ADVANCE
Arthur Cox ADVANCE is an award-winning programme designed to mentor university students from minority racial or ethnic groups who are interested in a career in law. Arthur Cox recognises that the legal profession can be less accessible for students from minority race and ethnicity backgrounds. ADVANCE aims to make a legal career more transparent, provide learning opportunities for minority candidates and improve access to a legal career.
What will I gain from the programme?
- Mentorship on your career and professional ambitions from a lawyer in one of Ireland’s leading law firms.
- Knowledge of a career in law and at Arthur Cox.
- Networking with our partners, associates and trainees and with other participants on the programme.
- Skills and resources geared towards maximising your success in the early stages of your career.
- Insight from our speakers and contributors.
- Contribute to Arthur Cox’s advances in equality, diversity and inclusion.
Selected applicants will take part in a three-stage programme:
- EMBRACE Panel Event and Networking on 15 October 2025: Hear from diverse voices in law and expand your professional circle.
- Mentorship Orientation on 20 November 2025: Meet your mentor and fellow participants at our Dublin office. The day will feature introductory talks and interactive workshops to prepare you for the mentorship journey.
- Mentoring (November 2025 – April 2026): Monthly catch-ups with your mentor, either in person or virtually, focused on developing the knowledge and skills introduced during orientation.
- ADVANCE Alumni Event on 5 February 2026: Join mentors and mentees from all programme iterations for a gala evening of networking and panel discussions at Arthur Cox.
- ADVANCE Forum on 7 April 2026: Return to Arthur Cox to share feedback and insights with firm leaders and help shape the future of the programme.
Who should apply?
Second and third year students in Irish universities and technological universities who come from a racial or ethnic minority background and who have a curiosity or interest in pursuing a career in law.
What is the application process?
You will need to register your interest here on our application form. The deadline for applications is 6pm, Thursday, 9 October 2025. There is no interview stage or CV requirement – only the form to be filled out. Participants will be selected based on interest but please note the number of slots we have are limited.
Will my expenses be covered?
For aspects of the programme hosted in our office in Dublin, we will cover rail or bus travel in Ireland and your lunch.
Is this connected to the Arthur Cox trainee and intern programmes?
This is separate and distinct from our graduate recruitment, but you may also be interested in applying for these programmes.
What is the ADVANCE Forum?
At the conclusion of the mentoring stage of the programme, you will be invited back to Arthur Cox for the ADVANCE Forum. The ADVANCE Forum will include an inclusive conversation where Arthur Cox leaders engage with participants with the aim of identifying challenges faced by minority groups in accessing a career in law and opportunities for improvement in Arthur Cox and the legal profession as a whole.