After competition from a strong field of County Durham students, Year 12 Durham Sixth Form Centre student Emma Price was one of the two students to be selected to take part in the launch year of an innovative work experience programme at BHP Law in Darlington.

Elena Philips, who is a solicitor apprentice at BHP Law Darlington, has created this exciting opportunity to support aspiring Year 12 or Year 13 students to access quality law work experience. Durham Sixth Form Centre student Emma was able to spend the week on a number of rotations around the different departments, giving her a very broad experience of the teams with BHP Law and the work that they are involved in. Emma was able to visit clients, fact check financial figures and assist teams providing additional services to clients.

In addition to the rotations, Emma also took part in various organised interactive workshops throughout the week, which related to careers, interviews, networking and routes into law, hosted by a range of staff from solicitor apprentices to partners in the firm.  Emma was thrilled to have taken part in the programme, commenting “The week couldn’t have gone any better. Everyone was clearly passionate about what they do. Nothing can replace spending time with a firm, observing the culture as well as the tasks and responsibilities of staff.”

Elena Phillips, who launched the event, commented “The BHP Law Year 12/13 Work Experience programme was a real success, and it was fantastic to see my idea become a reality. The team at BHP Law were impressed by Emma’s enthusiasm and diligent approach throughout the week; she demonstrated some excellent skills that will serve her well in her pursuit of a career in law. It was a pleasure to have Emma, and we wish her the very best – the future certainly is bright!”

Durham Sixth Form Centre is very excited to be working with Elena and BHP Law Darlington in the coming years to give our students a chance to take part in this exceptional law work experience opportunity.