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Access to Opportunity - Career Start
Career Start is the firms access to opportunity programme which provides training, tailored support, and guidance to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds over a five-year period, with the aim of helping them navigate the different milestones in their studies and career planning.
We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and recognise the importance of providing longer-term support to young people. to by doing so, we aim to enhance their access to professional opportunities and support them in achieving their career goals.
Since its launch, the programme has supported over 140 students. Career Start is open to Year 12 students from non-selective, state schools local to our UK offices. In the first year, our students spend quality time with business professionals from our Firm through mentoring and complete paid work experience at our offices and with The Social Mobility Business Partnership. In the following 4 years, students will attend workshops, masterclasses and other educational support to continue to engage and prepare them for the world of further education and work..
How to apply?
Applications for our 2025 programme are now closed. Applications for 2026 programme will open in the Autumn.
In order to apply for the Career Start programme, students must meet a set of qualifying criteria.
Upon applying, students will need to complete an application and if successful, be invited to interview virtually with a member of the Career Start team.
If you have any questions regarding the Career Start Programme, please contact the Career Start team.
Supervising a student in the Career Start programme is really rewarding as, for many of the students, it is their first opportunity to obtain legal work experience. It comes at an important stage in their academic/career journey (prior to applying to university or for Apprenticeship programme), and therefore the insight into the legal sector provided by the programme is really valuable.”
Social Mobility is a key area of focus in our DEI Strategy. We want everyone to feel proud of who they are and confident that they are valued and able to fulfil their potential here. We are absolutely committed to the principle that both recruitment to - and progress within - the Firm should always be based on your potential to succeed here. In assessing that potential, we consider your socio-economic background, the type of school or university you attended, and your accent to be completely irrelevant. "
I had a great time on the programme, thank you so much for this opportunity. It's been really educational for me, and I have learned a lot from this."
Thank you so incredibly much for this opportunity and all of your help. You have helped me tremendously!”
