In Year 13, we welcome applications for our Early Bird Scholarship. This 3-year programme during your university studies in law, includes a programme of skills-based and insight workshops, networking opportunities, general support and guidance, and invitations to our firm-wide events. You can kick-start your knowledge and understanding of the legal world and receive guidance through applying to our early career opportunities, such as the Flying Start Programme, Vacation Scheme, and Training Contracts.
We work directly with a small number of schools to recruit our Early Bird Pioneers. From Year 10 to Year 13, Early Bird Pioneers gain an insight into the legal sector and the full range of careers available within the professional services industry, as well as exposure to the developmental skills needed for a successful career. Early Bird Pioneers receive skills-based and insight workshops, networking opportunities, general support and guidance. They also attend 2-weeks work experience, with the first week at our London office and the second week with a different client organisation, through our collaboration with the Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP) Skills & Insight Programme.
Our Early Bird Scholarship is to support, develop and equip young people from low socio-economic backgrounds with the skills they need to achieve their full career potential as part of Bird & Bird’s flagship social mobility initiative. Our Scholarship offers a mentoring scheme with our trainees for support and career guidance during your university studies in law; work experience; workshops and sessions from our Early Careers and Diversity & Inclusion teams; and Financial Assistance paid in instalments over your time at university.
As an Early Bird Scholar, you’ll be mentored on how to apply for our other early career opportunities, including the Flying Start Programme and Vacation Schemes. We hope that as your knowledge and understanding of the legal world and Bird & Bird develops, you’ll chose to apply for a training contract with us.
Our Scholarship is open to all eligible Year 13 students. If you want to pursue a successful career in law with mentoring, workshops and skill sessions, and financial assistance whilst at university, apply to our Scholarship.
Applications to our Early Bird Scholarship open on Monday 20 March 2023 and close on Friday 28 July 2023 at midnight.
The application process includes an online application form and an in-person assessment centre. Once you have applied, you’ll receive a confirmation of your received application form. You’ll be notified if your application has been unsuccessful or receive an email regarding the next stage of the application at each stage.
We operate rolling recruitment, which means we screen applications as they’re received, rather than after our deadline. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Find out more here
To be awarded a place on our Early Bird Scholarship, you must fulfil all of the below eligibility criteria:
You must also fulfil one or more of the below criteria:
To find out if you’re eligible, you can check your school’s details here.
We know an inclusive culture, alongside a diverse workforce, makes us more innovative and agile. We are keen to create a recruitment process where everyone feels supported to succeed, to ensure that we recruit the top candidates onto our programmes, no matter their background or circumstance. It’s also the right thing to do.
Early Careers UK highlights:
From paper brochures to tote bags, plastic bottles, and travelling across the country, we recognise the impact of recruitment on the environment, and we’re committed to making a greener way of recruiting. The Early Careers UK team are transforming the way in which they recruit, with sustainability in mind.
Early Careers UK highlights: