A new initiative for autumn 2020 will introduce a series of digital workshops across the UK for ‘overlooked talent’, that is, students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This follows a successful pilot last year, involving member firms Brodies, DWF, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Pinsent Masons, along with support from Thorntons.
Now 23 different law firms, all sharing the mission of improving access into the legal profession and demystifying the routes into the sector, have signed up to host 25 two-hour workshops. The events will help introduce students to the variety of roles available to them. Sessions will be delivered to students in Years 9-11, and S2 - S3 in Scotland, living in some of the UK’s social mobility ‘cold spots’, where a lack of support, opportunities and awareness can prevent young people from pursuing career options in the legal profession.
Will Akerman, Founder and MD at MyKindaFuture, explained, “There is so much talent that comes from disadvantaged backgrounds that can only be reached via a targeted approach. We believe that engagement with companies is essential for students to develop their practical and employability skills, and the workshops will facilitate this. Our work will also help businesses to connect with a more diverse talent pool at the earliest stage possible, whilst providing students with all the tools they need to kick start an educational journey via work experience, internships and ultimately, careers.”
Nicholas Cheffings, PRIME Chair added, “Now, more than ever, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds need the opportunity to hear about career options and begin to believe that law is a viable one for them. It is so important that we reach students in these cold spot areas where we, as a profession, are simply not getting enough traction”.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
