resume and provide valuable experience in legal research and writing.
Whether you’re a school student or a university student, participating in essay competitions can provide a wealth of experience and recognition in the legal field. These competitions often have specific eligibility requirements and word limits, so it’s important to carefully review the guidelines and prepare your submissions accordingly.
Major Legal Essay Competitions
-
The Times Law Award
- Open to students at higher education institutions.
- Offers prizes of £3,500, £2,500, and £1,500 for the top three essays.
- Essay question is published in October each year, allowing time for research and preparation.
-
Future Legal Mind Essay Competition
- Offers a prize of £2,000.
- Includes mentoring support for winners.
-
Graham Turnbull Competition (Law Society of England & Wales)
- Open to law students and new lawyers.
- Annual competition with a £500 prize.
-
Benefits of participation
- Enhances your legal career prospects.
- Provides valuable experience in legal research and writing.
Key Takeaways
-
Explore a range of opportunities
– Gain experience across law firms, chambers, in-house teams, voluntary roles, and pro bono projects to build a well-rounded perspective of the legal profession. -
Build skills and connections
– Develop transferable skills such as communication, research, and analysis, while also networking with professionals and mentors who can support your career journey. -
Be proactive and reflective
– Apply early, seek out shadowing and event opportunities, and keep a record of your experiences to demonstrate growth in future applications and interviews.
Conclusion
Gaining legal work experience is a critical step for anyone aspiring to enter the legal profession. From vacation schemes and internships to pro bono work, mooting, and essay competitions, there are numerous paths to explore. Each opportunity provides unique benefits and can significantly enhance your legal education and career prospects. By actively seeking out these experiences and making the most of them, you can build a strong foundation for a successful legal career.
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