Work Experience and Volunteering

YLAL is committed to helping members develop meaningful and long-lasting careers in legal aid. This page provides guidance on gaining relevant experience and accessing opportunities to enter and thrive in the sector.

General Guide to Volunteering and Work Experience

Breaking into legal aid can be tough, the competition is high, and many roles require prior experience. Here’s how to get started:

Student opportunities

  • Join law clinics, miscarriages of justice projects, or Amnesty International student groups
  • Start your own initiatives if none are available at your university

Internships

Internships and volunteering are good CV builders but can be difficult to access for those who have caring responsibilities or need to work to fund their studies. 

Things to consider

  • Look for funded or expenses-paid internships
  • Seek flexible opportunities (evening / part-time roles at law centres or clinics)
  • Apply for bursaries from organisations like HRLA or Inns of Court
  • Explore paid roles: legal assistant, paralegal, county court advocate
  • Try remote volunteering: write for legal blogs or join YLAL sub-groups

Top tip: Don’t be afraid to negotiate flexible arrangements (e.g. 1 day/week for a year instead of 4 days/week for 3 months)

Where to look: 

  • Check profiles of Junior Barristers or Solicitors at your desired chambers to see what organisaitons they are part of
  • Look at LinkedIn profiles

Organisations Offering Volunteering and Work Experience

(Note: YLAL is not affiliated with these organisations)

If you know of other organisations which you feel should be added to this list, please contact us on ylalinfo@gmail.com