The week virtual work experience will be with NatWest Group’s outsourcing, technology and IP (OT&IP) in-house legal team and will allow the students to experience what it is like to work in an in-house legal team for a financial services organisation.

The week will include: a session on what the legal team does and how it helps internal stakeholders; a session with some of the current NatWest Group trainees; an introduction to outsourcing and technology agreements; a one-to-one call with a ‘legal buddy’ to answer any questions; and sessions on design thinking, legal project management and psychological safety.

The opportunity is open to current LLB students who are members of SEMLA.

NatWest Group’s deputy general counsel, Donald MacDonald, said: “We are delighted to support SEMLA in offering these work placements. As a purpose led bank, we champion the potential of people, families and businesses and we are proud to build a great place to work for all of our colleagues. We believe that it is important to take positive action to increase diversity and access to the profession and offering work placements is one meaningful way in which we can create opportunities for BAME students. We hope that the experience they gain will help them to thrive in their future careers.”

Usman Tariq of SEMLA commented: “SEMLA is delighted to collaborate with NatWest Group. This is a great opportunity for two students to gain insight into the work of an in-house legal team but also in a dynamic sector such as OT&IP. Access into the profession is a particular challenge for BAME law students who often do not have existing connections in the profession to open doors for them. Work placements play a crucial role in helping bridge the gap from University to the profession. It is great to see organisations like NatWest Group taking meaningful action to create opportunities for BAME law students and it is hoped that others might follow their lead.”

Interested students should e-mail their application to Mr Tariq (usman.tariq@advocates.org.uk) with the heading “NatWest Work Experience”. The application should consist of your CV and a statement of 200 words or less explaining why you are keen to gain work experience with the OT&IP legal team of NatWest Group.

The deadline for applications is Friday 2 October 2020.