The region’s largest annual volunteering initiative for the legal sector grew for the third year running as professionals from the City’s law firms took part in a unique CSR activity that invited the world of work into some of the city’s most deprived communities’ schools.
A range of professionals, from lawyers to IT managers, got involved in sessions that embraced the ‘World of Work’ with focused workshops that challenged the children to consider their future careers and how they can work to achieve their dream, while gaining first hand accounts of working in a variety of roles within a law firm.
The ‘Dream Tree’ was one of the activities that encouraged the children to identify their ideal job and, with the help of the volunteers, demonstrated how the skills they are learning at school can transfer into the workplace.
All activities were developed to empower young people to consider and develop their future career ambitions, and kick-start the passion to work towards their ideal job.
Alan M. Baker, chairman of Leeds Legal, said: “This year’s Education & Enterprise Week has been a great success. We have attracted more law firms and participating volunteers, which in turn allowed us to inspire more children. We were also delighted to welcome George Mudie MP to the event, to demonstrate the positive impact that this initiative has on all parties involved - from the school and children to the volunteers and represented law firms.
“Every year is different; the nature of the activities allows the children to drive the tasks and the creativity and imagination that they show is always outstanding. Acting as positive role models, the volunteers also gain a lot from the week. It’s a great way for law firms to get involved and really give something back to the local community.”
Stephanie Burras, chief executive of Leeds Ahead, which partnered Leeds Legal in organising the project said: “Leeds Legal Education and Enterprise Week provides an interactive, engaging initiative which allows the children, teachers and volunteers to have fun while empowering children from some of the most deprived areas of Leeds.
“This year the event contributed significantly to a specially commissioned piece of work that we have covering the Seacroft and Manston cluster, supporting both primary and secondary schools over an 18 month period.”
