Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP

Sussex based law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP were the first organisation in the country to take part in the piloting of the Local Lawyers in Schools scheme.  A group of nine volunteers from the firm - made up of trainee, and newly qualified, solicitors and trainee legal executives - have been working with a group of Year 10 students at their local school.

Esther Salter, trainee solicitor and project co-ordinator at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said: "This is a really worthwhile project and we've thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  The lessons are great fun and present a unique and interactive way to communicate with young people who wouldn't normally have access to lawyers."

Class teacher Hugh Garling said: "Citizenship has been part of the National Curriculum since 2002.  Often teachers find certain legal aspects of the curriculum, especially those involving controversial issues, particularly challenging so we welcome the input from the experts. The Mayo Wynne Baxter solicitors have done a fantastic job of engaging the students and have taught them an important part of the curriculum in an entertaining way.  The class has obviously enjoyed the experience of meeting real legal practitioners and seeing their human side.  Perhaps some of the students will now feel inspired to pursue a legal career themselves."

One of the students at the school, Gabby (14), said: "I've really enjoyed these lessons - they've been a good introduction to law.  You see lawyers on films and TV but they're not like that in real life - they're actually quite funny when you meet them! I understand a lot more about what a solicitor does now and might even consider becoming one myself."

The firm received some good local publicity, in a variety of press, covering their work at the school on the scheme. The story was covered in the Eastbourne Herald, the Brighton and Hove Argus, the Brighton & Hove Business Club Newsletter and on the Sussex Law Society website.

Through the firm's evaluation of the scheme, they have recognised the development opportunity the scheme offers their volunteers, noting in particular communication, time management, organisation, leadership and facilitation skills development.

The Citizenship Foundation has been delighted to work with the Mayo Wynne Baxter team on the launch of Local Lawyers in School and looks forward to continuing our relationship with the firm.