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Original poster

Work experience - Law?

31 replies

Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 18:40

DD1 is in year 10 and is trying to sort out work experience for this autumn. She is interested in Law, but I'm inclined to think that solicitors' firms would be hard pressed to find much for a 16 year-old to do because of client confidentiality.

Has anyone's DC had a placement in a law firm, or are there any lawyers out there who can advise?

Many thanks.

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Original poster
Earnshaw · 18/05/2013 10:08

Thanks BfG.

Loads for DD to get her teeth into now. Smile

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BackforGood · 17/05/2013 23:13

ds did his at the local law courts. Absolutely loved it. He didn't know anyone there, and there was a girl from another school there at the same time who wasn't related to anyone there either.
I know the one day he met a mate for lunch who was working with solicitors (lawyers? barristers?) too, so there must be firms that offer it.

Original poster
Earnshaw · 17/05/2013 18:17
Grin
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senua · 17/05/2013 18:12

I give you ... drum roll ... Doolittle & Dalley

OK, not Solicitors but still a great name.Grin

Original poster
Earnshaw · 17/05/2013 18:05

Thanks booksteens, she'll be in year 11 by then & 16, so it's clearly worth asking round.

Senua Grin. Somebody will be telling me next that there actually is a firm called Sue, Grabbitt and Run.

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booksteensandmagazines · 17/05/2013 07:25

Law firms do take year 10 - though mostly year 11 for work experience. Some firms have quite an organised programme. I have had friends who's children have done it - check the websites to see what they offer or contact their human resources departments. I know a lawyer who goes into his child's school and talks to the 6th formers about careers in law and from that a few children often ask for a work placement. Good luck.

senua · 16/05/2013 23:58

Nah, you don't want Wright Hassall; you want Bell Lax. I kid you not.

Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 20:42

Not particularly convenient, but I think she should apply to Wright Hassall of Leamington Spa for the name alone.

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Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 20:40

I've just been out for a walk and have come back to more great ideas.

We are in a rustic outpost of the West Midlands - I've found the local Law Society's website, with a long list of firms. That should keep her quiet for a bit.

Point taken resipsa, I'll encourage her to explore as many possibilities as she can.

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resipsa · 16/05/2013 19:52

Local council is a good idea. TBH, at 16, a week (even a day) spent in a solicitor's office would put you off for life. Very, very, very dull (and I speak with 20 years' experience).

JustGiveMeFiveMinutes · 16/05/2013 19:48

Encourage her to write to every solicitor's office in your area. I'd hate to think she wouldn't get a placement because of her lack of contacts.
She could also contact the local Law Society.

Where approximately in the country are you?

Leeds2 · 16/05/2013 19:44

When I was 16, I did two weeks work experience in the legal dept of my local council. I spent the whole time making tea, and putting dog licences (yes, I am old!) in alphabetical order! I hope things have improved!

My friend's daughter got a placement at a local firm, about 5 years ago, by writing to lots and lots of local law firms. Most didn't reply, many said no, but she did get one in the end!

Try barristers' chambers too, if you have any local to you.

FrebbieMisaGREATshag · 16/05/2013 19:39

What about the nearest local uni that does law? It will have a legal dept. And well, if she's interested and all .....

eatyourveg · 16/05/2013 19:39

ds did his with the crown prosecution service - went to magistrates court and the crown court shadowing a barrister - loved it. Check their website.

Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 19:39

Whoops,sorry for duplicate post. I showed this to DD and she's really pleased, thanks.

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Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 19:37

Ah, pros and cons there givemeaclue...

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SantanaLopez · 16/05/2013 19:37

The school should be able to put her in touch with offices who have already taken in work experience-ers.

Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 19:31

Ah, pros and cons there givemeaclue...

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Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 19:31

Yes, I think court reporter would appeal Smile

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givemeaclue · 16/05/2013 19:30

Any big local companies may also have legal dept

givemeaclue · 16/05/2013 19:29

Have to say the court reporting was dull, but I did see a girl from schools parents being done for not sending her to school.

Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 19:29

You're right frebbie, there are more possibilities here than I realised. Thanks for some really helpful ideas everyone.

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givemeaclue · 16/05/2013 19:28

Local councils all have legal depts. may need to make a lot calls to get placement it will be worth it though

FrebbieMisaGREATshag · 16/05/2013 19:28

Givemeaclue - that's a great one, court reporter! I wish I'd thought of that Grin

givemeaclue · 16/05/2013 19:27

Local councils all have legal depts. Pie may need to make a let me calls to get a placement it will be worth Ii though

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