BHP Law has partnered with Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QE) and Teesside University to launch an innovative 11-month programme designed to give QE students real-world insight into the legal profession and the many pathways into a career in law.

This collaborative initiative offers students a unique opportunity to explore the legal field through practical workshops, university immersion, and professional development sessions. The programme is tailored to demystify the legal profession and equip students with the tools and confidence to pursue their ambitions.

As part of the programme, BHP Law will host a series of interactive workshops where students will meet staff performing a variety of roles and be introduced to the essential skills needed to thrive in the profession. These sessions aim to build foundational knowledge and spark curiosity about the diverse roles within law.

Students will also engage in candid discussions with BHP Law solicitors, trainees, apprentices, legal executives and paralegals, who will share their personal journeys into the legal field. These conversations will highlight various career pathways, including the traditional LLB route, alternative degrees, and apprenticeships, offering students a realistic and relatable perspective on how to enter the profession.

To further support students’ development, BHP Law will provide mock interview practice and CV writing workshops. These sessions are designed to help students build confidence and present themselves effectively as they begin to pursue legal opportunities.

Teesside University will welcome students to its Law Clinic for an introduction to client interviewing skills, where students will prepare an interview based on a fictional memo, and then conduct the interview with students from the University. In addition to the interviewing workshop, the University will host a tailored workshop exploring AI in law and the impact it has on legal careers.

The Programme hosted by QE will also include workshops from the University of Law, which focus on real world legal issues. Previous topics have included the effectiveness of prison, and gender and the law.

At the conclusion of the programme, students will present their reflections, outlining what they have learnt, which aspects they found most valuable, and whether the experience aligned with their expectations. Those who demonstrate exceptional engagement and performance throughout will be invited to apply for a further work experience placement with BHP Law.

Ellie White, Teacher of Law at QE Sixth Form College, expressed her enthusiasm:

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students to engage with professionals and academics, and to have specific and tailored advice and workshops which are designed to develop their skills in preparation for their future careers. Ensuring that our students leave QE with more than just fantastic A levels is really important, and we are excited to continue to work with BHP and Teesside to leave QE with the skills that will help them thrive in such a competitive field.”

Ellie Phillips, Senior Solicitor Apprentice at BHP Law, said: “We’ve built a strong relationship with QE’s law department over the past few years, united by our shared commitment to nurturing future legal talent. It’s been a pleasure visiting the sixth form to deliver career talks and introduce students to our summer work experience programme. This new initiative is a brilliant way to expand our support for local students, and we’re genuinely excited about the positive impact it will have.”

Lisa Cairns, Head of People Services at BHP Law, added: “It’s vital we inspire the next generation to consider a career in law, and equally important that we equip them with the practical skills and insights to succeed. This programme does exactly that.”

Hannah Sellers at Teesside University Law School shared their excitement: “Teesside University Law Clinic is thrilled to be involved in QE’s Aspiring Lawyers Programme. The programme has been well designed to equip students with the foundations and understanding of law in practice. The series of events allow students to develop the practical legal and transferrable skills that they can build upon whilst in tandem, develop their networks and social capital which can be leveraged for positive outcomes in their future legal careers.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing future legal talent and breaking down barriers to entry into the profession. By combining academic insight, practical experience, and professional mentorship, the programme empowers students to make informed choices about their futures and take confident steps towards a rewarding career in law.