Pathways to Practice First Year Insight Scheme - Birmingham

Shape Your Future in Law

At Fieldfisher, we believe talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always come equally.

That is why we created Pathways to Practice – our award-winning paid insight and work experience programme designed to support talented students from underrepresented backgrounds who are considering a career in commercial law.

New for 2027, we are delighted to launch our dedicated first-year university programme, providing an earlier opportunity to explore the legal profession, develop key professional skills, and build meaningful connections within the industry.

Pathways to Practice is more than just work experience. It is an opportunity to gain real insight into life at a leading European law firm, develop your confidence and commercial awareness, and begin building a long-term relationship with Fieldfisher.

What You Will Gain

During the programme, you will have the opportunity to:

• Attend a virtual induction covering key workplace tools, including Teams, Outlook and Microsoft Word.
• Take part in sessions on using AI in the workplace, law firms as a business, personal brand, commercial awareness and presentation skills.
• Join an in-person induction to meet the Early Careers team, learn more about Fieldfisher and take part in an office tour.
• Gain insight into Fieldfisher’s practice areas through a department roadshow and three days of allocated work shadowing.
• Work collaboratively on a team exercise, including a mock negotiation, and deliver a final team presentation.
• Network with trainees, apprentices and colleagues through lunches, social activities and informal conversations.
• Reflect on whether a career in commercial law is right for you.

Why Pathways to Practice?

We know that entering the legal profession can feel challenging if you do not have existing networks or access to opportunities.

Pathways to Practice has been designed to help remove barriers, increase access and provide meaningful experience that enables students to make informed decisions about their future careers. The programme forms an important part of our commitment to inclusion, social mobility, and developing the next generation of legal talent.

We want every participant to leave the programme with:

• Greater confidence in their own ability.
• A stronger understanding of the legal sector.
• New professional connections.
• Enhanced workplace and career readiness skills.
• A clearer understanding of the pathways available within the legal profession.

Programme Highlights

• Work shadowing and practical tasks.
• Skills and employability workshops.
• Networking opportunities with colleagues across the firm.
• Insight sessions from lawyers and business services professionals.
• Presentations and group projects.
• Exposure to our inclusion networks and community initiatives.
• Opportunities to learn about emerging topics such as AI, technology, and innovation in the legal sector.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At Fieldfisher, inclusion is at the heart of who we are. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can succeed and feel a sense of belonging.

We welcome applications from talented students from underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. Accessibility adjustments and support are available throughout the application and programme journey. Our colleagues, inclusion networks and Early Careers team work together to ensure all participants can thrive and perform at their best.

A Pathway, Not Just a Programme

Pathways to Practice is designed to be the beginning of your relationship with Fieldfisher, not simply two weeks of work experience.

Our aim is to help you develop the skills, confidence and insight needed to pursue a successful career in commercial law, while building a talent pipeline that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Whatever your background, if you have the ambition to succeed, we want to help you realise your potential.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Pathways to Practice Insight Scheme, you should:

• Be in the first year of an undergraduate degree (or second year of a four-year course) at the point of application.
• Be interested in pursuing a career in commercial law.
• Be able to demonstrate a genuine motivation to learn more about the legal sector and the work of Fieldfisher.
• Have achieved ABB at A-Level (or equivalent).
• Be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the programme.
• Identify with one or more groups currently underrepresented within the legal profession.

We recognise that talent and potential are not defined solely by academic achievement. We welcome applications from individuals whose circumstances may have affected their educational journey and encourage candidates to share any contextual information within their application.

At Fieldfisher, people are vital to our success. Our clients choose us for our expertise, our understanding, and our insight. Without the support and fresh perspectives of our Trainees and Apprentices, this would not be possible.

But it’s not just about providing award-winning, cutting edge advice, it’s about our relationships with our clients and with each other – we pride ourselves on our Fieldfisher community. We are a caring, sharing bunch with huge numbers involved in Corporate Responsibility. We promote inclusiveness and diversity, encourage innovation and endorse collegiality every step of the way.

Our offering is unique. Yes, you will get to work with some amazing clients like the BBC or may be seconded to one of our international offices, but you will also work with some incredible people who are industry experts in their field. These are the people who will guide and nurture you and inspire you to achieve great things.

We believe in giving you maximum exposure and a variety of experiences, which is essential if you are to become the lawyer of tomorrow and be a trusted advisor to your clients. We encourage all Fieldfisher employees to bring their real selves to work, so there’s a place for every background, interest, and degree of discipline at our firm. We have a number of programmes and opportunities available for students who are interested in a career in law.

Whether you're at school or University, we have something for you.

With Trainees and Apprentices based in our Birmingham, London, and Manchester offices, we can assure you that you will join a network of hard-working, diligent, and professional employees.