In April 2024, we ran a pilot SMILE scheme, hosting four students – two in our Chelmsford office and two in our Ipswich office. Students were selected through our partner school programme, which works with specific schools and colleges in each locality. These schools were identified based on lower-than-average A-level point scores and fewer students progressing to higher education, ensuring SMILE reached those who could benefit most.
The programme began with a full induction day in Chelmsford, including breakfast, lunch, an ice-breaker activity, an introduction to Birketts and how to make the most of the week ahead. The induction day was designed to set the students up for success and make them feel at ease whilst they were with us.
Throughout the week, students completed two seats in different practice areas, shadowing fee earners and working on law-based tasks such as drafting letters and researching legal issues. We also provided the students with workshops on alternative practice areas, presentations from some of our business services departments (Finance, HR, Client Services and IT) and practical skills workshops including CV and interview preparation.
The pilot was hugely successful, receiving a five-star rating from all students, who reported gaining valuable skills applicable to any job, legal or otherwise.
I have found this week incredibly informative and inspiring, we were given a wonderful insight into the day-to-day work at Birketts, not only of a solicitor but also of the other important roles within the company. The workshops and talks from lawyers in different sectors opened my eyes to different areas of law that I may have never considered before.
Justyna Styna, 2024 SMILE Alumni, Ipswich