Legal insights programme Gain an insight into what it's like to work for a leading law firm
We invite those of you who are considering a career in law to apply for our Legal Insights Programme, which is aimed at those of you who are 16 years of age (year 12 students or equivalent) and above; you do not have to be currently studying.
What does year 12 work experience look like?
We understand that making career decisions can be difficult — how do you know law is for you? and how do you know if you would enjoy an apprenticeship? Our aim is to provide you with the information and resources which can help you answer these questions.
Our Legal Insights Programme includes online, interactive sessions that will develop your understanding of how a law firm works, what we do here at Weightmans, and what legal career pathways are available to you.
In 2023, 100% of attendees improved their knowledge of law as a business, 98% increased their knowledge of how to qualify in law, and 96% had increased their knowledge of law.
Programme overview
The programme runs during the Easter holidays, and over two half-day sessions we will cover the following:
- An introduction to Weightmans and what solicitors do;
- An opportunity to meet some key local people from the business;
- Different career pathways in law;
- Going to university versus apprenticeships; and
- An interactive session on different areas of law.
Sessions are available:
8 and 9 April 2025 (10.00 - 12.30 each day); or
15 and 16 April 2025 (10.00 – 12.30 each day)
You will be asked to select your preferred session on application.
In-person work experience
Those that have successfully completed the virtual sessions will be invited to apply for our in-person work experience during the summer (please note that that you do not have to apply). This will provide an invaluable opportunity to see what life is like at a law firm, and to get hands-on experience working directly with one of our many teams at Weightmans (at your local office).
Those who attend our in-person work experience placements will have their travel and food costs covered by Weightmans.
Applicant information
Eligibility criteria
We are looking for students who are at year 11 or above, in undergraduate degrees (excluding Law), and all others who are interested in pursuing a legal career. You will be looking to discover whether our Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship or Paralegal Apprenticeship are something you would like to pursue as a career, and/or want to gain knowledge around how a law firm like Weightmans works.
If you are in year 12 and above, you are then invited to apply for in-person work experience, you will need to be able to travel to one of our Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle offices.
How to apply
The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday 28 March 2025.
Feedback from our students
"Attending the Legal Insights Programme was one of the best decisions I made. It provided me with unparalleled exposure to the legal industry and equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit me throughout my future career." — 2023 attendee.
Related schemes
If you are interested in our trainee solicitor roles and are currently an undergraduate, you may be interested in our summer vacation scheme. Details regarding our 2025 summer vacation scheme will be published in the autumn.
