Slaughter and May Excellerators – develop your skills and learn about career options at a law firm
Organisation: Slaughter and May
Age: 16 - 19
Duration: 108 days
Industry: Law
Application deadline: 24/04/2024
Dates: 30/05/2024 - 28/10/2024
Timings: 10:00 - 16:00
Type: Virtual work experience
The Slaughter and May Excellerators Programme is designed to give students an insight into the many different professions at an international law firm, ranging from lawyers to business services, including legal technology, global client development and responsible business.
The virtual work insight programme is a chance for students across the UK to gain an insight into working life at Slaughter and May, as well as essential employability skills through interactive workshops, hands-on tasks and networking sessions.
The programme features four events across the year (May, July and October), giving students a chance to develop their skills and knowledge over time. You must be available to attend all four events to be considered for the programme.
In addition, through our partnership with non-profit Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP), eligible Excellerators students will be prioritised for a place on SMBP’s in person Work Insight & Skills weeks* across the UK that take place in July.
Programme outline
• 15 May – one hour induction (4-5pm)
• 30 May – one day launch event (11am-3pm)
• 29 July – 1 August - four days’ work insight (10am-4pm each day)
• 28 October – one day work insight (10am-4pm)
*The SMBP Work & Skills insight week will take place 15-19 or 22-26 July
Application criteria
Candidates must:
• Be in one of the following years at school:
− Year 12 (England & Wales)
− S5 (Scotland)
− Year 13 (Northern Ireland)
• Be attending a state funded, non-fee paying school.
• Meet one or more of the following criteria:*
o Have been, or are currently, in local authority care.
o Are currently in receipt of, or have previously received, free school meals, Pupil Premium, Education Maintenance Allowance and/or 16 to 19 Bursary.
o Are, or have been, a full-time or part-time carer.
o Came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker.
o Live in a household where the occupation of the main household earner is categorised as a routine or manual occupation (https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Socioeconomic_occupation_definitions_0.pdf).
o Grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended University.
• Excellerators is recommended for students that have achieved grades 6-9 at GCSE.
• Applications from students based in Newport/Cardiff, North East England, East of England, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be prioritised.
As this is a virtual opportunity please indicate in your application if you have a laptop with a working webcam and adequate Wi-Fi to take part. Help may be available for those who wish to take part but need tech support.
*Note: based on the PRIME criteria, a law firm alliance aimed at increasing access to the legal profession. As part of the application process, we please ask that all teachers highlight which of the PRIME criteria (set out above) the young person meets in the teachers notes.
Please note: Application deadlines may be brought forward if we receive high volumes of applications; therefore, we encourage students to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
What Excellerators students said in 2023:
- The best aspect of the programme was getting to speak to a large range of individuals from across the firm who all had such different experiences. It was reassuring to hear that people from all backgrounds can work in the legal sector and that people like me can succeed.
- I got to see how it was like to work in a real professional job.
- I have learnt how to present ideas better, with greater confidence.
- The best aspect of the programme was getting one-on-one opportunities to ask questions to and discuss with partners, associates, trainees, and those working in business services.
- This programme has given me an insight into how to conduct myself professionally in a working environment.
- It was amazing meeting new people and making friends.
When applying, answer the following questions
- Why are you applying for the Excellerators programme?
- Which of your skills would you like to improve?
Experience You Will Gain:
- You will learn about the different departments in an international commercial law firm and their role in making the business a success. You will learn what makes Slaughter and May unique by hearing about our firm values and how we are integrating responsible business practices into everything we do.
- You will get the chance to speak to employees from across the firm – including partners, trainee solicitors, associates and people from all across Business Services (including Technology, Responsible Business, Legal Technology, Compliance, Business Development, HR and Finance).
- You will develop core skills, such as presenting, networking and teamwork. As well as attending key skill training throughout the programme, you will also work on a project with a small group of fellow students which will be presented to Slaughter and May employees at the end of the July placement.
- You will learn about the different pathways into a career in the legal sector.
Skills You Will Gain: