Teenager Lawyer Interest

[naturesbuds]

I’m reaching out on behalf of my 14-year-old who is looking to start work experience placement as has an interest becoming a divorce/ property lawyer in the future.
Understand that there are age-related restrictions when it comes to formal legal training, but we’d love to hear any advice or suggestions on how they can start preparing now. Are there any recommended reading materials, online courses, youth law programs, or mentoring schemes that could help build early knowledge and confidence?
Happy to explore ways they can stay engaged and motivated while still in school—whether through volunteering, debating, or shadowing opportunities. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I’m a solicitor. I would say rather than focus on legal training concentrate on getting absolutely outstanding grades. Do things like Duke of Edinburgh and work experience. But that is a bare minimum and taken for granted by employers, to really stand out (as law students are ten a penny) you should have interesting hobbies and excel in something that sets them apart from fellow interviewees in the future.

When they are older look for mini pupillages, CAB etc… Amicus is a good one too as is the Free Representation Unit.

Buy them The Devil’s Advocate by Ian Morley, it’s a great short book to learn cross examination as if family law is of interest they will likely undertake advocacy whether they choose to be a solicitor or a barrister.

Good luck to them but be warned I don’t know many truly happy lawyers, everyone I know seems to long for a career change, myself included.

I’m a truly happy lawyer! 😊
But I work in an unusual, internally-facing 9-5 role in a big city firm.

I agree with the above suggestions. When I was at school, encouraged by my parents, I would go into court rooms and watch legal cases, civil and criminal. TBH some are pretty dry and hard to follow (especially the civil ones if you’re joining halfway through), but it gives good insight into how a court actually operates, free CV points and something to talk about in interviews. We even all went and watched some cases in a California court when we went on a family holiday there!

Family proceedings are often in closed court so you may not be able to watch those but you can always ask a court usher. I’m sure I was allowed in some closed court proceedings by explaining I was a wannabe law student.

For work experience you’ll likely need to target local “High Street” firms - the big city ones have formal vacation schemes which are open only to undergrads as a rule.

I would be persistent but pleasant (obviously!). Your DC should look up individual solicitors and email them directly explaining why their practice area particularly interests them and why they’d love to do work experience. Separately your DC should drop off a CV/letter in person to show just how keen they are. I’d say your DC would need to be at least 16 to be in with a shot, but don’t ask don’t get.

cherryberriesonacloud thank you for suggesting going to watch court cases and glad to know that you are a happy lawyer and have a role that enjoy . Very useful and practical advice appreciated. Will be looking going to court cases now.

TheFatCatSatOnTheMat thank you for suggesting the Duke of Edingburgh Award . As was considering this as currently as hobby doing horseriding and archery Appreciate your honesty and suggestion of the book. Sending all the success your way for your new route outside of current role