LIFT 2024 - 6 months on..

Six months ago, a select group of bright and talented individuals joined our firm through the LIFT (Legal Insight for Future Talent) programme - a transformative, paid internship designed to provide invaluable experience and open doors within the legal profession. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of hearing from our participants about the progress they’ve made and the exciting steps they’ve taken in advancing their careers.

Several members of the cohort have already secured full-time roles. Shianne and Rosie, for example, have both joined the private sector as paralegals; while Ruby, having joined the legal industry as a legal PA, is gaining experience in the profession while continuing to explore her future career options.

“I have secured a full time role as a paralegal at Paramount Pictures and will be taking the SQE route to qualify as a solicitor in my current role”– Shianne McDermott-Gordon, Black Heritage Cohort 2024

Others are making significant strikes in their academic journeys. Sumaya, for instance, has made a strong start at the University of Cambridge, having achieved a 2:1 in her foundation year, and is now embarking on her degree course. Ani, in her second year at university, is continuing to pursue opportunities in commercial law.

“The LIFT programme opened my eyes to sectors they hadn’t considered before, like aviation and insurance, and are now eager to pursue these areas as they develop their career further.”- Ani Vardanyan, Social Mobility Cohort 2024.

Eylul, inspired by a growing passion for commercial law, is now actively applying for vacation schemes, while Rebecca has already secured a vacation scheme at Latham & Watkins, marking a significant milestone in her career. Stephanie, who recently graduated, is now focused on preparing for the SQE while actively applying for training contracts and vacation schemes.

“I've decided that I want to be a commercial solicitor, and I have applied to some firms' vacation scheme placements, including Clyde & Co.”– Eylul Yasaroglu, Social Mobility Cohort 2024

"Since the LIFT programme, I have graduated from university with a LLB degree in Law with Business. I am currently studying for the SQE via an LLM and am applying to training contracts and vacation schemes on the side."– Stephanie Choi, Social Mobility Cohort 2024

Aksha has spent the last few months building an extensive network by attending open days and is now taking the next step by applying to various vacation schemes.

The progress of the LIFT 2024 cohort highlights the dedication, ambition, and diverse paths that each participant is taking to shape their careers. We’re excited to continue supporting them as they build their futures in law.

Interested in joining the 2025 cohort? Sign up here.