SEMLA is delighted that two students have commenced work placements today as part of a new collaboration between SEMLA and NatWest Group. Two students are undertaking a week of virtual work experience with NatWest Group’s Outsourcing, Technology and IP (OT&IP) in-house legal team. The week is designed to allow the students to get a feel for what it is like to work in an in-house legal team for a financial services organisation and in the technology space.
Donald Macdonald, Deputy General Counsel commented: “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.”