Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance launches virtual legal work experience programme aimed at 16-18-year olds in the UK

International law firm Clifford Chance has today launched a new virtual work experience programme (Ready, Set, Law) hosted on the Forage platform offering 16-18-year olds an introduction to the commercial issues affecting the future of the law.

The free virtual programme offers students an early opportunity to find out more about what a career in commercial law looks like. The programme compliments the firm's Global Virtual Internships aimed at university students which launched last year. Both initiatives are open to all.

Compiled by lawyers from the firms UK network, 'Ready, Set, Law' will consist of up to eight hours 'of content. Candidates will be able to complete tasks on topics such as crypto currencies, social media and green sustainable lending. It also includes a business skills module designed to introduce students to fundamental trainee responsibilities such as drafting and amending documents.

Laura Yeates, Clifford Chance Head of Graduate Talent, said: "We know that early intervention can make a real difference. Our new work experience programme is intended to give students a head start in their careers. Investment in to these resources which provide students with real life experiences is absolutely critical if we are serious about improving access to the profession.''

From Ready, Set Law, students can progress on to the firm's Global Virtual Internships which offers over 20 hours of content. The Global Virtual Internships has seen great success having had in excess of 33,000 student enrolments to date.

The launch of 'Ready, Set, Law' comes after Clifford Chance decided not to resume the traditional summer vacation scheme but instead invest in its SPARK, LIFT (Learning Internships for Future Trainees) and their Global Virtual Internships. They will again host a series of 'open access' events from August to December covering a broad range of content that would normally only be available via their open days and vacation schemes.