13 Xaverian students recently joined a group of 29 students from across the region to form the Addleshaw Goddard Student Law Society, which is a programme set-up to give students the opportunity to see first-hand the various functions inside a large law firm. The initiative was set up to encourage Year 12 students to immerse themselves into the world of law and gain an insight into what it means to work in a career in law.
The programme took place over four months where students participated in ‘touchpoints’ to meet law practitioners and find out the journeys they took to get to where they are, develop key employability skills, including communication, teamwork, time management, public speaking and project planning, and pitch ideas for social media campaigns and interactive apps to a panel of senior colleagues and clients from the company. The company also organised a trip to Manchester Magistrates Court for the students to see first-hand the dynamism and excitement of real-life courtrooms and take part in a mock trial led by a former barrister and current solicitor.
Xaverian students Aisha Ashraf, Anum Naweed, Elvan Yau, Faith Usiebemhen, Ibrahim Hasan, Justin Amayo, Katie Bullock, Khadidzha Kharsieva, Mianda Reid, Michael Davies-Phelps, Oliver Clayton, Precious Omoruyi David and Ted Heasley all study A Level Law at Xaverian and all hope to progress into law careers and used the opportunity to immerse themselves in the activities of the firm to get a realistic understanding of job roles and work practices in law.
Some of the students were also awarded special prizes in the final touchpoint to celebrate the impact they’ve had on the programme during the year. Xaverian winners included:
- Dragon’s Den Challenge: Aisha Ashraf, Mianda Reid and Michael Davies-Phelps
- Best Speaker: Michael Davies-Phelps
- Future Leader: Oliver Clayton
- Rising Star: Precious Omoruyi David
Ted Heasley, from Chorlton High School and studying A Levels in English Language, History and Law at Xaverian, commented on taking part in the programme by saying: “We were told about the opportunity by our law teacher and we applied directly to Addleshaw Goddard for a place. I applied as it sounded like a great experience that would boost my UCAS application and CV. The programme has been really useful as we learned how to communicate with some of the firm’s solicitors and find out more about working in Law. A lot of the activities involved working in teams on projects and, at times, it felt like we were working in a real law environment.”
Former William Hulme’s Grammar School pupil, Aisha Ashraf, is studying A Levels in Ancient History, Law and Politics commented: “I chose to get involved in the law society programme because I was curious to see what it entailed and what I could learn from it. I was fascinated to see that there are so many different fields law is intertwined with, such as technology, diversity and inclusion and HR, and being a lawyer isn’t the only job role that there is in the legal system. I gained a lot from the programme and improved my teamwork, communication and leadership skills. It will also be a key factor that will help me when I write about the experience in my UCAS personal statement.
“I enjoy law because we learn about the facts in cases and the outcomes of these cases are helpful when it comes to revision. I hope to continue studying law at university to get a law degree and then pursue international or family law as a career.”
Rosa Alexander, Addleshaw Goddard Law Society Programme Manager, commented: “The Xaverian students pushed themselves to have bigger dreams, and set goals worthy of themselves and their fantastic abilities. We could not be prouder of our fantastic cohort of young people – they take up space, boldly and brilliantly, and open the door for their peers to do the same! The college should be very proud of how well they have each represented Xaverian College.”
This is the second year law students from the college have participated in the programme and Lauren Younge, Curriculum Leader for Law at the college, commented: “Opportunities such as this are invaluable for students to build confidence in public speaking, strengthen teamwork skills and provide invaluable real-world insights into the legal profession. Through engaging activities, including a fun and memorable mock trial, students developed critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that has, not only prepared them for their future careers, but also enhanced their academic performance and success in the classroom.
“I am proud that so many of our students gained places on the programme and this is testament to their high level of knowledge and skills in the subject and their enthusiasm in researching potential careers in law.”