Diversity Work Shadowing Scheme

Blog: Shadowing opportunities at the Law Commission

Opportunities for legal professionals to learn from our lawyers and Commissioners.

For the law to be effective, it must be representative of the communities it covers. It is therefore important that the Law Commission is able to draw on as broad and diverse a pool of talent as possible to find our Commissioners and lawyers of the future. The Commission is offering two diversity work shadowing schemes to those who may not previously have considered a career with us:

  • The Lawyer Diversity Work Shadowing Scheme
  • The Commissioner Diversity Work Shadowing Scheme

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The schemes will give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role (either as a lawyer or Commissioner), helping them to decide whether they wish to take their interest further – be it now, or in the foreseeable future.

The schemes are aimed at those from traditionally under-represented groups at the Commission, which includes people who are:

  • Women
  • Ethnic minorities
  • Socially or economically disadvantaged
  • Those who consider themselves to have a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010

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Applicants must be from one or more of the above groups. For more information, please see below.

Unfortunately, it is not possible for the Law Commission to cover costs or pay individuals for their time with us.

All participants will need to complete an application form. Candidates should check the eligibility requirements for the relevant scheme before applying. There are no formal selection criteria, however if there is high demand, we will prioritise applications from those with the most relevant skills and experience.

Work shadowing spans a range of opportunities, from a short, focused discussion, to a more comprehensive shadowing experience. Shadowing opportunities are short-term and tailored to each candidate on the basis of your experience and professional background. We will discuss options with you following receipt of your application.

Lawyer Diversity Work Shadowing Scheme

The Law Commission is committed to developing opportunities for qualified lawyers to gain a greater understanding of our work. In particular, we seek to provide opportunities for individuals who have the skills, experience and interest in working at the Commission in the longer term. Those applying will need to consider that the work shadowing ought to be mutually beneficial.

Scheme eligibility

In order to be considered for lawyer work shadowing, you must hold a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree in any subject (or an overseas degree qualification equivalent to a 2.1 degree) but we will take into account subsequent experience if your degree class is lower than this. You must be either be a solicitor or barrister qualified to practise in England and Wales, or the holder of a law degree who can demonstrate a comparable level of legal ability (for example, as an overseas professionally qualified lawyer, a legal academic or a legal policy expert).

You may also be considered for the scheme if you have substantial legal experience and expect to qualify within the next year. However, please note that if there is a high influx of applications, we will prioritise candidates who already have the required skills and experience.

Find out more about the lawyer work shadowing scheme

Apply to undertake lawyer work shadowing by completing the Lawyer Diversity Work Shadowing Application Form and emailing it to us at LawCom_Work shadowing@lawcommission.gov.uk.

Commissioner Diversity Work Shadowing Scheme

Eligible legal practitioners can learn more about the work of any of the four Law Commissioners. Your time with us could focus on leadership of projects, engagement with stakeholders and peer reviewing the projects of other Law Commissioners.

Scheme eligibility

In order to be considered for Commissioner work shadowing, you must meet the Commissioner appointment criteria in section 1(2) of the Law Commissions Act 1965, which requires you to be the holder of a judicial office, or a person who has a general qualification within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, or a teacher of law in a university.

Find out more about the Commissioner work shadowing scheme

Apply to undertake Commissioner work shadowing by completing the Commissioner Diversity Work Shadowing Application Form and emailing it to us at LawCom_Work shadowing@lawcommission.gov.uk.