Diversity Summer Scheme 2026: Empowering Future Government Lawyers through Inclusive Opportunities

Over 500 aspiring legal professionals from across the United Kingdom participated in this year’s Government Legal Profession Diversity Summer Scheme, gaining invaluable practical experience and the opportunity to expand their professional networks while exploring careers in public service law.

The scheme, which took place last month both online and in various cities including Bristol, Leeds, London, and Manchester, aimed to provide students from underrepresented backgrounds with a genuine insight into the life of a government lawyer, allowing them to envision a future in this vital sector.

Insights into Government Legal Work

Government lawyers tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the nation, addressing areas such as national security, public health, and significant infrastructure projects. Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on activities, including advocacy exercises, a simulated trade negotiation, and discussions with senior legal professionals. Additionally, students shadowed ongoing legal work and participated in networking sessions, enhancing their understanding of the profession while beginning to forge crucial professional connections.

One of the week’s standout activities was a moot court exercise, where students represented opposing sides in a fictional legal case. Working in teams, they examined evidence, constructed arguments, and presented their cases in just five minutes. This experience allowed them to develop essential advocacy and analytical skills that are vital to the daily work of government lawyers. Many participants noted that this was their first encounter with formal advocacy, and it emerged as a highlight of the week.

Encouraging Diverse Pathways into Law

Caroline Croft, Director General of Employment within the Social Policy Group, shared her own journey, which began as a junior civil servant before she retrained as a lawyer, initially practising at the criminal bar. She emphasized that there is no single pathway into a legal career.

“Government law impacts nearly every aspect of public life, making it essential that those engaged in this work mirror the society we serve,” Caroline stated. “We run this scheme because talent is ubiquitous, but opportunity is not always evenly distributed, and it is our responsibility to bridge that gap.”

She added that each year, she encounters students uncertain about their prospects in law, who leave the week with newfound optimism regarding their potential career paths.

Engagement with Senior Legal Professionals

Students also had the chance to hear from Mel Nebhrajani CB, Director General for Litigation within the Justice and Security Group, who discussed advising Ministers during pivotal national events, such as Brexit. Additionally, various other prominent figures from the Government Legal Profession shared their insights throughout the week.

Later, a group of students engaged directly with Douglas Wilson KC (Hon), the Government Legal Department’s Permanent Secretary and Treasury Solicitor, to ask questions about public service, career choices, and the motivations behind a career dedicated to making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. A recurring theme from this discussion highlighted the existence of talent within every community, irrespective of social or economic status.

Participant Reflections

Gift Beneditha Tsenzughui, a participant in this year’s scheme, remarked, “The programme is incredibly rich in terms of the knowledge and experiences shared. It provided a fantastic platform for me to learn how individuals transitioned through their careers across various sectors, and how different lawyers operate in diverse departments. It has been an amazing experience, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Maciej Kostusiak, who took part in the 2025 Diversity Summer Scheme and is now a paralegal at the Government Legal Department, echoed similar sentiments: “The Diversity Summer Scheme arrived at a pivotal moment in my career. I was in the midst of my law conversion course and focused on a future in law, but the scheme offered me a real understanding of what a legal career entails in practice. Engaging with professionals, hearing their stories, and witnessing the array of opportunities available helped bolster my confidence and ambition. Shortly thereafter, I joined GLD as a paralegal while continuing my studies.”

The scheme is conducted in collaboration with several organisations, including The Law Society, The Sutton Trust, the Society of Asian Lawyers, Black Lawyers Circle, The Social Mobility Foundation, and Aspiring Solicitors, all of which are committed to supporting students aiming to start their legal careers through mentoring and work experience.

Further details regarding the 2027 scheme will be announced in due course for those interested in applying.