Work Experience
Our work experience programme is designed to provide a glimpse into the legal world, helping you to make informed career decisions while gaining a real-world perspective on legal practice.
The programme offers practical learning and professional growth to various legal areas under the mentorship of our experienced solicitors. Discover the day-to-day operations of one of the UK’s most reputable law firms and engage with professionals who are keen on sharing their knowledge.
Switalskis’ work experience programme is a stepping stone towards a successful legal career. With practical exposure, mentorship and networking opportunities, undertaking work experience with us will help you towards becoming a well-informed legal professional.
In order to be considered for work experience at Switalskis, you must be:
Due to the high volume of applications, placements are limited and not all service areas have availability to take on work experience.
The deadline for applications for 2023 has now passed. This page will be updated when the next round of applications is open.
Our team includes seasoned solicitors across various legal disciplines who provide a supportive environment where you can comfortably learn, ask questions and enhance your understanding of the legal profession.
The work experience programme at Switalskis immerses you in the day-to-day operations of one of the UK’s most reputable law firms, providing a realistic view of the legal profession.
We believe in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Our solicitors are committed to sharing their expertise and providing guidance. Our efforts have been recognised as we were named in the top 50 fastest growing companies in Yorkshire in TheBusinessDesk.com’s Yorkshire Growth Index 2023 and we won ‘Large Firm of the Year’ at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2023.
Building a professional network is invaluable in the legal sector. Through our work experience programme, you’ll interact with industry professionals, fostering relationships that could be beneficial in your future career.
Find out what our employees have to say about their experience at Switalskis:
I enjoy hybrid working. When I am in the office, I use this as time to speak with colleagues about their thoughts on cases and anything relevant within the news for example, a judgment. When I am at home, I use this time to complete detailed pieces of work without the distraction of the office. I’m also able to get out on a lunch time to walk my Sproodle!
In the summer of 2019, I was a summer intern and assisted the in house counsel at Pearsons Education in Beijing. I found this opportunity on Instagram. It was a challenge for me as I don't fluently understand Mandarin. While I was out in Beijing, I hiked the Great Wall of China and camped there. I'm very proud of this achievement as I normally find this type of activity very challenging.
In 2012 I joined the Costs Team and in 2014 started studying the ACL Costs Lawyer course. I qualified as a Costs Lawyer in August 2017 and in 2023 I was promoted to Associate Costs Lawyer. I've not worked anywhere prior to Atherton Godfrey who integrated with Switalskis in December 2022, my entire career since the 90s has been at the same firm.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I thought I wanted to be a hairdresser, and this is what I ended up doing, but if I’m honest I never really felt like it was for me. I worked hard and achieved my qualifications but never felt content. However, I always had an interest in the legal profession due to personal circumstances and I enrolled on an access course when I was 26 and here, I am!
I start my day by responding to any emails. I then check my task list and I complete any urgent tasks first. I complete records reviews, draft letters of instruction to experts and review expert reports. I also have cases that are in litigation where deadlines need to be adhered to and documents must be served. I also liaise with clients on a daily basis providing updates and taking instructions.
There’s not a typical day in the Court of Protection, and that’s what I love most about it. Each client is so different and so we need to be able to take each client as they come to try and work out what will be best for them and how best to achieve it. I love travelling and meeting the clients but there is also lot of time in the office - preparing advice, drafting documents, and attending court, as many of our hearings are still being heard remotely.
If you have any questions about our work experience programme, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or send us a message and we’ll be happy to help.