The Government Legal Department’s new initiative offers law students 10-month placements to enhance diversity and accessibility in the legal profession.
- First cohort of law students from diverse backgrounds joins the Government Legal Department for practical placements.
- Students will engage in various legal tasks, including working with government lawyers in specialised fields.
- The initiative aims to make the legal profession more accessible early in academic journeys.
- Treasury solicitor Susanna McGibbon highlights the importance of early accessibility for improving diversity.
Law students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are now gaining invaluable experience through a new initiative by the Government Legal Department (GLD). This programme offers 10-month placements to foster diversity and make the legal profession accessible at an earlier stage in academic studies.
The first group has already commenced their placements, engaging with government lawyers across several specialised areas such as employment and litigation. This introduction into the legal environment enables students to gain practical insights and experience that are crucial for their future careers.
During the placement, students will participate in a wide range of activities. These include visiting prisons, developing client relationships, handling negligence claims, creating bundles, sourcing counsel, and drafting instructions for barristers.
Susanna McGibbon, the head of the Government Legal Department, stated, ‘We can only start truly improving diversity of the legal profession when we improve accessibility to the sector early in peoples’ studies.’ She expressed pride in the department leading the way with initiatives that provide students essential work experience, nurturing future opportunities not just in government but the broader legal sector.
This groundbreaking initiative is a step forward in enhancing diversity and accessibility within the legal profession.
