DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, is encouraging students to apply for its Ethnic Minority Access Programme, aimed at providing tangible work experiences to students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds

The programme will provide candidates with skills sessions, mentoring and work experience to give them the skills necessary to become trainee solicitors. Building on feedback that DWF have received from similar schemes, as part of our latest programme, candidates will join our Vacation Scheme programme where they will be considered for a Training Contract with the firm.

The new programme has been developed in-house to provide individuals from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background with mentoring and skills sessions ahead of a paid work experience scheme and ultimately, to increase representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in the legal sector.

There are 6-8 places available on the programme, which begins in 2023.

Over the course of the five month scheme, candidates will have periodic learning and development sessions covering a range of topics, while also being paired with a mentor to help them during their time at DWF. Training will take place at the Manchester, London, and Birmingham offices, giving candidates the opportunity to network with colleagues across the firm.

Seema Bains, Partner and Head of the Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Group at DWF said: “We’ve listened to the feedback surrounding our Ethnic Minority Access Scheme and we have developed this new targeted programme which aims to increase the representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in the legal sector to make sure that our sector is reflective of the society that we live in.

“The programme will allow candidates to nurture strong internal relationships via networking and mentoring; help candidates to improve broader skills such as communication and time management, whilst also providing exposure to commercial law in practice through paid work experience. We’re excited to begin the application process for our first cohorts who we will welcome in 2023.”

Those interested in making an application for the Ethnic Minority Access Programme should apply using the following link before 15 January 2023 DWF Online Application Form (apply4law.com) or contact earlycareers@dwf.law for more information.