Lead in to Law

The programme

Lead in to Law is a two-year development programme for Year 12 and 13 students interested in a legal career in a commercial law firm. It is run in partnership with diversity specialists Rare and offers 20 spaces every year.

Lead in to Law is a two-year development programme for Year 12 and 13 students interested in a legal career in a commercial law firm. It is run in partnership with diversity specialists Rare and offers 20 spaces every year.

The programme is free to students and includes:

• a launch event in February 2026 at the Slaughter and May office in London;
• one to one personalised support throughout the programme from the Rare team with UCAS preparation, personal statements and/or solicitor apprenticeship applications;
• a chance to hear from students at top tier universities;
• two work insight placements at Slaughter and May, in August and October 2026;
• a Year 13 revision tips session at Slaughter and May in February 2027;
• a graduation event in July 2027; and,
• the option to be matched with a Slaughter and May mentor at the end of the programme to support you in the next stage of your career.

As part of the Lead in to Law programme, you will receive:

• Payment: You will be paid the London Living Wage for your attendance at the in-person elements of the programme.
• Travel Expenses: Your travel expenses will be covered by Slaughter and May. If you live outside of London, your train ticket can be bought in advance by Rare. If you live within the London travel network, you will be able to claim your travel expenses after your attendance.
• Clothing Allowance: You will be paid an allowance of £130 prior to starting the programme to support with professional dress costs.
• Meals: Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all in-person placements and lunch will be provided for full day elements of the programme.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the programme, students must:

• be in Year 12 at a UK state school, and have always attended a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or college;
• be based in London or Greater London, or within a reasonable commute from the Slaughter and May office in Moorgate;
  
• be eligible for free school meals between the ages of 11 and 16 (i.e. pupil premium);
  OR
• grew up in a household where no parent/guardian had attended university;
  OR
• have experience of another form of social disadvantage (e.g. in local authority care, refugee, young carer);
  OR
• The occupation of your main household earner is categorised as a routine or manual occupation. A summary of this can be found here.
  OR
• have experience of some form of academic disadvantage (e.g. attending a low performing school); and
• have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grades 6 – 9.