Following a competitive tender process, PRIME, an alliance of law firms across the UK and Republic of Ireland, dedicated to improving access to, and socioeconomic diversity within, the legal profession, has commissioned EVERFI from Blackbaud, a technology company helping organisations create social impact through education programmes, to deliver a series of virtual insight sessions for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds across the UK.
This follows a successful programme that took place during the pandemic, where 14 of PRIME’s member firms delivered 25 sessions reaching more than 460 students.
PRIME’s member firms will be delivering the sessions, with support from EVERFI. The sessions will be delivered to students in Years 9-10, and S2 – S3 in Scotland and Years 3-4 in Northern Ireland, residing in some of the UK’s social mobility ‘cold spots’, where a lack of opportunities and awareness of certain sectors, together with very little support, can prevent young people from pursuing viable career options. This demonstrates the continued collaboration between PRIME member firms, all of which have a shared mission of improving access into the legal profession.
The sessions will introduce students to the prospect of a career in law and the variety of roles available to them. Leading representatives from a wide array of law firms will be participating in the workshops, sharing their personal experiences, demystifying the routes into the sector, and answering any questions.
Jo Barlow, Director of Sales and Business Development at EVERFI, said “EVERFI is delighted to be working with PRIME to consult on their already successful series of career-orientated workshops with students aged 13-15 across the UK. It’s imperative that young people are exposed to the various career paths available during the final years of mandatory education to inspire and excite them for a positive future. It’s great to see PRIME actively supporting young people’s awareness of future careers in law.’’
Molly Lewis, PRIME Board member leading on student projects, stated “We are delighted that PRIME will be working with EVERFI on the extension of this vital initiative. It is imperative that young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are given the opportunity to learn about a wide range of career options if they are to believe that the legal profession is a viable choice for them. By targeting schools in the most disadvantaged social mobility cold spots across the UK we will reach students who often miss out on such opportunities.”
