We are committed to supporting social mobility and believe that all people should have the opportunity to practice as a lawyer regardless of their socio-economic background. By helping to widen access to the legal profession, we are confident that we will attract the best talent to the sector to the benefit of us all.
SMILE is a week-long workplace programme designed to give year 12 or equivalent students who fit our enhanced PRIME criteria the opportunity to work at a UK Top 50 law firm. After SMILE week, the students that attend also have the opportunity to benefit from our SMILE Alumni programme, which gives students access to potential shadowing opportunities, as well as ongoing advice from our lawyers and careers staff, in order to support students all the way from SMILE up to qualification as a solicitor (or to securing a support role if that is their desire).
SMILE is back for its fourth year in 2027 and it’s bigger than ever. Following the success of SMILE, we are again expanding the programme to give even more students the chance to experience life inside a leading law firm.
For any questions in relation to SMILE or social mobility at Birketts, please contact Florence Paul, Kurt Glencastle, Chantal Cohen and Natasha Thompson.
Key Contacts
Behind the SMILE: How it all began
SMILE was created to champion social mobility and open doors for students who might not otherwise access opportunities in law.
2027 Programme
SMILE is back for its fourth year in 2027 and it’s bigger than ever. Following the success of SMILE, we are again expanding the programme to give even more students the chance to experience life inside a leading law firm.
SMILE Alumni
SMILE goes beyond the week spent at Birketts. We support our previous students throughout their academic journey to help them achieve their ultimate goal of a career in law.
SMILE Resource Hub
Access all the essential materials to support your SMILE journey. Find guidance and resources for schools and students here.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this opportunity, I’ve had an amazing experience, and it has been very valuable to me. Thank you to you, and everyone else I’ve met over this week for being so kind, helpful and welcoming. This experience has really helped to develop my self-confidence, not only for myself now, but for my future. It was so lovely to meet you, thank you so much for all the hard work you, and everyone else put into this programme.
Olivia Coveney, SMILE Student, London