Young Lawyer Summer Experience

Immersive Legal Experiences

• Argue a human rights case in London’s Supreme Court.
• Represent your client in a live murder trial: deliver opening and closing statements, cross-examine witnesses and analyse forensic evidence.
• Experience corporate law during an interactive session with commercial lawyers.
• Receive public speaking coaching from expert barristers.
• Stand up for the public in a simulated national enquiry.
• Represent a nation in an international treaty negotiation and advocate for the most favourable terms for your client.

Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points

• Gain practical legal experience to strengthen your university application and demonstrate your commitment to a career in law.
• Have your work assessed to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, equivalent to 8 UCAS points.
• Complete the online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter outlining your achievements.

Meet Senior Lawyers

• Be guided by lawyers from top global firms specialising in criminal, corporate, human rights, family, and international law.
• Attend private networking sessions where you can build connections with experienced legal professionals.

Career Coaching

• Receive expert advice on how to secure the most competitive careers in law.
• Guidance on subject choices, university applications, work experience and extra-curricular activities.

World-Class Universities and World-Class People

• Experience student life at University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading universities.
• Meet ambitious students from across the globe and build a valuable international network.

Design Your Own Summer Experience

• Choose from the following programme options:
  • First Week Only (taster experience)
  • Two-Week Experience (full programme)
  • Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks plus enhanced benefits)
• Choose either residential or non-residential attendance.
• Residential students stay in UCL student halls in central London, with meals, pastoral care and evening and weekend activities included.
• Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.

Week 1

The Murder Trial

• Follow a simulated criminal trial from arrest to verdict, representing either prosecution or defence
• Review police disclosures, prepare interview strategy and act in a live police interview and bail hearing
• Deliver opening/closing speeches, cross-examine witnesses and receive feedback from criminal lawyers

Corporate Law

• Step into the role of a corporate lawyer and learn essential industry skills
• Take part in a legal negotiation for an international company acquisition
• Receive expert feedback from top corporate lawyers on your negotiation strategy

Family Law

• Analyse a complex divorce case and provide legal advice to your client
• Interpret forensic evidence and expert witness statements in a simulated trial
• Advocate for your client in court and receive feedback from practising family lawyers

Week 2

Human Rights: Enter the Supreme Court

• Engage with key human rights laws, advocacy coaching and a landmark Supreme Court case
• Prepare submissions, refine arguments and practise persuasive public speaking
• Present your case in a Supreme Court simulation with a barrister acting as judge

Public Law

• Learn how public law shapes society through workshops with legal experts
• Investigate a suspected death in police custody and defend the public in an inquiry

International Law & Treaty Negotiation

• Explore international conflict, diplomacy and treaty-making
• Negotiate terms on human rights, education and trade to protect your country’s interests

Networking Event with Top Lawyers

• Attend a private networking session with legal professionals
• Ask questions, gain insights and receive personalised career advice

Graduation & Certification

• Celebrate your achievements at the closing ceremony
• Receive a signed industry reference letter highlighting your accomplishments

2-Week Premium

Overview

• Includes all core programme experiences plus 15 extra hours with legal professionals
• Build a professional portfolio and gain UCAS points with a Level 3 Work Experience Award
• Attend a private Gala dinner on the penultimate evening

Highlights

• Masterclasses on CV-writing, LinkedIn, personal branding and Oxbridge/Ivy League applications
• Psychometric testing and personality profiling to identify strengths and motivations
• Compete in a strategy challenge and network at an exclusive Gala dinner in London

Dates
This summer school has three intakes: 6th July, 27th July or 17th August 2026.

Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London.

Accommodation
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.

All rooms are single and en-suite.