Remember any form of work experience is valuable don’t underestimate the value of size and stature. Start at the bottom build your way up.
Hello,
I completely agree with the other responses. Law is extremely competitive so don't overthink what size firm you go to. The name really is irrelevant, for work experience, the focus should be on the skills and experience rather than the name of the business. Also, you don't need to go and get lots of work experience in loads of different firms, two or three is enough. Also, part of it concerns where you want to go and what you want to do. For instance, local Barrister chambers don't want to give pupillage to people who just then want to go to the bigger firms, they want people who are keen to stay in that area.
Plus, if you want to be a lawyer you need to be able to work with people. By taking advantage of as many opportunities as you can, it means someone else will be missing out on those opportunities. There is obviously a need for some self-mindedness, but when applying for a job if you can demonstrate that you don't only care about yourself and your own improvement but are equally keen on helping those around you improve, even if they are opposing counsel, this will make you a much better person and much more respected in the legal industry.
I hope this helps, if you have any further questions please do let me know.
Charlie
Law LLB Student
I completely agree with the other responses. Law is extremely competitive so don't overthink what size firm you go to. The name really is irrelevant, for work experience, the focus should be on the skills and experience rather than the name of the business. Also, you don't need to go and get lots of work experience in loads of different firms, two or three is enough. Also, part of it concerns where you want to go and what you want to do. For instance, local Barrister chambers don't want to give pupillage to people who just then want to go to the bigger firms, they want people who are keen to stay in that area.
Plus, if you want to be a lawyer you need to be able to work with people. By taking advantage of as many opportunities as you can, it means someone else will be missing out on those opportunities. There is obviously a need for some self-mindedness, but when applying for a job if you can demonstrate that you don't only care about yourself and your own improvement but are equally keen on helping those around you improve, even if they are opposing counsel, this will make you a much better person and much more respected in the legal industry.
I hope this helps, if you have any further questions please do let me know.
Charlie
Law LLB Student
Original post by chalks
What stage are you at in your studies?
a level, y12
Original post by aryan26vs
Do you guys recommend work experience at lower level law firms as a more sure way of getting in, or going for top ones like Linklaters, or a mix of both?
Hi @aryan26vs
I hope you are well! The truth is it is incredibly competitive to gain work experience at law firms, especially in Year 12/13. I would recommend that you take any work experience that you can get, whether it is your local law firm or a Magic Circle firm. As it is so difficult to gain legal work experience, majority of firms do not expect students to have it. All of the legal opportunities that I have gained (e.g. First Year Schemes / Vacation Schemes) have been by highlighting skills that I have gained in my part-time jobs and explaining how they are transferable to roles within the legal sector.
That being said, if you do want to get work experience there are several things you can do. A lot of the top law firms have schemes that are aimed at Year 12 students. For example, A&O Shearman have their 'Smart Start Programme' [https://earlycareersuk.aoshearman.com/opportunities/smart-start-programme]. Alternatively, you can email local law firms asking if you can shadow. It may be difficult to gain work experience as you may not have sufficient skills/knowledge at this stage in your career to undertake tasks.
Personally, I would recommend either attending trials at Courts or completing some virtual work experience on Forage. Whilst anyone can do these, a lot of people don't (particularly in Year 12) and it will demonstrate your interest in law.
I hope this helps!
Claire
Law LLB
Original post by aryan26vs
Do you guys recommend work experience at lower level law firms as a more sure way of getting in, or going for top ones like Linklaters, or a mix of both?
I recommend a mix of both. Both experiences will be very useful to you and you can see how large and small law firms operate.
My one piece of advice I'd recommend to you is to try and do your work experience on different days so that there are no clashes. If you space out your work experience, you will be more likely to gain the most from it and it can support you with your reflection. Best of luck
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