Diversity

The need to open up law to aspiring lawyers who might otherwise have slipped through the recruitment net is not a new one, but now there are a number of schemes available to help students challenge stereotypes and enter the profession.

Diversity schemes and awareness can help the legal world become more open, accepting and representative of society, creating balanced lawyers with different perspectives and opinions who can bring something fresh to the profession.

More diversity schemes and events are being created all the time so it is well worth considering applying for one if you fit the selection criteria. If you have ever thought your background does not fit with the idea of a ’typical’ lawyer, think again.

So if you feel you could benefit from a diversity scheme, we’ve listed a few here.

Lawyer 2B Year 12 Careers Day

What is it?

Lawyer2B’s successful Year 12 careers conferences allow hundreds of students to learn more about a legal career. This year’s event was held at BPP Law School. Students can attend presentations and gain advice on law school applications and how the legal profession works. Top law firms including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters and Slaughter and May have been involved.

How do I apply?

Students interested in law are chosen from various state schools in the London area, where they would be the first from their family to attend university. www.lawyer2b.com

CSET summer schools

What is it?

The City Solicitors Educational Trust (CSET) runs two one-week summer schools every year, with 100 places on each for students from diverse backgrounds. Summer schools are held at Imperial College London and provide  skills training, teamworking and networking opportunities.

Who can apply?

Students in the first year of a law degree or the second year of a non-law degree who are interested in the legal profession.  Those from non-traditional universities or families with little history of higher education are given special consideration.

How do I apply?

Online application including a verbal reasoning test. Successful applicants will be asked to complete a telephone interview.  www.cset.org.uk

Pathways to Law

What is it?

The initiative was established by the College of Law (CoL) and the Sutton Trust to support students from under-represented backgrounds through Years 12 and 13 to beyond university. There are 50 places each offered at Pathways groups in partner universities Leeds, Manchester, Southampton and Warwick, and 75 at the London School of Economics (LSE). The programme includes lectures, debates, careers sessions and e-mentoring as well as a placement in a law firm and an invitation to the national conference.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to state school students who are interested in a legal career and have, or are predicted to achieve, mostly A*, A and B grades at GCSE. They will also be the first in their family to attend university.

How do I apply?

Online application.www.pathwaystolaw.org

The Legal Gateway Scheme

What is it?

The scheme offers various career development opportunities such as mentoring and workshops. Today’s Children Tomorrow’s Lawyers (TCTL) is primarily targeted at ethnic minority young people. It organises debates, visits to law firms and barristers’ chambers and work placements. The Legal Launch Pad (LLP) is for university students and includes four days of training, teaching negotiation skills, commercial awareness, application and interview skills. Students can also complete some work experience at a top law firm.

Who can apply?

TCTL is for 14-17 year olds who are interested in a career in law or want to learn more about the profession. LLP is for university students.

How do I apply?

TCTL: Schools are targeted in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

LLP: CV and online application. www.onlinebld.com/index.html

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) London

What is it?

SEO London provides summer internships in  sectors including corporate law. Students are given mentoring and individual training, and have often received job offers after placements. Participating firms include Berwin Leighton Paisner, Linklaters, Macfarlanes and Simmons & Simmons.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to ethnic minority students with a minimum of BBB at A-level and a 2:1 degree. Law students can apply in their penultimate or final year and non-law students in their final year only. Students can also apply while completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC).

How do I apply?

Online application including CV and covering letter. Assessment methods include a verbal reasoning test, competency-based interview and case study exercise. www.seo-london.com/corporate-law-vacation-placement-scheme

Firms’ schemes

Many law firms run their own diversity schemes, Addleshaw Goddard and Allen & Overy being two examples. Ask your careers adviser or visit firms’ websites to find out more.