Never underestimate how difficult it is to get some experience in a legal environment. It is sometimes hinted at as 'desirable' or 'should be demonstrated' in prospecti.
The reality is that if you are offering yourself up for 'work experience' you are, in fact, a pain and hindrance to those in the workplace! Having been responsible for people on work experience where I worked before studying Law, I can testify that this is the general feeling. You will be in the way. Those who are a little more forgiving like myself, will also remember not only how difficult it was not only to get the experience, but to also attend it and not make a fool of yourself in such an alien environment!
What sort of work experience do I need to get onto a LLB course?
It is sometimes 'desirable' to have experience in a legal environment. However, nobody will realistically expect an 17 year old applicant to have experience as a Paralegal; or swathes of observational weeks at a multitude of firms (that is, unless Daddy is a Lawyer, which is no bad thing).
If you can get some voluntary experience in something legal-related, that's great. Similarly, if the closest you can get to 'legal experience' is what you read in the Financial Times and the Law Gazette Online then that's great too - there is a reasonable expectation that you know what you are letting yourself in for.
Make sure that shines through in your Personal Statement and at interview - that you know what a legal career entails, and what a legal environment is like (to an extent). However, don't be so sure that you have the correct viewpoint - see my Ultimate Guide to Writing a Personal Statement. That will delve into how to talk about any part time jobs you've had or how to make almost anything relevant to your application!
How can I try to get work experience?
Herein lies the art of compromise with your ego. The larger firms, and some of the better known smaller firms have what are known as 'Vacation Schemes' and these are usually open to current undergraduates. These schemes generally lead on to a Training Contract - competition is fierce. As an A-level student, this would not be the sort of thing to look at. Though each firm differs so have a look at their websites thoroughly.
Research the firm you want to ask to spend time with. Read their website. What cases have they been involved in? Who are their high profile clients? What is their history? What do they specialise in? Then call them or send an email to enquire about spending some time.
Be honest - if you're only 16 or 17 don't lie about your age, they will ask for ID anyway.
Be specific and concise, and polite.
Be realistic - even two days might be sufficient. Also, you might not be able to be accommodated by the firm you're asking.
Make sure your SPAG is correct.
Chase up a response. Keen-ness isn't a bad thing if justified and kept within measure. If you haven't heard back within a reasonable time period (a week or two) then a short email to find out if your email was passed on or would be prudent).
Look for smaller firms. They do some pretty interesting stuff and you will generally get the best insight into what it is like.
Try and get time with one of their Trainees or Newly Qualified Lawyers. They have the most to do and will be most recent on the law and what it is like to go through the system to get qualified.
Try a Chambers. If you feel brave and/or want to be a Barrister.
Bonus Points
By now you should have a personal email that is your name, or initials. Sending an email to Eversheds from "madlittleballetdancer" at hotmail isn't going to go down well. Get a sensible one set up and use it.
Once you're on your work experience, it's a new ballgame, which I'll cover in a later post if this gets enough views!
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