Explore The Law

The City’s global law firms are looking for sharp legal minds, regardless of disability and / or degree, to solve complex problems and represent the needs of their diverse client base.

If you are a high performing undergraduate with a disability or long term health condition who wants to pursue a fast paced, exciting career in law, come along to Explore the Law on the 27th of November. Meet international law firms including, but not limited to, Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper, Hogan Lovells, Linklaters and Slaughter and May and gain a real insight into commercial law careers. You will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive skills sessions led by recruiters on topics such as interview skills, managing a disability in the workplace and requesting support in the recruitment process. You will also learn first-hand from our panellists what it is like to work with a disability in a leading City law firm.

Visit the Explore the Law website for more information.

Why attend?

Gain a unique insight into the industry

and where a career in law can take you. Whether you’re interested in structuring deals or providing commercial advice, this is an opportunity for you to learn what commercial lawyers do and develop vital application skills to impress at an interview.

Discover the benefits of being open

about your disability in the recruitment process, and what support and adjustments can be provided to level the playing field and enable you to perform at your full potential.

Expand your professional network

Connect with potential employers and engage in a panel discussion with senior industry professionals as they share their experiences of working with a disability.

“Having the chance to meet recruiters in an informal setting has been really helpful. I have gained a better insight into a career I never thought I would be able to enter with my long-term health condition.” – Jasmine Rahman, BPP Law School

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Who can register?

This event is open to undergraduate students with a disability or long term condition, including but not limited to: visual and hearing impairments, mobility impairments, Asperger’s Syndrome, diabetes, epilepsy, dyslexia, dyspraxia, mental health conditions, speech impairments and major illnesses such as cancer and MS.

You will ideally:

• Be a first, second or final year student studying law or a non-law degree subject
• Good academic track record, achieving 300+ UCAS points or equivalent* at A level

If you have mitigating circumstances which have prevented you from achieving these grades, do inform us and we will take this into account.

• Have a passion / interest in commercial law and desire to explore a career in this sector

“The event stood out as useful and insightful because it offered practical advice and solutions to some of the barriers faced by people with a disability. It also offered aspiring lawyers the opportunity to meet professionals who had similar if not the same disability but were able to carve a successful career in the legal industry. I walked away feeling motivated and more confident!” – Paris Bradley, University of Winchester

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Participating law firms

Baker McKenzie believes that diversity within the firm makes us stronger and that all our people in all offices deserve respect, protection from harassment in the workplace, support and equal treatment. No-one should be put at a disadvantage, professionally, financially or socially, on the basis of who they are.

“One of the best things about Baker McKenzie is the attitude towards Diversity & Inclusion, people are really passionate about increasing the diversity within the Firm and ensuring that the environment is inclusive of difference.” – Holly Lane is a Diversity and Inlcusion Co-ordinator.  Read her case study

To find out more about Baker McKenzie’s approach to disability and recruitment, visit their profile here: https://myplusstudentsclub.com/employer/baker—mckenzie

Hogan Lovells is committed to enhancing our diversity and ensuring we are an inclusive working environment that attracts, retains and nurtures its people from diverse backgrounds. “Looking after our people is not only the right thing to do, but also, a healthy, engaged and resilient workforce is more productive, efficient and able to provide clients with the service they expect from us,” says Alison Unsted, Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing Strategy.

“You shouldn’t be put off a career in law just because you worry how your dyslexia or dyspraxia may affect your work or be perceived. Some of the senior lawyers I’ve worked with are in a similar situation and have carved out incredibly successful careers.” – Shaun Cook is a trainee solicitor and he is dyslexic. Read his case study

To find out more about Hogan Lovells’ approach to disability and recruitment, visit their profile here: https://myplusstudentsclub.com/employer/hogan_lovells

One of our priorities at Linklaters is to create a truly inclusive culture. Our goal is to foster a working environment in which individual differences are respected and valued, and everyone has the opportunity to excel. This includes those who have a disability or long term health condition.

“The decision on whether to share information about your disability to a potential or current employer is an important one and each person will feel differently about it. However, in my experience, it has been the best course to be as open and straightforward about it as possible. I have been involved in disability-focused graduate recruitment sessions a few times now and it’s been great to be able to discuss my experiences with students who are in similar positions to the one I was in when I started looking at careers.” – James Phoenix is an associate, he has a chronic pain condition and is dyspraxic Read his case study

To find out more about Linklaters’ approach to disability and recruitment, visit their profile here: https://myplusstudentsclub.com/employer/linklaters

Slaughter and May is committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are barrier-free and inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.

We have a Disability Working Group which includes representatives from across the firm, including partners, who work together to ensure our policies, practices and processes are inclusive of disabled people, and that our recruitment process is disability confident.

“My experience has been that talking to my colleagues and HR about my hearing impairment has really helped me understand better what support I need and has given me the confidence to do my job despite some of the challenges.” – Valerie Kemp is an associate Read her case study

To find out more about Slaughter and May’s approach to disability and recruitment, visit their profile here: https://myplusstudentsclub.com/employer/slaughter-and-may

As a firm, we’re committed to diversity and to building an inclusive culture for all. Diversity isn’t just about visible differences, it’s the unique blend of talents, skills and perspectives that make us individuals and we know it’s crucial to have a culture and environment where those differences are genuinely valued. We are committed to bringing together the right candidates to create the high performing teams that provide our clients with the exceptional service they expect, and therefore welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

What to expect?

Location: Central London
Time: 12.30 – 18.30

You will have the opportunity to participate in various skills sessions on the day which are designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to make an application and secure a vacation scheme or training contract with a leading law firm.

1. An introduction to commercial law

2. Demystifying law: hearing from current trainees about their role and experiences

3. Recruiter led skills sessions: making applications and the recruitment process

4. Being open about your disability and requesting adjustments

5. Panel discussions with senior law firm representatives

6. Networking over drinks and canapes

Apply to attend

To attend Explore the Law, fill in this form to register your interest.