Perkins Coie rolls out AI-powered vacation scheme to widen access to Big Law

Perkins Coie has launched a virtual vacation scheme aimed at helping students from low-opportunity backgrounds break into the legal profession, as the firm continues to rethink traditional routes into Big Law.

The 45-hour programme, developed in partnership with social mobility platform Zero Gravity, uses AI simulations to replicate the experience of an in-person scheme and prepare candidates for training contract recruitment.

Participants work through exercises based on real Perkins Coie matters, including email tasks, voice simulations and assessment centre-style scenarios, with instant feedback built into the platform.

The new scheme will not directly lead to training contract offers, with the firm continuing to run its in-person schemes each summer and recruit from its Legal Business Analyst (LBA) programme - an alternative training route launched alongside the US firm’s London office launch in 2024.

Under the model, graduates join as LBAs and complete qualifying work experience before progressing to a combined phase of SQE study and continued work as trainee solicitors, earning a salary throughout.

The virtual scheme draws on elements of LBA training, with Perkins telling Non-Billable it will take into account candidates’ engagement with the programme as part of its broader assessment of interest in the firm.

Closing the opportunity gap

The virtual scheme is being led by London managing partner Ian Bagshaw - who has served as chair of Zero Gravity - alongside the firm’s LBA team and LSE law student Oliver Lipscombe.

It is open exclusively to members of Zero Gravity, a network supporting students from low-opportunity backgrounds.

Candidates will also have access to a dedicated community space, where they can engage with Perkins lawyers and practise assessment centre exercises using AI tools.

Announcing the launch on LinkedIn, Bagshaw said talented candidates often struggle not because of ability, but because of limited access to networks and insight into the recruitment process.

He also pointed to the limitations of existing virtual programmes, which are typically unassessed and “demonstrate interest rather than capability”.

The move fits into a broader push by Perkins Coie to take a more technology-led approach to training and recruitment. The firm has already introduced AI-powered simulations to help junior lawyers practise workplace scenarios, including conversations with partners and senior colleagues.

Lipscombe, who helped develop the scheme after completing a vacation placement at the firm, said the idea was to use AI simulations to help “even the playing field” for aspiring lawyers.