SDT Pathways Programme – Student Placement Scheme
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal is offering a two-week shadowing placement for undergraduate students. The placement runs in person at the Tribunal offices across the weeks of 20 July and 27 July 2026. Details of the application process and deadline are detailed below.
Reasonable travel and lunch expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Tribunal’s Expenses Policy.
About the Placement
Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the SDT’s work and our role within the legal regulatory framework. During the placement you will:
- Meet the SDT’s administrative team and learn about the individual roles and responsibilities that support the Tribunal’s work.
- Observe tribunal hearings and retiring-room discussions between panel members and the Tribunal Clerk/Legal Adviser.
- Attend a workshop on the Clerk/Legal Adviser roles, judgment drafting and the processes involved, including a Q&A session.
- Observe post-hearing discussions with the Clerk/Legal Adviser and panel members, where you can ask questions and discuss the proceedings.
- Complete a mini project or reflection piece during the placement.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to:
- Law undergraduates
- Students on a law conversion course
- Undergraduates in a closely related field.
All applicants should be on track to achieve a 2:1 or above.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or placement process, please contact us at recruitment@solicitorsdt.com.
How to apply
Send a CV and covering letter to recruitment@solicitorsdt.com. Your covering letter should (comprising a maximum of 2 sides of A4):
- Demonstrate the specific reason why you are interested in Regulatory/Ethics and Disciplinary Tribunal work;
- What you would hope to gain from the placement;
- Provide an example of something in your life where you have had to make an ethical decision and the reasoning for acting as you did.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application during the week commencing 15 June 2026.
Application Deadline: 5 June 2026
Eligibility
This is a shadowing opportunity intended to promote understanding of the work of the Tribunal. Participants must be eligible to undertake a work shadowing placement in the UK. International students should ensure that their visa permits participation in this type of opportunity.
Privacy and Data
For information regarding the processing of data, please refer to the Applicant’s Privacy Notice, which can be found here.