Law work experience in Year 12 is the perfect opportunity for students with a keen interest in the legal field to get a taste of what a career in law entails. Whether you’re passionate about justice, enjoy analytical thinking, or envision yourself as a future solicitor or barrister, work experience can set you on the right path. This guide covers everything you need to know to start your legal career from Year 12, from who should apply to how to secure these sought-after placements.

Who Should Apply for Law Work Experience or Law Firm Work Experience in Year 12?

Are you someone who loves solving problems, debating, or standing up for what’s right? Law work experience in Year 12 will suit students interested in law, public speaking, critical thinking, and justice. This is an ideal choice for those who enjoy subjects like English, History, Government and Politics, or even Philosophy, as these subjects encourage the skills needed for a legal career.

If you’re still unsure whether law is for you, work experience can provide clarity. Maybe you’ve watched courtroom dramas and thought, “That could be me,” or you’ve excelled in debating and want to translate your skills into a meaningful career. Either way, gaining early insight through work experience is a step in the right direction.

What Happens During Law Firm Work Experience for Year 12 Students?

Law firms know that Year 12 students are at the beginning of their careers, so they tailor placements to provide an introductory yet practical experience. Here’s what you can expect during a typical placement at a law firm:

Hands-On Tasks

  • Shadowing Solicitors or Barristers: Observe experts arguing cases, mediating disputes, or advising clients.
  • Administrative Tasks: Help organize case files, prepare documents, or assist with research tasks.
  • Mock Cases: Some placements include role-playing activities, such as preparing for a mock trial or conducting pretend negotiations to better understand legal procedures.

Walk into a real legal office and experience the working culture, from client meetings to how lawyers interact with colleagues and courts. This exposure helps demystify the profession and lets you see if it aligns with your aspirations.

Workshops and Training

Many firms run workshops on legal ethics, problem-solving, legal research, and documentation, teaching you critical skills early on in your pathway.

By engaging in these activities, you’ll uncover the everyday realities of life in law, which can be far more rewarding than in books or TV dramas!

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A good work experience placement provides tools you’ll carry throughout your studies and career.

Transferable Skills

  1. Communication: Observing lawyers communicate and drafting simple documents sharpens how you express ideas clearly and persuasively.
  2. Critical Thinking: Understanding case briefs requires analysing information, identifying key issues, and problem-solving.
  3. Teamwork: Even junior tasks like organising files teach collaborative working in high-pressure environments.
  4. Organisation and Time Management: Juggling tasks while deadlines loom sharpens your ability to handle responsibility.

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Why Completing Law Firm Work Experience in Year 12 Is Worth It

Completing law work experience in Year 12 helps you in more ways than one. Here are the top reasons why this experience is invaluable.

Clarity About Your Future

Work experience can solidify your passion for law or steer you in another direction. Both outcomes are wins, as it’s better to know early on!

CV Enhancement

Having real-world legal experience on your personal statement or CV will impress universities and employers alike. It sets your application apart from the beginning, showing initiative, curiosity, and commitment.

Building Confidence

Stepping into the professional world as a Year 12 student may seem daunting, but this experience builds confidence in your abilities to take on responsibilities and communicate effectively in professional settings.

Personal Growth

Trying something challenging helps develop soft skills like adaptability, understanding professional etiquette, and resilience, which are all valuable life skills beyond law.

Networking Opportunities

During placements, you’ll work alongside experienced lawyers. Building relationships with these professionals early lets you develop mentors, gain references, and even discover scholarship or internship opportunities later down the line.

Real-World Learning

It’s one thing to read about employment law, property disputes, or criminal cases, but seeing the processes up close gives you deeper insight into the legal career pathway. You might even learn whether your heart lies in corporate law, human rights, or another niche practice.

Where to Find Law Firm Work Experience for Year 12 Students

Finding law firm placements might seem intimidating, but with a targeted approach, you’ll find opportunities that match your goals.

Leverage School Resources

Speak to your school’s career counsellors or relevant teachers. They often have information about local firms accepting Year 12 students.

Use Online Platforms

Search websites such as LinkedIn, Prospects, and Workfinder for law-specific placements. Some firms also host virtual work experience programs that allow you to gain insight from the comfort of your home.

Approach Firms Directly

Research local or national law firms, visit their websites to check for specific insight weeks (programs for young students), and contact their HR department to inquire about opportunities.

Networking

Ask family members, friends, or community members if they know any lawyers or firms you could approach. Sometimes a simple referral can open doors.

Charity or Non-Profit Organisations

Some organisations, such as The Sutton Trust, run programs to help students gain experience in competitive industries like law. These often include workshops or internships with established firms.

Immerse Education’s Law Programmes for Aspiring Students

If you’re looking for an immersive experience that offers an in-depth understanding of law, Immerse Education’s Law Programmes are an outstanding option. Designed for ambitious students, these programs offer the chance to learn from legal experts while engaging in mock trials, group discussions, and tutorials.

In just two weeks on our Law Career Insights programme, you’ll explore the real world of legal practice — from courtrooms to cutting-edge law firms — while building your confidence through workshops, debates and hands-on simulations.

At the Royal Courts of Justice, you’ll tour one of the UK’s most iconic legal institutions and take part in the Motion to Appeal workshop in a real courtroom, stepping into the shoes of lawyers as you analyse cases and argue your side in a mock appeal. Then, get ready for a murder mystery with a difference: at the Crime Scene Challenge, you’ll investigate a simulated homicide at the Tower of London, guided by real detectives and forensic experts, analysing evidence and building your case.

You’ll also meet the team at Founders Law, a leading firm working in fast-growth sectors like AI and crypto. Hear directly from their founder and a junior associate about what it takes to qualify, and how the legal landscape is evolving in the world of start-ups and innovation. At All Rise Workshops, you’ll get a grounding in legal rights and advocacy, ending with a mock trial where you’ll examine evidence and build arguments — all led by a former London solicitor.

Whether you’re interested in corporate law, criminal justice, or tech regulation, every visit is paired with practical legal training, career guidance, and immersive experiences that show what law firm work experience in Year 12 can truly offer.

Attending such a prestigious programme doesn’t just prepare you academically but adds significant credibility to your personal narrative, showcasing motivation and initiative when applying for top universities.

Law Firms Offering Work Experience for Year 12s

If you’re considering completing your law work experience directly with a firm or court, here are some options to look at. Placements for Year 12 students are available, but early applications are often important.

Pinsent Masons Summer Work Experience

Pinsent Masons offers a five-day, paid summer work experience programme for students aged 16–19 (including Year 12) in their London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds offices. The placement provides a practical and immersive introduction to commercial law, including shadowing lawyers, attending workshops, and developing employability skills. All participants receive a salary, and lunch and travel costs are covered. Applications are open to students from all backgrounds, and the firm also offers a virtual open-access programme for those unable to attend in person.
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Arnold & Porter Accelerate Programme

Arnold & Porter runs a two-week paid work experience programme for Year 12 students interested in law, based in their London office. The first week is spent inside the firm, taking part in workshops and legal skills sessions. The second week involves visiting five different partner organisations as part of the Social Mobility Business Partnership, giving students a broad view of the legal sector. Travel and lunch are covered, and participants get ongoing mentoring through Year 13. Applicants must live within 90 minutes of London and be available for both weeks.
Programme details

Lewis Silkin Work Experience Scheme

Lewis Silkin offers a four-day work experience programme for Year 12 students, run three times a year in their London office. The scheme includes two days of skills workshops-covering routes into law, CV tips, and interview skills-followed by two days shadowing a legal team of your choice. Each student receives a £50 voucher for work essentials, and travel and lunch costs are covered. The scheme is open to students from all backgrounds, and Lewis Silkin is a member of PRIME, supporting social mobility in law.
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Hogan Lovells First Steps to Law & Pathways to Law

Hogan Lovells offers a virtual “First Steps to Law” internship for 16–19-year-olds, open-access and available year-round. In partnership with the Sutton Trust, they also run a week-long Pathways to Law programme during February half-term, involving skills sessions, case studies, and networking for 20 Year 12 students.
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Crafting a Standout Application for Law Work Experience in Year 12

Competition for law work experience in Year 12 can be tough, but a well-crafted application can put you ahead of the curve. Here’s how you can maximise your chances of landing that placement:

  1. Start Early:
    Applications often have deadlines, so planning ahead ensures you have time to complete all steps thoroughly.
  2. Write a Strong CV:
    Highlight achievements like academic results or extracurricular activities related to law, such as debating clubs or Model United Nations. If you lack direct legal experience, include transferable skills like problem-solving or teamwork.
  3. Tailor Your Cover Letter:
    A compelling cover letter should outline why you’re interested in law and the specific firm you’re applying to. Mention experiences or skills that make you a particularly good fit for their team.
  4. Prepare for Interviews:
    Research the firm and practise answering common interview questions. Be ready to discuss why you’re passionate about law and what you hope to learn.
  5. Follow Up:
    After learning about application outcomes or completing a placement, send thank-you emails. Expressing gratitude shows professionalism and can strengthen connections with your employer.

Take the Leap Into Law

Law work experience in Year 12 is an unparalleled opportunity to set the foundation for a successful legal career. Whether you’re shadowing professionals, developing key skills, or exploring the vast world of law, every experience adds to your personal and professional growth. Start searching for opportunities today and take that first step towards an exciting future in law. Who knows? Your dream legal career might be closer than you think!

FAQs

What’s the difference between law work experience and law firm internships?

Law work experience is usually shorter, lasting a few days to a week, and is meant to give you a general overview of how the legal profession works. Law firm internships, on the other hand, are longer and more intensive, often involving specific tasks and projects within a firm. Immerse Education combines hands-on tasks and real-world projects, offering a taste of what it’s like to work across multiple firms and sectors.

Where can I do law firm work experience in Year 12?

You can secure placements at large law firms like Clifford Chance or Allen & Overy, or smaller local practices. Additionally, some schools offer partnerships with legal organizations or educational schemes aimed at aspiring lawyers.

Can I complete law work experience online?

Yes, many firms and organizations offer virtual law work experience programs. These can help you understand key legal concepts and skills at your own pace. For a deeper understanding of specific areas of law, the Immerse Law Online Research Programme is an excellent option to explore.

What areas of law can I explore in Year 12 law work experience?

Depending on the placement, you might gain exposure to criminal law, corporate law, family law, human rights law, or even niche areas like intellectual property law. Your work experience can help determine which area you find most interesting.

How should I describe law firm work experience on my CV?

Focus on transferable skills such as research, problem-solving, writing, and attention to detail. Highlight any specific tasks you completed or areas of law you worked on. For tips, see our guide on How to Add Work Experience to Your CV.