Law firm’s vacation scheme sparks new career

A Birmingham law firm has recruited a paralegal to its corporate team, after being impressed during a summer work experience placement.

Nida Ahmad (pictured) has joined Clarke Willmott’s Birmingham corporate team following the firm’s largest Summer Vacation Scheme to date, which saw 22 placements offered to emerging legal talent across five of its seven regional offices.

Working closely with associate Aidan Clucas and partner Kim Klahn, Nida spent five days with Clarke Willmott and had the opportunity to access real work and clients as well as attending networking events and development sessions.

Both personal and professional skills were developed and the week ended with a mock assessment centre.

Nida said: "The Vacation Scheme at Clarke Willmott was a crucial opportunity for me to gain insight into the typical tasks of a paralegal in the Corporate Department.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the work I was assigned, while also being highly engaged with the practical aspects of the role, such as team communication and maintaining client relationships.

“Most importantly, the welcoming and supportive office environment played a key role in my decision to join as a permanent paralegal.

“Everyone I interacted with was eager to offer advice and was genuinely friendly, making it a place I can see myself building a long-term career."

The scheme has made huge steps forward since returning in 2023 after a pause, with a 308 per cent increase in applications and over 65 interviews held.

With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, an anonymised shortlisting process and inclusive recruitment practices were used as part of the firm’s ED&I commitments.

Aidan Clucas, associate in the Birmingham corporate team, said: “Nida thoroughly impressed us during her placement on our vacation scheme. In just five short days, we really saw her potential shine through and we are delighted to now have her on the team.

“Nida showed great promise in terms of her ability to work with both clients and other members of the team and her willingness to learn was great to see.

“Schemes like this are incredibly important to give the next generation the chance to work within real environments and experience real legal work.

“The Clarke Willmott Summer Vacation Scheme is fantastic and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

Nida’s is not the first job offer to be given following a placement on the work experience scheme.

In 2023 Georgia Watson worked with Clarke Willmott’s Southampton office in the corporate and commercial team and has now joined as a paralegal.

Clarke Willmott’s 2025 Summer Vacation Scheme is taking place from 7-11 July.

Open to anyone over 18, successful applicants will gain paid-for experience in a specialist legal team with placements available in the Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton offices.

Applications are open and close on 5 April. Click here to apply.