Weightmans’ Early Careers team has delivered a range of initiatives in its ongoing work to inspire and empower the next generation of law talent.
Internship into Law programme, in partnership with Everton in the Community
Five successful candidates have been accepted onto the firm’s Internship into Law programme, in partnership with charity, Everton in the Community, and will join Weightmans in the summer for a one-week paid placement at the Liverpool office.
Following a four-month process involving applications, presentations and debates, the interns were selected and given a celebratory event held in the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool to meet key members of the HR and early careers teams. They were also treated to a talk from last year’s intern, Muhi, who has since gone on to secure a solicitors degree apprenticeship with the firm, starting in September.
Since launching in January 2023, more than 100 young people from across Everton in the Community’s Secondary Education Pathways programme have competed for a place in the initiative, with a total of 15 participants securing themselves an internship with the law firm to date.
Step into Law
The Step into Law programme is geared towards year 12 and 13 students across Liverpool City Region, offering them a unique insight into the world of law. Designed with six other leading law firms – Brabners, DWF, Hill Dickinson, MSB and Taylor Wessing – the programme gives participants the opportunity to experience first-hand different law practices and offices. 31 students took part, with 97% of attendees saying they felt their knowledge of how a law firm operates had increased because of the programme and 98% saying they now understood the pathways to qualification better.
Legal Insights
Over 400 students also took part in the firm’s Legal Insights programme – an online programme aimed at year 12 students, to show them how a law firm operates. The two-part event included talks and interactive discussion with key legal experts from Weightmans, including career advice from current apprentices and the Early Careers team. Attendees are now eligible to apply for work experience at the firm.
Helen Taylor, HR director at Weightmans, commented:
“We are very proud of our Early Careers programmes, the partnerships we have built, and our track record in inspiring young people and giving them opportunities to follow a career in law. This is an important part of the work we undertake to support talented young people to build their future careers.”
