Dentons Social Mobility Programme is a four-day programme designed to support students from less advantaged backgrounds who are interested in exploring a career in commercial law.

We aim to provide meaningful exposure to commercial law and give participants a clearer understanding of what commercial lawyers do, how law firms operate and the routes into a career in commercial law.

Dentons recognises that gaining insight and experience into a career in commercial law can be challenging for many students. Access to information about the profession, opportunities to meet legal professionals and chances to develop relevant skills are not always equally available to everyone.

During the programme, students will take part in interactive workshops, practical skills sessions, networking, and have the opportunity to meet lawyers, solicitor apprentices, and trainees.

Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from Dentons clients, who will share their perspectives on working with commercial lawyers and the role legal advice plays within their organisations. Hearing directly from clients will help students gain a multi-faceted understanding of the legal profession, offering insight not only into the work lawyers do within commercial law firms, but also the varied and important work conducted by in-house legal teams who work specifically within organisations.

All of this will take place in a professional setting geared towards building confidence, broadening awareness of the legal profession and aiding students with recognising the opportunities available to them over the coming years.

Start your journey into commercial law. Apply for Dentons Social Mobility Programme and explore where your potential could lead.

Dentons’ London Office: Monday 27 July – Thursday 30 July

Travel Reimbursement: We are able to offer confirmed participants a travel reimbursement of up to £50 to support their attendance during the programme

Commercial law is the area of law that supports how businesses buy, sell, trade and work with each other. Commercial lawyers help companies and organisations such as governments and charities make deals safely by reviewing contracts, providing legal advice, managing risks and ensuring that businesses follow the rules in the UK and other countries involved.

At a global law firm like Dentons, commercial lawyers also help clients solve problems that arise when organisations operate across borders, such as disputes, delays or changes in the law. The firm’s client portfolio is varied, across a very wide range of sectors spanning retail, banking, media, energy, construction, and much more.

Commercial law is different from other areas of law that focus on individuals rather than businesses. For example, it does not usually involve areas such as criminal law (which deals with crimes), family law (such as divorce or child arrangements) or personal injury law (which deals with compensation for injuries). Instead, commercial law focuses on legal issues affecting businesses and organisations.

To apply, students must:

• Students must attend (and have always attended) a UK state-funded, non fee-paying school or college
• Be in Year 13 at the time of applying
• Have an interest in a career in commercial law

We are particularly looking for students who also meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9–6 (or A–B), including English and Maths
• Would be the first generation in their family to attend university
• Have been in receipt of Free School Meals whilst at secondary school
• Have been looked after or in care

If you are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care, you only need to meet the year of study, school type and interest in commercial law requirements.

The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to be offered a place, however not meeting all of the criteria will not automatically disqualify you.

Students will be asked to complete a short online application form, including questions about their motivation for applying and developing the key skills offered through the programme.

Application Window: Thursday 26^th March – Friday 10^th April

Application tip:
Focus on explaining why you are interested in commercial law and what you hope to learn from the programme. Use examples from school, extracurricular activities, part-time work or personal experiences to demonstrate skills such as teamwork, communication, curiosity or problem solving. We are interested in your potential and enthusiasm.

Using AI: We understand that applicants may use AI tools to support their applications and researching the Dentons. Where this is the case, please ensure that all information submitted is personalised, accurate, and genuinely reflective of your own experiences.

Throughout the programme, we aim to help participants develop key skills that are important for success in commercial law and other professional careers. Through workshops, group activities and interactive sessions, students will build confidence in the following areas:

Communication
The ability to express ideas clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing. Commercial lawyers regularly communicate complex information to clients, colleagues and other stakeholders, so being able to explain ideas clearly and ask thoughtful questions is an essential skill.

Creativity & Problem Solving
Commercial lawyers are often asked to help clients navigate complex challenges. This requires the ability to analyse information, think critically and develop practical solutions. Creative thinking helps lawyers approach problems from different perspectives and identify effective outcomes for their clients.

Teamwork & Initiative
Legal work is often collaborative, with lawyers working in teams across different practice areas and offices. Being able to work well with others, contribute ideas and take initiative when needed are valuable qualities in a fast-paced professional environment.

Employability
Employability skills include professionalism, confidence, organisation and the ability to adapt in the workplace. Developing these skills helps students prepare for future opportunities such as university, internships and careers in law and other professional sectors.

By developing these competencies, participants will gain practical skills and confidence that will support their future studies and potential careers in commercial law.