Browne Jacobson launches virtual work experience programme to improve diversity and inclusion

Browne Jacobson LLP has partnered with one of the world’s leading virtual work experience platforms Forage to launch a brand-new programme that aims to improve diversity and inclusion within the legal sector. 

This interactive programme has been designed to open access for young aspiring lawyers, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.  

More than 260 students enrolled on the programme within just two weeks of its official launch. Of these, 53% are from Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities, 77% are female, and 78% attend state schools. 

The programme includes real work experience, which students complete through a variety of simulated tasks taken in their own time. Each task has been specifically constructed by a specialist legal team at the firm to mirror the work trainees undertake daily. 

Students will get involved in reviewing contracts, drafting witness statements and advising on disputes. The tasks are divided across six-modules covering education, employment, contractual, clinical negligence, public and real estate law. 

Once the programme has been completed, each student will receive a certificate to add to their CV and LinkedIn profile and will have a host of core legal skills to talk about, including, critical analysis, drafting, planning and communication.  

Tom Lyas, head of Resourcing at Browne Jacobson, said: “We see complimentary on demand virtual work experience programmes playing an important role in helping us to open up access and improve diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.  

“We wanted to make the Browne Jacobson programme easy to access for everyone so there is no formal application process and no costs to take part, with each student completing the programme in their own time. We hope the success of this programme will enable us to offer further tailored programmes for other age groups interested in exploring a typical day in the life of a lawyer.” 

This virtual work experience programme is one of several initiatives that makes up Browne Jacobson’s commitment to improving diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Other initiatives include FAIRE, the country’s largest virtual legal careers insight event, REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) Black Mentoring Scheme, Summer Vacation Scheme and its in person work experience programme. 

In 2021 Browne Jacobson was named as the country’s leading social mobility employer by the Social Mobility Foundation.