Browne Jacobson launches free job simulator to give aspiring barristers a taste of life in legal profession

Aspiring barristers can get a glimpse into the life of a lawyer from their desktops after Browne Jacobson launched a virtual work experience programme.

The UK and Ireland law firm has created the UK Law job simulation on the Forage platform, which provides online courses to help students from less advantaged backgrounds discover and land jobs at reputable businesses.

The free programme enables delegates to step into the shoes of Browne Jacobson’s barrister team and complete tasks that replicate the specific type of work it does on a daily basis.

This is the firm’s latest initiative to improve social mobility both within the organisation and the wider legal profession. Its award-winning FAIRE (Fairer Access to Real Experience) programme, which offers in-person and virtual work experience opportunities to candidates specifically from lower socio-economic backgrounds, has drawn participation from more than 30,500 students since its launch in 2021.

Kiera Riddy, an Associate Barrister at Browne Jacobson who has been the driving force behind the programme, said: “When thinking back to the work experience available for me while studying to get a foot in the door, it was somewhat limited to in-person roles requiring extensive travel and also took time out of part-time working – something that is essential to many people in funding their studies.

“With the success of our FAIRE social mobility scheme at Browne Jacobson, we started thinking about other ways we could increase accessibility to experience and the profession. 

“Forage already has a scheme for solicitors, so we believed it was imperative to design a scheme for budding barristers.

“I designed this scheme with those wanting a ‘day in the life’ experience in mind and to give people the opportunity to experience tasks a typical junior barrister might be instructed on – making this a genuine first for the legal profession.

“The programme offers a certificate of completion and, importantly, feedback on the tasks completed. I hope it’s a useful experience to get a taste of what we do.”

The UK Law job simulation is self-paced and can be completed within four hours using pre-recorded videos and worksheets.

It features a theoretical scenario in which the delegate’s team has been assigned to a project working for a council. They must conduct research, analyse legal documents and provide written advice to the client.

Delegates will receive a certificate that can be added to their CV, while developing practical legal skills and confidence needed for future job applications. 

Access Browne Jacobson’s free UK Law job simulation on Forage:

Virtual barrister job simulation