Government Legal Profession Diversity Summer Scheme 2026
Society of Asian Lawyers is excited to again be working with the Government Legal Profession to bring our student members this amazing opportunity: a chance to take part in the Government Legal Profession’s Diversity Summer Scheme 20 – 24 July 2026.
The Diversity Summer Scheme aims to provide work experience to undergraduates or graduates from diverse backgrounds which are currently underrepresented across the legal profession.
About GLP
The Government Legal Profession (“GLP”) comprises of organisations which provide advice to government departments such as the Treasury as well as to public bodies such as the Competition and Markets Authority.
GLP advises on most areas of law that you can think of and many of their lawyers are involved in litigation and making legislation.
About the Scheme
The Diversity Summer Scheme is a great way to see how the Government Legal Profession fits together, with lawyers and administrators from across the organisation participating in the scheme.
The scheme will run from Monday 20 to Friday 24 July 2026 for students who are selected to attend in-person (with Tuesday 21 July virtual) and from 20 to 21 July for students attending virtually. In person spaces are limited and will take place in the London, Leeds, Salford and Bristol offices.
The days will involve a programme of interactive talks and workshops. Some of these will explore what it is like to work for GLP, with talks from senior leaders in GLP and across the legal profession. As well as talks, there will be introductions to key legal areas such as litigation, legislation, employment and commercial law, as well as opportunities to partner up with a buddy (a lawyer from GLP) and engage in exercises which may include employment, commercial, competition and international law.
The scheme will provide insights into the process of applying for legal jobs, with a session on the GLP recruitment process and psychometric testing, along with general legal application tips.
Each student is allocated a buddy who will provide help and feedback on the work exercises, as well as offering career advice.
Eligibility
To apply for this opportunity, you must:
- Be an existing member of the Society of Asian Lawyers and be from an underrepresented group
- Have not accepted a training contract or pupillage with any law firm, chambers or other organisation
- Be either a current undergraduate (law or non-law) or graduate (law or non-law)
- Must not have applied for the same Summer Scheme directly with GLP or other organisation
- Have a keen interest in working in law in the public sector
- Be available to attend all days of the Summer Scheme
- Have the right to work in the UK
Who should apply?
Undergraduate students (law or non-law) or graduates (law or non-law) who have a keen interest in working in law in the public sector. An interest in current affairs is also helpful. Candidates must not have participated in previous GLP Diversity Summer Schemes.
When will the scheme run?
Monday 20 July – Friday 24 July 2026 for students selected to attend in-person (with Tuesday, 21 July virtual).
Monday 20 July – Tuesday 21 July 2026 for students attending virtually.
Where:
Hybrid – either virtual or in person in London, Leeds, Salford and Bristol.
Travel expenses:
£25 per day for students who are selected to attend in-person.
How to apply:
Click here to access the expression of interest form:
APPLY NOW!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 5PM ON FRIDAY 15 MAY 2026.
Successful candidates will be notified by e-mail week commencing 25 May 2026.
Good luck!