At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain real experience and insight into life as a solicitor during a one-week placement.
- Company: Join a leading law firm committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Paid placement, mentoring support, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, and Manchester.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with hands-on experience and professional guidance.
- Qualifications: Aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds in law.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ 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'll 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.
Discover supports our diversity, equity and inclusion goals by helping to widen access to the profession and build a more diverse future generation of lawyers. You'll be paid for your time — details of the current rate can be found on our FAQ page.
During the week, you'll:
- 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.
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.
Locations: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester & London
Applications open: 4 December 2025
Deadline: 31 January 2026
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.
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 in London employer: Gordons
Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds a unique opportunity to gain real experience through our Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme. With dedicated mentoring, competitive pay, and a supportive work culture across our offices in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, and Manchester, we empower our employees to build meaningful connections and thrive in their legal careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme 2026 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trainees at Shoosmiths on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. Building connections can give you insider info and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your placement by researching the firm’s culture and values. Show that you’re not just interested in any law firm, but specifically in Shoosmiths. This will help you connect with your mentor and colleagues during your week.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive during your placement! Don’t just wait for tasks to come to you; ask questions, seek out projects, and show your enthusiasm. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your potential as a future solicitor.
✨Tip Number 4
After your placement, keep in touch with your mentor and colleagues. A simple thank-you email can go a long way. Staying connected shows your commitment and keeps you on their radar for future opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Discover Vacation Placement & Mentoring Programme 2026 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're 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.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Discover Programme. Highlight how your background aligns with our diversity goals and why you’re passionate about becoming a solicitor. We love seeing genuine interest!
Showcase Your Skills:Use your application to demonstrate the skills and qualities that make you a great fit for the programme. Whether it’s teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving, give us examples that show what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gordons
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Shoosmiths thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions more confidently but also show your genuine interest in the firm.
✨Showcase Your Unique Perspective
As this programme focuses on under-represented backgrounds, be ready to share your personal story and how it shapes your perspective as an aspiring solicitor. Highlight any challenges you've overcome and how they have prepared you for a career in law.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the Discover Programme and their experiences at Shoosmiths. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to practice your responses. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel during the actual interview.
