About Articles
Articles is Rare's multi-award-winning development programme for candidates applying for vacation schemes and training contracts with our legal clients.

52% of the candidates on our 2021-2022 programme received at least one training contract offer from one of the 13 participating Articles firms.

If you're serious about your career, and prepared to put in the necessary work, then this programme is for you.

Why take part?
Competition for vacation scheme places and training contracts is fierce. The application and interview process are rigorous. Top law firms use a range of assessments including online tests, case studies and commercial awareness interviews to help them decide who to hire.

With your hard work, and the support that Articles provides, you will give yourself the best possible chance of securing a vacation scheme and, ultimately, a training contract.
 
What does it involve?
During the programme, participants benefit from:

  • Five one-to-one coaching sessions with our expert coaches who include: former Managing Partner at Travers Smith and current Head of Employment Law at Deloitte, Andrew Lilley, former commercial litigator at Clyde & Co and founder and CEO of an insurtech startup, Steven Gilberg, former Head of Employment at Travers Smith, Dorothy Henderson, former partner at Hogan Lovells, Cary Kochberg, former lawyer and Global Head of Training, Banking at Allen & Overy (now known as A&O Shearman), Rita Dev, former Corporate partner at Allen & Overy (now known as A&O Shearman), Ian Stanley and former Real Estate partner at Allen & Overy (now known as A&O Shearman), Imogen Moss. These sessions will include topical and challenging discussions, case study practice and general preparation for interviews.
  • In-person group sessions with 11 participating law firms including A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells, Latham & Watkins, Linklaters, Macfarlanes, Slaughter and May, Travers Smith and White & Case. Partners, associates, trainees and members of graduate recruitment teams participate in these sessions, providing candidates with exceptional networking and learning opportunities. These sessions also allow candidates to share ideas and to learn from one another.
  • Support with applications and interviews with these firms.


AM I ELIGIBLE?
Articles is open to Black African and Black Caribbean students and students of mixed race with Black African and Black Caribbean heritage in their first year of a three-year course or second year of a four-year course. You must be a Rare candidate to apply.

The programme is very competitive. You will need ABB or equivalent at A-Level, or at least 38 IB points. We will take into account contextual information and mitigating circumstances, including the impact of COVID-19 on your examinations.


How do I apply?
Candidates can apply online from 22 January 2024.

Selected applicants will then complete an interview in February or March 2024 to secure a place on the programme.

 


 
A&O Shearman
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Latham & Watkins
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White and Case