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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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lainiekazan · 16/05/2013 19:04

Not very helpful, but ds tried this route and all the solicitors firms said no because of client confidentiality (in other words, couldn't be bothered to have 15-year-old hanging round office) and the local courts said they used to offer work experience, but were no longer permitted because of 'elf 'n' safety.

Dh's niece, otoh, shadowed a high court judge, who quite coincidentally happened to be her godfather.

Lonecatwithkitten · 16/05/2013 19:19

What about citizens advice? They do cover quite a lot of law and will almost certainly have small jobs a teenager could do to help.

Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 19:20

Ah, thank you lainie, that seems to reinforce my suspicions. She can still write to some firms if she likes, but she should probably have a Plan B up her sleeve.

I wonder what the H&S issue is with courts? Prisoners running amok?? I think DD would find that quite interesting.

We've completely failed her on the godparents front, she's going to have to make her own way in the world.

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Original poster
Earnshaw · 16/05/2013 19:21

That, Lonecat, is a very interesting idea. Thank you.

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FrebbieMisaGREATshag · 16/05/2013 19:24

What about the HR dept of a company?

Or hospital? Or local council? Environmental health deal a bit with rules/regs/laws.

You need to think a bit laterally - not just straight lawyers office.

Could she contact the Law Commission and see if they have any suggestions?

givemeaclue · 16/05/2013 19:26

Or a law centre, immigration centre etc

How old do you have to be to watch a case in a public court? I remember going to old Bailey when s was at school.

I also did work experience for a day with a court reporter from local paper at the court.

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

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 19:28

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

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 19:29

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.

givemeaclue · 16/05/2013 19:30

Any big local companies may also have legal dept

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

Yes, I think court reporter would appeal Smile

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

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 19:37

Ah, pros and cons there givemeaclue...

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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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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.

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 .....

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.

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?

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).

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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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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senua · 16/05/2013 23:58

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

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