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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain real experience and insight into life as a solicitor during a one-week placement.
- Company: Join Shoosmiths, a leading law firm committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Paid placement, mentoring support, and networking opportunities with legal professionals.
- Other info: Placement in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, or Manchester; applications open December 2025.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with hands-on experience and valuable mentorship.
- Qualifications: Aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds in law.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 ÂŁ per month.
Your legal career starts here. Get real experience, real mentoring and real insight into life as a solicitor through our one-week Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme. The Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme offers aspiring solicitors from under‑represented backgrounds the opportunity to experience life at a leading law firm. You’ll spend one week in one of our offices—Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, or Manchester—working alongside solicitors, contributing to projects and immersing yourself in our culture.
Before your placement, you’ll be paired with a professional mentor who will help you prepare, guide you throughout the week, and continue supporting you as you move towards our training contract assessment centre. This is more than just work experience. It’s a chance to gain confidence, make meaningful connections and be supported every step of the way.
What You’ll Experience
- Experience the work of a trainee solicitor, from handling real case files to attending meetings
- Take part in a business development challenge that showcases your ideas and creativity
- Learn from your mentor, trainees and lawyers who will support you every step of the way
- Join social activities that give you a genuine feel for our people and our culture
Mentoring is at the heart of the discover programme — and of Shoosmiths. That’s why we’re also proud to partner with GROW Mentoring, a charity with diversity, inclusion and social mobility at its core. Over 40 of our legal advisors currently mentor GROW mentees every year, helping the next generation of legal professionals build confidence and thrive.
Who Can Apply & What Happens Next
The Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme is a diversity access scheme and forms part of recruitment for Shoosmiths’ 2028 training contracts.
To Apply, You Must
- Be an aspiring solicitor interested in qualifying in England or Scotland
- Be a penultimate‑year law undergraduate, final‑year law or non‑law student, or have completed the GDL, LPC or SQE
- Be eligible to work in the UK and not currently hold a training contract
- Identify with at least one under‑represented group in law: Black, Asian or minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disabled, neurodivergent or have a long‑term health condition, Socially mobile (for example, first in your family to attend university, educated at a non‑selective state school, care‑experienced, or came to the UK as a refugee)
You’ll be assessed throughout your placement, and if successful, you’ll be invited to our in‑person training contract assessment centre. There’s no need to apply separately — by applying for discover, you’re already being considered for a training contract.
Placement details
- Date: Week commencing 13 April 2026
- Locations: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, & London
- Applications open: 4 December 2025
- Deadline: 31 January 2026
How to apply
Ready to take the next step? Submit your application for the Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme, or join our mailing list to hear about upcoming opportunities.
What if I’m not eligible?
If you’re not eligible or can’t attend the placement this time, there are plenty of other ways to connect with us. We run a full programme of virtual insight evenings and in‑person events throughout the year to help you learn more about life as a Shoosmiths trainee. You can also apply directly for a training contract without completing a placement. If you’re not ready to apply yet, sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with future opportunities.
Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme 2026 employer: AllAboutLaw
Contact Detail:
AllAboutLaw Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current trainees or solicitors at Shoosmiths on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application. Building connections can give you insider knowledge and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios you might face during the placement. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and get feedback on your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for law and diversity! During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking events, highlight why you're excited about the Discover Programme and how it aligns with your career goals. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, keep an eye on our mailing list for updates on events and opportunities that can help you prepare even more.
We think you need these skills to ace Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives. Authenticity is key!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Discover Vacation Placement. Highlight how your background aligns with our diversity goals and why you’re passionate about pursuing a career in law. Show us what makes you a great fit!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message, so take the time to ensure everything is polished and professional. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best experience. It’s straightforward and ensures your application reaches us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AllAboutLaw
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Shoosmiths and their values. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the specifics of the Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm and how you align with their culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers. This could be about the mentoring process or what a typical day looks like during the placement. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the firm.
✨Showcase Your Unique Perspective
As this programme aims to support under-represented backgrounds, don’t hesitate to share your personal journey and how it has shaped your aspirations in law. Highlighting your unique experiences can set you apart and resonate with the interviewers.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experiences and aspirations, the better you'll perform in the actual interview.