Slaughter and May

Our Excellerators Programme gives an insight into the many different professions at an international law firm, ranging from lawyers to business services, including legal technology, global client development and responsible business.

The virtual programme is a chance for students across the UK to gain an insight into working life at Slaughter and May, as well as essential employability skills through interactive workshops, hands-on tasks and networking sessions.

The programme features four events across the year (May, July and October), giving students a chance to develop their skills and knowledge over time. Students must be available to attend all four events to be considered for the programme. 

In addition, through our partnership with non-profit Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP), eligible Excellerators students will be prioritised for a place on SMBP’s in-person Work Insight & Skills Experience weeks across the UK that take place in July and October.

Programme outline

• 13 May 2025 – one hour induction (4-5pm)
• 29 May 2025 – one day launch event (11am-4pm)
• 28 July 2025 - 31 July 2025 - four days’ work insight (10am-4pm each day)
• 27 October 2025 – one day work insight (10am-4pm)

*The SMBP Work & Skills insight week will take place 14-18 or 21-25 July 2025

What will you gain?

• Get to know the legal sector: interactive sessions with our range of legal and business services staff.
• Skills-based workshops to help you develop key professional skills such as public speaking, networking and decision making.
• Project work in small groups that will help develop your awareness of the business world, teamwork and presentation skills.
• Become part of the Slaughter and May work experience alumni network for ongoing support and signposting to other opportunities.

Application Criteria

• Candidates must:
  - be in one of the following years at school; Year 12 (England and Wales, S5 (Scotland) or Year 13 (Northern Ireland).
  - currently attend and have always attended a state-funded, non-fee-paying school/college.
  - meet one or more of the PRIME Criteria.
• Excellerators is recommended for students that have achieved grades 6-9 at GCSE.
• Applications from students outside of London will be prioritised.

How to apply
Applications for the 2025 Excellerators Programme are now closed. Applications open in March every year.

 

This is our two-year talent development programme for year 12 and 13 students interested in becoming a solicitor. The  programme is run in partnership with diversity specialists Rare and is focused on increasing access to the legal profession for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds that meet the PRIME criteria. Students will receive one to one university application support, mentoring and in-person work insight opportunities.

How many spaces are there?
There will be 20 places each year.

How to apply
Applications for the 2025 programme are now closed. Applications for 2026 will open in September 2025. To find out more and to apply, visit the Rare Lead in to Law page.