Legal Services cannot act for individual members of the public, nor can we recommend you to particular law firms. You may, however, find the following links to external websites of use:
Alternatively, you may find more useful information on one of the following websites:
Work Experience
We offer work experience packages available to students, undergraduates and post graduates of all ages. We aim to present a comprehensive introduction to our services, providing aspiring legal professionals with invaluable insights into the legal industry. Work experience with our teams is designed to expose individuals to the real-world operation of a law firm, helping them develop essential skills and knowledge to excel in their future careers. Students work across all four of our legal teams, working closely with our solicitors, attending court and learning from real professionals on real cases. Some of our work experience students have even gone on to have successful careers with us.
Our work experience packages are generally expected to take place over five days from Monday to Friday, however, we are able to create a flexible timetable tailored to your needs.
For more information please email joanne.hartshorne@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Some benefits of work experience with us include:
- Experience that complements and works alongside external studies
- Greater confidence in work and education
- Work with experienced Legal professionals on real cases
- Expand your understanding and knowledge of the law
- Gain useful contacts within the legal network
- Access to current legal resources and materials
“My work experience... was fascinating, insightful and informative. Before my work experience, I was unaware of the scope and importance of the work that the legal services team engaged with... I would encourage anyone with legal aspirations... to engage with the council and participate in this work experience programme, which provides a unique and valuable insight into the world of law.” - Roan Sidhu, Law Student
Work Experience Scheme 2024-2025
We are pleased to advise that applications are now being invited for our Work Experience Scheme 2024-2025.
Work experience with our specialist law practice
Whatever stage you are at in your studies, if you aspire to a rewarding career in Law, we are confident you would enjoy and benefit from a work experience placement in our legal team.
We are proud to be a highly successful and high performing legal department, operating as a specialist law practice and providing high quality advice and representation to the Council along with outside bodies on a full range of legal matters. We are equally proud of the friendly and supportive environment which makes us a great team to work with and obtain the invaluable experience to progress your career. Our Legal Services Brochure provides further information about our team and the scheme.
We recognise that no two students are the same and neither are the routes taken to arrive at a career in the legal profession. We are inclusive and accommodating to individuals personal circumstances and will work with you to offer a work experience placement that suits you.
Each year we offer 5, one week work experience placements to students aged 18+ years to be based in our fantastic office space in the centre of the thriving and exciting City of Wolverhampton.
To hear what previous students have said about the scheme, please watch our podcast.
Are you interested? If so, here’s the key dates to remember:
- The application process opens on 22nd April 2024 and closes 31st May 2024.
- Interviews will be held w/c 24th June 2024.
- Placements run from w/c 29th July 2024.
Why complete a work experience placement with us?
Work with a Local Authority Legal Team
Working in a Local Authority Legal Team is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Work experience with us provides the opportunity to see the difference the work we do makes to the City of Wolverhampton and the people who live within it.
Different areas of law
Our work experience placements enable you to gain experience of working across our teams and to see first-hand the different areas of law each team deals with on a daily basis.
Invaluable experience
We aim to provide work experience candidates with hands-on experience that they can refer to when applying for future roles and give them the basics from which to build on in any such roles.
Show future employers your commitment
Giving up your own time to carry out work experience shows how committed you are to working hard and succeeding.
Talk to people who have been where you are
Every one of our Lawyers have been where you are. We all remember the feelings of pressure of study, uncertainties of success and elation when you do succeed. This makes us the ideal people to share those feelings with and it gives us the opportunity to pass on hints and tips to assist you in your future.
Build contacts
We are a diverse team in every sense. We have all levels of Lawyers and support staff and between us have experienced almost every aspect of the legal profession. Many of us still remember or are in touch with people who influenced every stage of our careers and it is never too early for you to start building similar contacts. So why not start with us?!
What you need to know about applying for a work experience placement with us
When do applications open and close?
The 2024-2025 application process opens on 22nd April 2024 and closes on 31st May 2024.
Am I eligible to apply?
If you are aged 18+ years and are due to commence or have commenced or completed a Degree course or equivalent then yes, you are eligible to apply.
What is the procedure for applying?
Send to Joanne.Hartshorne@wolverhampton.gov.uk by close of business on 31st May 2024:
- Completed Application Form
- Up-to-date CV.
- Personal statement explaining why you would like a placement with us (see the guidance notes below to assist you in preparing your personal statement).
If you have any questions prior to or while preparing your application or if you would like any more information about the scheme, please contact Joanne Hartshorne, Legal Services Practice Manager on 01902 550086.
Guidance when preparing your Personal Statement
Tell us:
- What you know about City of Wolverhampton Council and our Legal Services Team.
- Why you want a work experience placement with us instead of any of the many other firms and organisations who offer placements. We want people who have a genuine interest in working for a Local Authority.
- Where you are on your route to qualification, what year of study you are in, what qualifications you have achieved so far and what you are aiming for next.
- What are your achievements, firstly in connection with your studies and secondly in connection with anything else be that personal, sporting, creative etc.
- What other work experience you have done, paid or unpaid and which you enjoyed and disliked the most and why.
- When you have finished your personal statement check it and then check it again. The law requires accuracy so if your application is not accurate you will not impress us.
What are we looking for in a candidate?
We realise that while a useful measure, academic qualifications may not always reflect your qualities and true potential. We are looking for people who are passionate about a career in the law and in particular a legal career in a Local Authority. Therefore, if your academic qualifications are not what you hoped for and there are reasons why, tell us and tell us what else you would bring to a placement with us.
When will I know whether I have been successful?
Applications close on 31st May 2024. We aim to shortlist within two weeks of that date, ahead of carrying out interviews w/c 24th June 2024 and then making our decision as soon as possible thereafter.
How are placements structured?
We want you to get the most out of your placement with us and with that in mind:
- On your first day you will have a full induction.
- Your placement will be structured so that you get the benefit of experience in as many of our teams as possible.
- We will set you tasks during your placement to test amongst other things how you interact with clients and colleagues, how you research points and present your findings as advice to clients and colleagues and how you manage and organise your time. This may involve observing client meetings, Court hearings or site visits and researching legal points.
- You will be ‘buddied’ with an experienced member of the team so that you have someone to show you the ropes and be on hand to answer any questions you have.
- At the end of your placement, you will prepare a short statement setting out the main things you have learned and will take with you from your placement along with any other feedback you wish to give.
Please return your completed application by no later than 31st May 2024.
The Legal Services Brochure and Work Experience Application Form can be found in the Downloads section.
Good Luck!
Vacancies
For more information about vacancies and how to go about applying for a job with the City of Wolverhampton Council please visit WM Jobs.