What is AS Elevate?

AS Elevate is a 3-day virtual programme designed for Black and mixed Black heritage Aspiring Solicitors Members. Over three days, you’ll develop your confidence, commercial awareness, and personal branding, giving you a strong foundation ahead of applying for training contracts or vacation schemes.

This is the seventh consecutive year of this hugely successful programme and we strongly encourage you to apply if you are considering applying for training contracts and vacation schemes next academic year, as this is a great springboard!

Why join?

AS Elevate doesn’t just teach you skills; it gives you confidence, connections, and insider knowledge to set you apart as you take the next step in your legal career. Over the three days of workshops, you’ll:

  • Develop confidence: Practice interacting with law firms in a safe, supportive environment, so you’re ready to shine during vacation schemes and training contract assessments.
  • Gain practical skills: Build commercial awareness, personal branding, professional communication, and application techniques that law firms are actively looking for.
  • Expand your network: Connect with law firm representatives and fellow Black and mixed Black heritage aspiring solicitors
  • Stand out in applications: The knowledge, experience, and insights you gain will give your CV, applications, and interviews a competitive edge.
  • Be inspired: Learn directly from trainees who share your background, hear their journeys, and see firsthand how to succeed in the legal profession.

Who is it for?

To be eligible for this programme you must:

  • Be an Aspiring Solicitors member and be of Black or mixed Black heritage;
  • Be either a current first year law student (finishing your first year in summer 2026) or penultimate year non-law undergraduate student (as above) who will be eligible to apply for training contracts or vacation schemes in Autumn 2026;
  • Have secured ABB at A-Level and be on track to receive a 2:1 in your degree (taking into account mitigating circumstances if you have them and do not meet the grade requirements);
  • Have a strong interest in becoming a commercial lawyer; and
  • Not have accepted a training contract with any law firm or legal team.

When is it happening?

Dates:  9 to 11 June 2026 (inclusive). 

Format: Fully virtual via Zoom webinars, with interactive workshops and Q&A sessions led by law firms and corporate organisations.

What does the programme cover?

The workshops will focus on topics such as:

  • Law firm etiquette 
  • Personal brand and communication skills
  • Commercial awareness 
  • Effective business writing and drafting
  • Perfecting your law firm applications 

Important: In order to get the most out of this opportunity, please only sign up if you are in the position to be an active participant who is able to communicate effectively with our law firm sponsors throughout the entirety of the three-day programme. 

Sign up deadline

The deadline to apply is 30 April 2026 at 5pm.

The Elevate programme has significantly boosted my confidence. I’ve become much more comfortable engaging with legal professionals and articulating my thoughts in a commercial context.
Elevate Mentee 2025
Elevate has been the most impactful law experience I have participated in so far. I consider myself quite a shy person. However, Elevate has been a safe space in which I have been able to contribute meaningfully and engage with the sessions while feeling good and appreciated. It has reminded me of my true potential.
Elevate Mentee 2025
The diversity represented by the speakers has been truly inspiring. Seeing people like myself being successful in their legal career to date has reminded me that I’m not alone in this process and that my goals in the legal field are achievable.
Elevate Mentee 2025
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