Professional Development

University of Warwick Schemes

• The Warwick Alumni Mentoring ProgrammeLink opens in a new window gives current students direct access to experienced Warwick graduates who can offer honest insights into careers, industries, and next steps. This flexible, self-selecting programme helps you move forward with clarity and confidence, wherever you are in your journey.
• The Birmingham Trainee Solicitors Society mentoring schemeLink opens in a new window presents an excellent opportunity for Warwick Law Students, in all years of study, to gain invaluable support from an experienced professional, over the course of 6 months. Eligibility criteria applies.

External Schemes

• Grow MentoringLink opens in a new window GROW pairs aspiring lawyers with professionals who have similar backgrounds or interests in the legal industry. Apply in Spring.

• Junior Lawyers Division Mentoring SchemeLink opens in a new window puts future legal professionals in touch with fellow solicitors. You will need to select a local branchLink opens in a new window and join (there may be a fee).

• House Rules: the community for in-house legal professionalsLink opens in a new window – mentoring for aspiring in-house lawyers (lawyers that work for a single organisation such as a business or government).

• Society of Asian LawyersLink opens in a new window mentoring programme is open to any member of the society – it is free to join the society.Link opens in a new window 

• Young Legal Aid LawyersLink opens in a new window have a mentoring scheme

• Pegasus Access and Support SchemeLink opens in a new window the Inner Temple offers a mini-pupillage and skills development programme. Deadline: June.

• The Society of Labour LawyersLink opens in a new window mentoring scheme for students with values aligned with the Labour’s politics. Apply in February.

• Society for Visually Impaired LawyersLink opens in a new window has a mentoring scheme for students at any stage of their education (and beyond).

• DiscussLink opens in a new window Discuss is an exclusive training programme, sponsored by five top City firms and run by RareLink opens in a new window, for brilliant students who are interested in City law. The programme is open to students from any discipline in their first year or second year of a four year course at any university. The programme is aimed at students from lower socioeconomic status groups, for example, students who have been in receipt of free schools meals, are the first generation in their family to attend university, or have experienced other forms of social disadvantage.

• SEO London City Solicitors Horizons SchemeLink opens in a new window– The City Solicitors Horizons (“CS Horizons“) programme, a social mobility initiative to improve access to the legal profession for undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Some of the biggest city law firms take part in this scheme. This scheme recruits 50 students each year to participate in a programme that will support them over a three year period, from their first year at university to graduation. The programme goes beyond mentoring and also includes training sessions and a guaranteed work experience placement. There is a selection process for this scheme. See their website here for details.Link opens in a new window Applications usually open in January. You will find application information here.Link opens in a new window 

• Aspiring Solicitors MentorsLink opens in a new window The AS mentors are able to offer advice and mentoring within all strands of diversity and inclusion. Read the mentor profiles and find the person who you think will be best placed to answer your enquiry.

• The Law Society Diversity Access SchemeLink opens in a new window This scheme aims to increase social diversity in the legal profession by supporting promising entrants from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who face exceptional obstacles to qualification. The DAS offers financial assistance, course fees, access to relevant high-quality work experience and a professional mentor. Applications for the scheme can only be made during the application cycle (usually March/April).

• Careers in Ideas mentoring HubLink opens in a new window for anyone considering a career in intellectual property law. Did you know there are different types of legal professionals who work in IP? You will find them represented here – but you can also use the website for career advice and exploration.
• COMBAR Mentoring Scheme for Under-represented groups and Support - CombarLink opens in a new window This is a mentoring scheme for aspiring commercial law barristers. It opens for applications in June with an October deadline and a November introduction to your mentor.

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Other External schemes of interest – not law specific 

• ZeroGravityLink opens in a new window–this innovative tech company matches students from area of low opportunity to mentors in a range of career sectors, including law. There are also events, talks, internships.

• The 93 percent clubLink opens in a new window– is the “least exclusive members club” where members, whether students or professionals, are one of the 93% of the population who attended a state school. It’s been set up to address the fact that people inequalities of state school education people holding the top positions i.e. only 34% of FTSE 350 CEO and 56% of journalists are state school educated. Whilst this is not strictly a mentoring scheme they have lots of inspiring speakers, and socials where you can speak with people who will act like a mentor in that moment or longer!

Warwick Law in the CommunityLink opens in a new window 

Opportunities include:

•  Strategic Social Justice ClinicLink opens in a new window 

• Immigration and Asylum ClinicLink opens in a new window 

• Public Legal EducationLink opens in a new window 

• Warwick LinC Environmental Law ClinicLink opens in a new window 

• Our ResearchLink opens in a new window 

• News, Events and OpportunitiesLink opens in a new window 

Work experience and internships | Prospects.ac.ukLink opens in a new window 

This is a listing of suggestions for voluntary work, virtual experiences, placements, summer jobs and more.

Citizens Advice Bureau 

The CAB aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. It isfree, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. This is a volunteering position which will require dedication and commitment (there’s training to undertake) so apply early in your degree. Find out more herehttps://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/support-us/volunteering/Link opens in a new window 

Appropriate Adult 

Appropriate adultssafeguard the welfare, rights, and effective participation of children and vulnerable adults detained orquestioned as suspects.
To find out more and to find a network in your area see the website of theNational Appropriate Adult Network.Link opens in a new window 

Special Constable 

Special Constable’s work in a range of policing areas, such as Community Safety Unit – tackling anti-social behaviour, foot and vehicle patrols, house to house enquiries, responding to 999 calls, road safety initiatives and specialising in roads policing, search and marine unit. You can choose the areas you want to work in and specialise into different careers after you have achieved Directed Patrol Status. You need to volunteer for a minimum of 16 hours per months. You wear the same uniform as regular officers, carry the same equipment and hold the same power of arrest.
More information: https://www.joiningthepolice.co.uk/training-progression/career-progression/special-constables/special-constables-common-questionsLink opens in a new window 

Public Law Project 

The Public Law Project (PLP) is a national legal charity which aims to improve access to public law remedies for those whose access to justice is restricted by poverty or some other form of disadvantage. There are sometimes student volunteering opportunities (and events) https://publiclawproject.org.uk/can-we-help/students/Link opens in a new window 

School Governor 

This role is one where you can play a part in governance/compliance/holding professionals to account. Many schools are seeking Governors.
Find out moreLink opens in a new window

Big Voice London (not just London!)

Inspire 16-18yr olds to enter the legal profession: https://www.bvl.org.uk/volunteer-supportLink opens in a new window