The DWF team collaborated with 12 non-Russell Group universities across the UK to encourage diverse students to apply for its social mobility work placement scheme.
To qualify for the programme, applicants must have been educated at non-selective comprehensive state school and be the first generation in their family to attend university.
This programme allowed students in their second or third years of study to undertake work experience and provided them with insight that will open doors to the world of work.
Candidates were welcomed into DWF office locations across the country including Birmingham, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle.
The one week work placement involved:
- Hands-on experience and skills development through solicitor work and projects across different practice groups over the course of the week;
- A masterclass in applying for training contracts and apprenticeships from the DWF Early Careers team;
- Mentorship with experienced legal professionals to provide guidance and support;
- Networking opportunities to connect with professionals within the sector;
- A client session with Paul Taylor, Associate General Counsel from Manchester United and Adaobi Cliffe, Legal Counsel from CityFibre, providing insight on the role of in-house lawyers as well as hints and tips on embarking on a career in law.
- A fun quiz to finish the week on a high!
DWF also supported participants with financial contributions to cover their travel costs to ensure this was not a barrier to participate in the scheme. Around 40 volunteers from across the DWF business supported the students and shared their insight into a career in law throughout the week.
Catherine Haslam, Partner and Senior Lead for the DWF Social Mobility Network said, "I would like to say a huge thanks to all the internal DWF volunteers, the DWF Early Careers team and client representatives who were involved in organising the Access to Law work placement week and looking after the students. We loved having the students with us, and watching them grow in confidence during the week. We wish the students all the best of luck in the coming months as they embark on applying for training contracts and apprenticeships. I can already tell from their feedback that we made a positive difference, and that is what it is all about."
Find out more about an Early Career in Law at DWF.