International law firm, Kennedys, which has an office in Bermuda, has launched a virtual work experience programme that is accessible to aspiring Bermudian lawyers.Mark Chudleigh, managing partner of Kennedys’ Bermuda office, explained that the programme, which is open to students and graduates from a legal or non-legal background. He said: “The programme is ideal for students who are in the early stages of legal study as well as well as for those who are contemplating pursuing a career in law and are looking for a taste of legal life. It has been particularly difficult for Bermudian students to find work experience opportunities this summer due to Covid restrictions. In this new world we are now in, this programme is a fantastic way to facilitate access to everyone and move on from the traditional on-site work experience.”The work experience will involve participants completing a variety of tasks including preparing a witness statement, leaving a voice mail for a client, and undertaking legal research. Kennedys expects that by the end of the programme each student will have gained legal analytical skills, an understanding of legal issues affecting the insurance industry, and have developed critical legal communication, research and drafting skills.Suzanne Liversidge, Kennedys’ global managing partner, added: “I am passionate about the diversity and inclusion agenda and this programme underscores our commitment to drive that forward. We want to make Kennedys accessible to as many people as possible.“This year has presented many challenges and it became apparent early on that one of them would be running our work experience programme. We could have chosen to not run one this year, but we felt it was important to find a way to ensure that we still provided a programme but via an innovative and different way.“Moving from a traditional workplace experience model to an entirely virtual programme provides anyone, anywhere, access to this excellent learning opportunity. “All you need is wi-fi and we will welcome you into Kennedys for the day.”• Registration details for the virtual work experience programme can be found at https://www.kennedyslaw.com/careers-at-kennedys/ early-careers/