tips for legal work placement for 15 year old

[CQ2S]

My daughter wants to be a lawyer. She has to do a work placement - any suggestions for how to go about it? I don't know the difference between lawyers and solicitors, or maybe she would be better off in another setting which has lawyers. She is extrovert and energetic and throws herself into what she does.

[Leeds2]

I did mine in the legal dept of our local council, many moons ago! Might be worth trying.

Also, get her to ring or write to local firms of solicitors (as found in Yellow Pages) and ask if they will take her on.

[JammieMummy]

Does she want to be a barrister or a solicitor? (barristers wear the wigs and gowns and stand up I court and talk - criminal ones at least but it is the easiest description to give) I guess you know what a solicitor is from what you have written in your post.

Your DDs difficulty is her age, lawyers deal with confidential matters and so many will not consider a work experience placement if they are under 18 some might take 16 year olds. I would suggest you local council they have a legal department, the CPS and writing to the court itself. judges have a discretion to have a work experience person sit with them (it is called marshalling).

Ow or try thr RSPCA they have special rights of prosecution and their own legal department they might take someone on.

[JammieMummy]

Please excuse typos!

[eatyourveg]

As long as you have turned 16 by the time of the placement, the crown prosecution service offer placements. ds1 thoroughly enjoyed his time there.

[CQ2S]

She will be 15 at time of placement. I will try the county council, they should be supportive of work placements. never thought of the RSPCA before, great idea as she loves charity work and dogs (three hits in one!). Is it best to write a letter or email and any tips on what to say to win them over.

[CareersDragon]

Because of her age, she might not find it possible to get any meaningful legal work experience. However, just working in a legal department, or a solicitor's office will give her some insights and some useful working experience.
If she finds it impossible to organise a legal placement at this stage, don't worry it won't affect her chances of studying law or becoming a lawyer. Most universities will expect some form of legal experience in the sixth form. It should be easier to arrange then. There are additional experiences that can be arranged to give insights into law for example in the holidays. This could include visits to: Houses of Parliament, council meetings, or courts...

[CQ2S]

That is a great idea, going into the court would be good as would council meetings. She did a piece of work on Boris Johnson and now is really interested in politics (plus has a great photo of her dad with a blonde wig pretending to be Boris).

[CareersDragon]

LOL