The Law Commission has set up two diversity shadowing schemes. We also collaborate with other organisations offering internship initiatives for groups who have traditionally not had their voices heard in the legal sector, including:
- women
- ethnic minorities
- individuals from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- people with a disability (as defined in the Equality Act 2010)
From senior shadowing opportunities through to working with other organisations to offer shared intern opportunities, these initiatives offer options that may not have been available previously. They also help ensure that we are able to draw on the widest range of talent as possible.
Commissioner shadowing scheme
This gives you the chance to learn more about any of the four Commissioner roles so you can decide if it might be an opportunity for you in the future.
You can shadow a Commissioner in a number of different ways. Depending on your experience and expertise, it could range from just a short, focused discussion to more comprehensive and longer-lasting shadowing. Your time with us could focus on a number of areas, including
- leading projects
- engaging with senior stakeholders, including government ministers
- peer reviewing projects led by other Law Commissioners
Read our information pack about the diversity work shadowing scheme for Commissioners. We are not able to pay people while they are shadowing.
Applying for the scheme
You must be the holder of a judicial office, have a general legal qualification or teach law at a University.
You will need to complete this application form and email it to LawCom_Work shadowing@lawcommission.gov.uk.
We don’t have a formal selection process but we will prioritise applicants with the most relevant skills and experience.
Lawyer shadowing scheme
This scheme offers the chance to get more understanding and insights into the work we do and how we do it. It’s a good way of gauging whether your skills, experience and interest would match a longer term role here in the future.
The scheme is flexible and can be tailored to fit you and your needs. You might just be interested in a direct discussion or to shadow one of our lawyers for a longer period of time.
Read our information pack about the diversity work shadowing scheme for lawyers. We are not able to pay people while they are shadowing.
Applying for the scheme
You need to:
- have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree or overseas equivalent in any degree (although we will take subsequent experience into account if your degree is lower)
- be a solicitor or barrister qualified to practice in England and Wales (or be an overseas professionally qualified lawyer, legal academic or policy expert)
We will also consider your application if you have substantial legal experience and expect to qualify within the next year.
You will need to complete this application form and email it to LawCom_Work shadowing@lawcommission.gov.uk.
We don’t have a formal selection process but we will prioritise applicants with the most relevant skills and experience.
Other options
We collaborate with a number of organisations to enable people from under-represented communities to gain experience of our work during internships.
You can find out more about applying for these opportunities by visiting the organisation’s websites:
- for aspiring lawyers from under-represented communities, we run annual internships through Bridging the Bar and supporting the Ledlet Summer Scheme.
- for people looking to play their part within boardrooms, we are a host board as part of the Boardroom Apprentice programme
We have occasionally been able to take interns from other organisations or academic institutions at the Law Commission. Security and vetting means that arranging this kind of opportunity can take considerable time.
To discuss this option, contact us on enquiries@lawcommission.gov.uk.