Penningtons Manches Cooper - Diversity, equity and inclusion pipeline programmes

Penningtons Manches Cooper run a set of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) pipeline programmes designed to give school and university students insight into careers in law, practical skills and mentoring. The firm highlights two structured programmes: EMpower (a four-day programme for Black heritage and ethnic minority students) and Limitless (a five-day programme for state-school sixth form/college students).

Activities include divisional and practice-area talks, commercial-awareness sessions, work shadowing, panel sessions and networking with employees at all levels, skills workshops (including mock trial and CV workshops), and a vacation-scheme style assessment centre on the final day with opportunities to secure places on the firms vacation scheme.

The programmes take place in the firm's London office and are in-person. Both schemes provide financial support to remove barriers to participation: EMpower is paid to ensure travel and accommodation can be covered and provides lunch vouchers and a 12-month mentor; Limitless covers travel in advance and provides lunch.

Eligibility requirements are published for each programme (EMpower: targeted at Black heritage/ethnic minority students at undergraduate/postgraduate stages with or on-track for a 2:1; Limitless: targeted at Year 12/13 state-school students meeting widening-participation criteria). The 2026 dates and a shared application deadline are listed on the firms early careers portal.