EMpower Programme 2025

As part of our wider commitment to increasing the representation of Black heritage and ethnic minority individuals in the legal sector, in spring 2022, we launched our programme, EMpower. The programme provides a unique opportunity for students to gain invaluable insight into the firm, develop skills relevant for a career in law and build relationships with lawyers which will continue once the programme has finished through our mentoring programme. It has been tremendously successful, resulting in many vacation scheme placements and training contract offers with the firm.

Aimed at those from a Black heritage or ethnic minority backgrounds who do not feel ready to participate in a vacation scheme, and would appreciate further insight and experience in advance.  

The 4-day programme includes;

• Divisional/practice area talks

• Commercial awareness insights

• Work shadowing

• Panel sessions and networking opportunities with employees at all levels from trainees through to our CEO

• Skills sessions including: how to network and our bespoke mock trial

• Careers advice such as navigating routes to qualification, preparing for applications and assessment centres

• On the final day of the programme, you will participate in our vacation scheme assessment centre where the best candidates will have the opportunity to secure the first places on our vacation scheme for the following year

• A PMC mentor who will continue to give you guidance and support once the programme has ended for 12 months, with the option for continued informal mentoring afterwards

This year’s programme will run from the 14 - 17 April 2025 in our London office and you must be available on all of these dates to attend. This programme is paid, intended to cover costs you may incur during the programme, including travel. Lunch will be provided throughout the week, either on the day or allocated vouchers to redeem.

Please ensure you have applied for the EMpower programme by 14th February 2025. 

• From a Black heritage or ethnic minority background

• Law undergraduate, penultimate year or final year non-law undergraduate or up to two-year post-graduate 

• No minimum A-level grade requirements  

• Have, or be on track for a 2:1 degree in any degree discipline

• Committed to a career in law

• Be a great team player

• Exceptional communication skills

We understand that extenuating circumstances can occur during studies and therefore if you do not meet these criteria and feel that your grades are not a true indicator of your abilities, please include some context within your application and this will be considered.

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to apply and be considered for any role, and our recruitment process is accessible to all candidates. If you would like to request an adjustment (including requests for alternative formats) to our process, please contact the early careers team at TraineePost@penningtonslaw.com