Slaughter and May - Lead in to Law
Slaughter and May
Applications for this cycle have closed
This programme usually runs again each year — keep an eye out for the next round, or explore what's live now.
Curious about a commercial law career? Join Slaughter and May’s two‑year Lead in to Law: a 20-place programme that helps you explore routes into law, build applications, and get one-to-one UCAS and personal‑statement support.
Lead in to Law is a two-year development programme run by Slaughter and May in partnership with Rare, designed for Year 12 and 13 students from state schools who are interested in a commercial legal career. The programme offers a small cohort (20 places per year) and provides sustained, practical support to help participants explore routes into law and prepare for applications to university or solicitor apprenticeships.
Participants receive one-to-one personalised support (UCAS and personal statement help or apprenticeship application support), access to talks from current students at top-tier universities, two work insight placements at Slaughter and May, revision support in Year 13, and a graduation event. At the end of the programme there is an option to be matched with a Slaughter and May mentor to support the next stage of participants' careers.
The programme is free and includes financial and practical support: attendees are paid the London Living Wage for in-person elements, travel expenses are covered, a £130 clothing allowance is provided prior to starting, and meals/snacks are supplied for in-person sessions.
26 Oct 2025
Dates from the previous cycle — new dates are announced when applications reopen.
01 Feb 2026 – 01 Jul 2027
2026/27 cohort
Location
- 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
- Eligible for free school meals between the ages of 11 and 16 (pupil premium)
- Have no parent/guardian who attended university (first in family to go to university)
- Have experience of another form of social disadvantage (e.g. local authority care, refugee status, young carer)
- Occupation of main household earner is categorised as a routine or manual occupation
- Have experience of some form of academic disadvantage (e.g. attending a low performing school)
- Have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grades 6–9
Participants will be paid the London Living Wage for attendance at in-person elements. Travel expenses are covered: train tickets can be purchased in advance for those living outside London and London-based travel can be claimed after attendance. A clothing allowance of £130 is provided prior to starting the programme. Snacks, refreshments and lunch for full-day elements will be provided.
The programme is free to students.
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