Law firms help raise horizons

LAW firms across Leeds are helping to raise the aspirations of children in the city through a week of events.

More than 170 volunteers from 17 firms have signed up to take part in Leeds Legal Education and Enterprise Week.

They will be visiting 11 schools and talking to pupils about working life and how the skills learned at school will benefit them in the workplace.

Rosemary Edwards, director of Leeds Legal and partner at Shulmans, said: “Education and Enterprise Week is now in its fifth year and it remains a great way for businesses to give back to the community.
 
“It is fantastic to be a part of a project which helps position young people strongly to be employable in the future and the support from the law firms has been phenomenal this year.
 
“Legal firms really add value because of the range of different jobs that exist within an organisation, from the office manager to finance and marketing; it’s not just about lawyers. In this way, pupils learn about the widest possible choices of jobs and careers available.”

Leeds Legal Education and Enterprise Week is organised with Leeds Ahead, which works with the public and private sectors to encourage social and economic regeneration in the city.
 
Stephanie Burras, chief executive of Leeds Ahead, added: “Once again, we’re delighted to be playing the pivotal role. With the continued support of key law firms in Leeds, we know we can drive up the aspirations and ambitions of young people.

“Leeds Legal Education and Enterprise Week is an ideal opportunity to encourage primary school pupils from some of the most deprived areas to aim high as they continue their education.”

The participating organisations are: DWF, Pinsent Masons, Shulmans, Eversheds, DLA Piper, Clarion, Lupton Fawcett, Irwin Mitchell, Mills and Reeve, Addleshaw Goddard, Levi, Blacks, Heslop and Platt, Pace, Gordons, Stuarts and Leeds City Council.