What Work Experience Is Good for Law?

Applying for a law degree is exciting, but also highly competitive. If you dream of becoming a lawyer, gaining relevant work experience can strengthen your university application and give you a taste of the legal world.

In this guide, we’ll explore what work experience is good for law – especially for students aged 15–17 – and how it can boost your confidence and credentials.

Do You Need Work Experience for Law Applications?

If you’re planning to apply for a law degree, you’ve probably heard that good grades (and maybe the LNAT) are important. But did you know that relevant work experience can also make you stand out?

While most law degrees don’t explicitly require work experience, admissions tutors love to see evidence of your commitment and interest beyond the classroom. Here’s why work experience is so valuable for prospective law students:

Explore the Legal Profession

Spending time in real legal environments – like courts or law offices – helps you understand what lawyers actually do. This insight can confirm your passion for law (or help you decide if it’s not for you, which is equally valuable).

Strengthen Your Personal Statement

You can draw on your experiences to explain why you want to study law. Admissions tutors prefer applicants who have engaged with the law in the real world, not just in theory.

Show Commitment and Proactivity

Arranging work experience (especially at 16 or 17) shows initiative. It proves you’re serious enough about law to use your free time to learn about it.

Networking and Opportunities

You might meet law professionals who can write references or give advice on your career. Sometimes, a short placement can even lead to future opportunities. At the very least, you’ll start building a network in the legal world early on.

Now that we know why it matters, let’s look at the best types of work experience for law – especially suited for students in Year 12 or Year 13 (ages 15-18).

Best Work Experience Options for Law Applicants (Year 11-13)

Not sure where to start? Below are some of the most valuable and realistic work experience options for aspiring law students in sixth form.

1. Shadowing a Solicitor or Work Experience at a Law Firm

One of the best work experiences for law is to shadow a solicitor or take up a short placement at a law firm. This could be as simple as spending a day or a week observing a local solicitor’s work.

Many high street law firms (especially smaller local firms) are open to hosting keen sixth-form students for a short work shadowing stint – you just have to ask. Don’t be afraid to send polite emails or call local practices to inquire about opportunities.

During a law firm placement, you might observe client meetings, assist with simple administrative tasks, or read case files under supervision. While you won’t be drafting contracts at 17, even filing paperwork or sitting in on meetings can teach you a lot about the legal process and office life. Try to soak up the day-to-day routines: How do lawyers interact with clients? How do they manage their time? What kind of cases do they handle?

If you can’t find a placement through small firms, look at larger law firms’ programmes. A handful of big firms run formal work experience schemes for Year 12 students. For example, firms like Pinsent Masons, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Eversheds Sutherland, and some others have initiatives that invite A-Level students for a week of insight.

These schemes are competitive and usually have an application process (often opening early in the academic year), so keep an eye on firm websites and apply in time if interested.

Tip: When shadowing or interning, show enthusiasm and ask questions. Even as a quiet observer, demonstrating curiosity can leave a good impression – who knows, the firm might remember you when you apply for a job or vacation scheme in a few years! And always send a thank-you note afterwards to maintain that connection.

2. Observing Court Hearings

Ever wondered what actually happens in a courtroom? In the UK, most court hearings are open to the public. Visiting your local Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court is an eye-opening (and completely free) way to experience the law in action.

For a first-time court visit, you might prefer a Crown Court trial – these are more likely to involve barristers giving dramatic arguments, and serious cases that are interesting to follow. Magistrates’ Courts deal with smaller cases and often there isn’t much space for observers, but they’re still worth seeing for a short time (magistrates often handle multiple cases quickly, giving you a snapshot of various legal situations).

When you go, dress smartly and be respectful (no talking, phones off). You can introduce yourself to a court usher or official, say you’re a student interested in law and ask if it’s okay to observe. Most are very welcoming and might even point you to an interesting case.

Bring a notepad – jot down what you see and your thoughts, so you remember details later for your personal statement or interviews. Seeing the justice system firsthand can be really inspiring; you’ll learn courtroom etiquette, legal terms, and get a feel for the human side of law.

3. Mini-Pupillage (Shadowing a Barrister)

If you’re interested in the barrister route or just curious about advocacy, consider seeking a mini-pupillage. A mini-pupillage is essentially a short work experience placement with barristers, typically ranging from a day to a week, where you shadow a barrister’s work. You might get to attend court with them, see how they prepare cases, or observe conferences with solicitors and clients.

Now, a caveat: formal mini-pupillages are usually targeted at university students (often law undergraduates or those in the middle of a law conversion course). However, some barristers’ chambers may consider keen sixth-form students for an informal shadowing day, especially if you network a bit.

If you have a connection (maybe a teacher knows a barrister, or you met one at a school careers talk), you could politely ask if they’d allow you to shadow them for a day. The worst they can say is no – but they might say yes, impressed by your initiative.

During a mini-pupillage, expect to mostly observe. You could watch your host barrister present arguments in court, sit in on client meetings, or help by doing a bit of legal research under supervision. It’s a fantastic way to witness the art of advocacy up close – the way barristers structure arguments, cite cases, and handle judge’s questions.

(For those already at university, many chambers list mini-pupillage opportunities on their websites – usually applying a few months in advance is required. It’s a must-do if you’re considering the Bar.)

4. Debating and Public Speaking Activities

You might not think of school debating as “work experience,” but it’s extremely relevant to law – and highly valued by law admissions tutors. Law is all about arguing a point effectively and thinking on your feet. Joining a debate club, public speaking society, or participating in mooting competitions can develop these skills early on.

If your school has a Debating Society or participates in competitions like the Oxford Schools’ Debate or Model United Nations, get involved! Another great activity is the Bar Mock Trial Competition (run by Young Citizens) or the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial for 12- to 14-year-olds. These competitions let you role-play as lawyers, witnesses, and magistrates in a scripted case against other schools

5. Volunteering in Legal or Community Settings

Volunteering is work experience too! In fact, giving your time to a cause can develop empathy and insight that are invaluable for a future lawyer. Consider volunteering with organisations that have a legal focus. For instance:

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

Your local CAB might take on young volunteers for assisting with form-filling, research, or front-desk duties. By volunteering at CAB, you’ll see how ordinary people seek legal help for issues like housing, benefits, or consumer problems.

Legal Charities and NGOs

Look up charities related to justice or human rights. For example, law centres (under the Law Centres Network) often help disadvantaged communities with free legal advice on issues like immigration or employment. Other examples include the Howard League for Penal Reform, Amnesty International, or local advocacy groups – they might let you assist in events or campaigns.

6. Virtual Legal Work Experience Programmes

Welcome to the digital age – you can now get a taste of legal work experience without leaving your home! Virtual work experiences have grown in popularity, and they can be a convenient option if in-person opportunities are hard to find.

Several platforms and law firms offer online internships or insight programmes. For example, Forage hosts free virtual experience programmes created by major law firms. These typically involve hypothetical legal tasks that you complete online at your own pace, such as analysing a client’s case file and drafting a brief, with model answers to guide you. It’s not the same as being in an actual office, but it is a practical way to understand the kind of work trainees and lawyers do – and you can do it from your bedroom.

Another platform, Springpod, often runs short virtual work experience schemes in partnership with industries, including law. These usually have specific dates and live webinars with legal professionals, plus tasks and discussions.

7. Law Summer Schools

For an immersive, in-person experience, Dukes Plus offers Law Summer Schools for students aged 15–18 hosted at Oxford and University College London. They’re a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a career as a lawyer while developing your skills and boosting your university applications.

Our programmes include interactive seminars, guest lectures from visiting barristers, and mock trials, giving you a taste of studying law at university and practicing legal skills in a supportive environment.

Breaking Into Law

Watch our webinar on Breaking into Law with solicitor Sophy Lelliott for insights and top tips.

Breaking Into Law

Tips on Securing Legal Work Experience

Now you know what work experience is good for law, you need to get it! Securing a placement requires initiative and professionalism. Here are some tips to help you secure valuable experience:

Start Early & Stay Organised

Opportunities (especially formal internships or popular programmes) can have application deadlines many months in advance. Start looking in Year 12 for placements in summer or even earlier. Keep a spreadsheet or list of places you’ve applied to or contacted, along with dates and responses. Treat it a bit like a mini-job-hunt.

Use Your Network

Ask parents, teachers, or friends if they know anyone in the legal field. You’d be surprised – someone’s aunt might be a solicitor, or a family friend might work at a court. A personal connection can sometimes open doors, even if it’s just an introduction or advice.

Cold Contact Professionally

If you don’t have contacts, create them! Email local law firms or chambers with a polite, concise message expressing who you are (a Year 12 student at X School), your interest in law, and what you’re asking (e.g. “Would it be possible to shadow a solicitor for a few days?”).

Tailor each email – show that you know a bit about their firm or practice area, and why it interests you. Attach a CV if you have one, or offer to provide more info. Many won’t have space or may say no (or not respond), but all you need is one “yes.” Persistence pays off.

Use School Resources

Talk to your school’s career adviser or head of sixth form. They might have lists of past placements or contacts with local firms specifically for student work experience. Some schools even arrange work experience weeks – if yours does, definitely request a law-related placement. Teachers in subjects like politics or history might also have ideas for law contacts.

How to Make the Most of Your Law Work Experience

So, you’ve got a placement – congratulations! Now how can you take advantage of it?

Prepare and Act Professional

Treat any placement or work shadowing like a real job. Dress smartly, arrive on time, and be courteous to everyone. Do a bit of homework before you start: if you’re going to a law firm, check their website, know what areas of law they practice, maybe note a recent case they handled if public. This can impress your hosts and also make your questions smarter.

Show Enthusiasm & Ask Questions

You are there to learn, so don’t hesitate to politely ask questions when appropriate. If you don’t understand a term you hear, or you’re curious why a solicitor did X instead of Y, just ask during a suitable moment. Most lawyers remember what it was like to be a student and are happy to explain. Your eagerness will make the experience livelier and help you get more out of it. Just be sure to ask at appropriate times (not interrupting a client meeting, for example – save it for a quiet moment or end of day debrief).

Respect Confidentiality

This is important – law work often involves sensitive information. If you sit in on real cases, you may hear confidential details. Your hosts will likely remind you, but even if not, treat everything you see or hear as private. Don’t go sharing names or discussing specifics outside the office. It’s both ethical and it shows you can be trusted – a key trait for anyone in law.

Reflect and Record

This is key. After each experience, take time to reflect. What did you learn? Did it change your view of law in some way? Jot down a few key observations or an anecdote. This will be golden when writing your personal statement or answering interview questions like “What did you learn from your work experience?”

Law Summer Schools

Our law summer schools offer an incredible opportunity to experience a career as a lawyer.

Learn from top barristers, visit courts and law firms, and take part in a mock trial.

Discover More

Work Experience for Law: For University Students and Graduates

Are you a university student or recent graduate aiming for a legal career? Work experience becomes much more important at this stage. Here are some tips on how to find a placement.

For University Students

Once you’re in university, formal internships and schemes become the main route to legal work experience:

Vacation Schemes

If you’re studying law (or even if you’re not, but plan to convert), apply for vacation schemes at law firms during your university holidays. Vacation schemes are like internships, usually 1–4 weeks, that give you firsthand experience in a law firm. They often lead to training contract offers. These schemes typically take place in summer (for penultimate-year students) or sometimes winter/spring. Applications open quite early in the academic year with deadlines in December or January, so be prepared.

Insight Days/Open Days

Many big law firms offer first-year insight schemes or open days. These may be shorter (a day or few days) but are great for first-year students to get exposure and something to put on your CV. They can also fast-track you to longer schemes later.

University Law Clinics

Take part in your university’s pro bono law clinic (if they have one). Many law schools run clinics where students (supervised by qualified lawyers) provide legal advice to real clients, often on issues like landlord/tenant or small disputes. This is golden experience – you handle case files, interview clients, draft advice – all while helping the community. It’s often available to second year and above.

Mooting and Law Society

Join the Law Society at your uni and get involved in moots, debating or client interviewing competitions. Mooting (partcipating in a mock trial), especially, is highly regarded for aspiring barristers but also useful for solicitors. It sharpens your research and advocacy skills. Winning or even just participating in competitions looks great on a CV. Law Societies also host networking events with law firms – attend those to meet recruiters and lawyers.

Mini-Pupillages

If you’re interested in the Bar, try to do a couple of mini-pupillages during university vacations. As discussed earlier, these are short stints shadowing barristers. Most chambers require you to be at least 18 and often prefer those in their 2nd year of uni or later. Check chambers’ websites for details and apply with a CV and cover letter. Each mini-pupillage will give you material to discuss in future Bar school or pupillage interviews.

Other Legal Internships

Think broadly – maybe intern with a legal team inside a company (in-house legal department) or with a government body. For example, the Government Legal Department has internships. Even working part-time as a legal assistant for a local solicitor during term (if time allows) can help.

For Graduates (Pre-Law or Post-Law School)

If you’ve finished university and want to enhance your legal experience before the next step (like applying to the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) route, Bar training, or a law conversion course), consider these:

Paralegal or Legal Assistant Roles

Working as a paralegal is an excellent way to get practical experience and foot-in-the-door. Even short-term contracts count. You’ll handle case management, do legal research, liaise with clients – all under supervision of solicitors. It’s paid experience and sometimes leads to a training contract offer if you impress them. As a recent graduate, you can apply to law firms, in-house legal teams, or agencies for paralegal jobs.

Legal Internships/Volunteer Role

Some graduates volunteer at law centres or with legal charities if they haven’t secured a job yet. For example, you might assist at a Law Centre a few days a week, or volunteer for organisations like the Citizen’s Advice Bureau

Networking & Informational Interviews

Use your alumni network or LinkedIn to reach out to professionals in areas you’re interested in (corporate law, human rights, etc.). Sometimes a coffee chat can turn into an opportunity or at least provide advice on how to progress.

Attend Law Fairs and Open Days

Many law firms and chambers hold open evenings for graduates or prospective applicants. Go to these! You can learn more about the firm/chambers, and sometimes they note who attends. Speaking to a recruiter or lawyer there and then referencing it in your application to that firm can help you stand out.

Conclusion: What Work Experience is Good for Law?

So, what work experience is good for law? For students in Year 12 or 13, finding a placement can take effort and creativity, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re observing cases at your local court, shadowing at a solicitors’ office, or volunteering with a legal charity, you’ll gain firsthand experience and insights that can make your application stand out.

The key is to reflect on what you learn about the law and about yourself. Perhaps you discovered you enjoy the problem-solving side of legal work, or maybe seeing justice in action strengthened your resolve to help others through law.

Finally, enjoy the process of exploring law. Yes, law is competitive – but it’s also a field driven by passion and a desire to make a difference. By stepping out of your comfort zone and into the real world of law, you’re not only boosting your future applications; you’re also confirming that this demanding career is right for you.