We know how privileged we are to work for a successful global law firm. We know too that for many young people such an aspiration is inconceivable. Our Learn for Work programme addresses this challenge and currently inspires over 10,000 young people in 18 countries every year.
Activities include debating, interview experience and advocacy training as well as work experience, careers events and enterprise projects. All aim to raise the skills, aspirations and experience of those nearest to our offices but who are, in may ways, also the furthest away.
In London, we continue our award-winning work with young people in Hackney. This includes a debating challenge across the borough at primary level as well as citizenship and leadership training at Clapton Girl’s Technology College at secondary. Working with six different charity partners, we are building a programme that offers something for all, including roles in a support function, a business team or as a lawyer. Our people provide a friendly face and we use their personal stories to underline the young people’s own potential.
An important dimension of our support is through our work experience. In keeping with our focus on the quality of our community investment, this programme offers participants the opportunity to spend time understanding the working of a corporate law firm, the realities of working life and – through visits to other organisations – a wider appreciation of careers in the City. As well as direct placements through our schools, we work with Pathways to Law and Social Mobility Foundation to identify students who would be the first in their families to attend university and for whom such opportunities would otherwise be hard to find.
