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Pathways to Law (London): Years 12-13

Pathways to Law is a legal access scheme which takes place across two years and supports Year 12 and 13 students who are interested in a legal career.

I would definitely recommend the programme to every single person wanting to study Law
Pathways to Law participant

Students join the programme at the start of Year 12 and throughout the programme they will attend regular, engaging events including lectures, seminars, mock trials, fieldtrips, university guidance sessions and a work placement or other professional experience. Students will also benefit from a mentoring scheme and will have the opportunity to apply to a residential conference.

The Pathways to Law scheme, widening access to the legal profession, is run collaboratively with the Sutton Trust.


When and where does the scheme run?

The scheme runs annually. Students take part in activities from the November of Year 12 through to March in Year 13. 

When students apply to Pathways to Law (London), if successful, they will be randomly allocated to either LSE or Queen Mary, University of London. If allocated to LSE, the Pathways to Law programme will be delivered via a hybrid model in 2023/24, with some events being held on the LSE campus, whilst others will be held online. This ensures students benefit from being able to visit LSE and interact with staff, current students, and one another, whilst maintaining the accessibility that online events provide. Some activities will also be held off campus, for example, work experience opportunities, and the residential National Conference at the University of Warwick.

If you are offered a place on the programme, you will be offered travel reimbursement for any in-person events. We will also survey you on your tech capabilities so we can work with you to ensure you are able to access the online content as well. 

What activities are included?

Law taster sessions

These are a combination of academic and law in practice-related activities, delivered by university academics and professionals in the field. In previous years, the law sessions have covered Criminal, Commercial, Human Rights and EU law. Law-related activities may include off-site visits to barristers’ chambers, Inner Temple and the opportunity to “shadow” a university law student and attend one of their lectures. Law-related activities may also include an off-site visit to barristers’ chambers, Inner Temple.

Residential conference

Pathways to Law is a national programme, and Pathways students from across the country have the opportunity to apply for a four-day residential conference at the University of Warwick. The conference provides students with an experience of university life, allowing them to meet students from other Pathways groups.

If for any reason, the conference is unable to happen in person at the University of Warwick, a virtual alternative will be provided.

Work experience

Pathways students will be able to apply for work experience at one of London’s leading law firms during half term, Easter or the summer holidays in Year 12. In previous years, work experience has been undertaken at firms including Linklaters, DLA Piper, Eversheds and Hogan Lovells.

If for any reason, insight programmes are unable to happen in person, a virtual alternative will be provided.

Mentoring

All students on Pathways to Law are offered an undergraduate Law or Anthropology mentor midway through the programme.

Are there any costs involved?

There is no cost to attend and travel reimbursements are available to cover the costs to and from sessions.

Who is eligible?

Please see the Pathways to Law website for eligibility criteria. 

How do I find out more and apply?

Applications for Pathways to Law (London) will open on 4 September 2023 and close at 9AM on 23 October 2023. Applications can be submitted through the Sutton Trust website.

Click here to register your interest. Please visit the Sutton Trust website or email ard.pathways@lse.ac.uk for more information.

What training do LSE staff receive?

All staff and students involved in the sessions receive appropriate training before the event. Staff or students working directly and regularly with young people on activities receive specific training on working with children, in line with our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. They also undergo an appropriate level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that as a result of circumstances or events outside of our control (known as a Force Majeure event), which includes but is not limited to industrial action, official government advice, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises, we may need to cancel an event at short notice.

In the event of a cancellation, a change of venue or date, we will endeavour to notify attendees wherever possible through the contact details given at the time of booking. For the avoidance of doubt, the School will not be liable for any costs you may incur as a result of any cancellation, change of venue or date.

"Pathways to Law has helped me understand what it takes to become successful in the legal profession. It has given me an insight into the different career paths and has helped me make an informed choice as to what career I want to pursue. The programme has also prepared me for university life and has ensured that I know how to make a good application to top universities. All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself during the past two years and would definitely recommend the programme to every single person wanting to study Law."

Pathways to Law participant