Birketts has today opened applications for its 2026 Social Mobility Insight into Law Experience (SMILE) week.
The SMILE programme offers Year 12 students from state-funded schools who meet two or more of the PRIME criteria the opportunity to gain an early insight into the legal profession, different routes into law, and life at Birketts.
Now in its third year, places are available to students based in all seven of Birketts’ office locations across southern England. In total, 29 students will be welcomed onto SMILE Week which will take place 30 March – 7 April 2026 (excluding Easter Bank Holiday weekend).
During the week, successful students will get the chance to shadow a lawyer in two different areas of law and attend a variety of practical workshops that provide a taste of what it is like to work in some of Birketts’ core, and perhaps lesser known, practice areas. Alongside legal sessions, students will attend sessions held by local university partners and workshops focused on wider employability skills and knowledge such as CV writing, interview skills and the various pathways available to prospective lawyers.
Key dates:
Applications open: 17 November 2025
Applications close: 19 January 2026
Interviews: 16 – 20 February 2026
Application outcomes: By 27 February 2026
SMILE Week: 30 March – 7 April 2026
Speaking about the 2026 SMILE programme, Lizzy Ferguson, Early Careers Officer at Birketts, said: “We’re excited to open applications for our 2026 edition of SMILE. The programme offers a unique insight into the legal profession for students who may otherwise be unable to experience what it is like to work at a law firm.
“The overwhelming success of the programme’s previous two years has meant that we’re expanding it even further this year, welcoming more students to take part and including our Bristol office for the first time.
“Our hope is that after completing the experience, the students will come away with more than just an insight into a law firm. We want to empower them with a real understanding of what a career in the legal profession might look like and provide practical and transferable skills, as well as knowledge of the actual steps required to become a lawyer, which will give them the confidence to pursue a career in law and reach their full potential. The aim is to also provide ongoing support beyond the programme so that we play our part in giving them every chance of fulfilling their ambitions.”
For more information and to apply to the 2026 Social Mobility Insight into Law Experience, visit https://www.birketts.co.uk/responsible-business/birketts-social-mobility-insight-into-law-experience/.
Key Contacts
