In keeping with the Society’s desire to be inclusive and encourage entry to the profession from all backgrounds, students from all schools and colleges across Merseyside were invited to attend the annual event, held for the fourth time, on 6 February 2019. The President of Liverpool Law Society, Chris Topping, welcomed over 140 pupils and teachers from 15 schools to the Liverpool city centre Marriott Hotel.
A panel of speakers from key institutions across the city outlined the various entry routes into the Law – from the traditional university route to the modern apprenticeship route, and other options in between. Dr Thomas Horsley said during the afternoon that “the law is open to everyone”, a message that came over very clearly by all account from the feedback given by the students.
The thanks of the Society are given to Slater and Gordon who not only sponsored the event but also provided an apprentice speaker to talk about their day-to-day working life. Thanks also go to the other speakers and organisations supporting the event: CILEx, Hill Dickinson, Liverpool John Moores University, Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division, University of Law, the University of Liverpool and Weightmans. Directors of Liverpool Law Society were also present during the refreshment break and it was pleasing to see all stands very busy during the break, with representatives speaking to the students and answering their questions.
The feedback received from the students who attended the event was invariably highly positive. A few of the comments received appear below:
- “I now know I want to do law” Ellie McKenzie, student, Greenbank High School
- “Informative, interesting, engaging, enjoyable” Joshua Collins, Merchant Taylors Boys School
- “I am now considering a conversion into law due to learning about the opportunities available” Mollie Wrangles, Rainford Sixth Form
- The event “highlighted how to become a barrister and what I can do now eg mini-pupilage” Brendan Russell, student, Liverpool College
- “Extremely informative… eye opening experience, full of useful facts and figures, massive variety of routes explained” student, St Anselm’s College
- the event “…gave me extensive information about routes to the legal profession. The speakers all gave detailed information about their jobs and how they got there. The exhibition stands were very accommodating with questions. Very interesting afternoon.” student, Liverpool College
- “I really liked the venue and the speakers were very friendly. I was able to learn more about cyber law; which I am very interested in” Jessica Loftus, student, Rainford College
- “I know more about non-law degree (routes)…interacting with actual professionals in the field of law was very valuable” student, Archbishop Blanch C of E School
- “I am now aware of the possible law opportunities post A-Level. I haven’t heard of most of the information I received today, prior to the event” Imogen Calderbank, Rainford Sixth Form
We are looking forward to next year’s event already.
Education & Charities Committee
Liverpool Law Society