top of page
Students Talking Outdoors

Accelerate

Programme

We believe a career in law should be open to everyone.

 

That's why we created Accelerate, a work-experience and support programme for first-year law students in Belfast that may face additional barriers to entering the legal profession.
 

Accelerate offers financial, professional and personal support to those taking their first steps into the legal world.

 

We want to create opportunity where it matters most so there are some additional widening access criteria that participants will need to meet to be eligible.

​

​

​

What does the programme entail?

A one-week paid internship

 

Spend a week in our Belfast office in June, where you’ll experience:

 

  • Hands‑on office life

  • Real client work

  • Skills workshops

  • Opportunities to meet our lawyers and build your network

 

This is your chance to see what a career in law really looks like.

 

Fast-track career opportunities

 

This opportunity could fast‑track you to our Aspire Vacation Scheme, where you’ll get early, hands‑on experience with real client work. Everyone who completes Aspire is assessed for a potential training contract.

 

Accelerate could be your very first step towards securing a training contract.

 

Ongoing support and connections.

 

Throughout your studies, you’ll stay connected with us through:

 

  • Regular check‑ins with colleagues from Foot Anstey McKees

  • Guidance from our Early Careers team

  • Mentoring, insights and encouragement as you navigate your next steps

 

Financial support

 

We know university life can be expensive. Accelerate includes:

 

  • £500 at the start of your second year

  • £500 at the start of your third year

 

There’s no repayment required. This support is here for you - wherever your future leads.​

​

​

​

​

Eligibility criteria

We want to make the biggest difference, where it matters most so this programme aims to support students who research shows may face additional barriers when pursuing a career in the legal profession. To apply, you’ll need to meet one or more widening‑access criteria:

 

  • Be a first-year undergraduate law student and

  • Be eligible for or are currently receiving free school meals (FSM) and/or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) or

  • Be the main carer for a family member or dependant or

  • Have had a permanent residence postcode at the age of fourteen that is classified as being in a "disadvantaged neighbourhood” by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency*. You can check the eligibility of your postcode POP 2026 Postcode Checker or

  • Be a Refugee or an Asylum Seeker or

  • If you are care experienced or currently in the care of a Health and Social Care Trust (e.g. Foster Care, Residential Care, etc.) or

  • Have Traveller, Romani Gypsy or Roma heritage.

 

* If you grew up in the Republic of Ireland, please get in touch with us and we’ll check your eligibility via postcode individually.​

​

​

 

1. Online application (Monday 2 March – Monday 6 April)
Submit a short application telling us more about you, your background and your motivation for studying law.

​

2. In-person conversation with our Recruitment team (mid-April)
Shortlisted candidates will take part in a 30‑minute, in‑person conversation with a member of our Recruitment team in Belfast. The session will be warm and supportive, but it is also an opportunity for us to assess your motivations, strengths, and suitability for the programme.

​

​​​

 

How to apply

Frequently asked questions?

 
What if I don’t meet any of the eligibility criteria?

 

Accelerate is designed to improve access for those who need it most, which is why we have set specific eligibility requirements.


If you’d like to explore other opportunities at Foot Anstey McKees, please visit our early careers pages or contact the team at Early.Careers@footanstey.com.

 

When will the bursary be paid?

​

You will receive £500 at the start of your second year, and £500 at the start of your third year.

 

Will I have to repay the bursary if I don’t join the firm?

 

No. Accelerate is here to support your journey, whatever direction you take. We hope your experience with us inspires you to consider a future at Foot Anstey McKees, but there is no requirement to join the firm.

 

Can I secure a training contract with the firm from this scheme?

 

Not directly from this programme. It’s designed to help you develop and prepare for your next steps. But it can fast‑track you into our Aspire Vacation Scheme, where you’ll gain real client experience and be assessed for the chance to secure a training contract.​

bottom of page