Kings Chambers have launched a new legal work experience initiative to provide opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The “Creating Connections” programme, a collaboration with RECLAIM, a youth leadership and social change charity, provides eight students the chance to enhance their skills and future opportunities by engaging with local law firms and businesses on a placement scheme. Six organisations have signed up to the pilot scheme alongside Kings Chambers to offer placements, including the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, Brabners Solicitors, Potter Rees Dolan Solicitors, Allied London and Search Recruitment.
Kings Chambers, together with their Creating Connections partners are delighted to have hosted the students in our Manchester chambers for a 3 day programme of placements, training, presentations, workshops and networking. In addition to the programme, the students will each receive a £100 contribution towards the cost of purchasing suitable clothing for their roles.
We would like to thank our business partners and in particular the speakers who have given their time to participate in the 3 day programme including Katie Cosgrave, Alumni Lead at RECLAIM, Catherine Brown, a former barrister at Kings Chambers and Professional Coach/Trainer at Skilful Conversation Ltd, Lauren Bramley from the Manchester University School of Law, Lucy McCormick, Marketing Manager at HURST Accountants and Sally Penni, a barrister and founder of Women in the Law.
Nigel Poole QC, Head of Kings Chambers, commented: “Kings Chambers wanted to give students who might not otherwise have the opportunity, the chance to experience work as a barrister and in other professions, and to make contacts which might open doors for them in the future. We found out about RECLAIM, a brilliant charity supporting working class school students, and we joined forces to start Creating Connections. The students have spent three days with us and business partners, culminating in a networking lunch. They have adapted superbly to the challenges set for them. We are so grateful for the financial support from Search Recruitment and Potter Rees Dolan Solicitors, as well as the time and effort given to the project by all the business partners. It has been a pleasure to work with RECLAIM and the students who are alumni of their programmes. We hope to scale the project up next year so that more students can benefit.”
For more information about RECLAIM and the work they do please visit https://www.reclaim.org.uk/
