Liverpool School appeals to city's lawyers Friday, 14th May 2010

Students and teachers at Liverpool’s Belvedere Academy are looking for local law firms to join them in the classroom to take part in Local Lawyers in Schools.

Sarah Carroll, Head of Citizenship at the school commented: ‘Learning about the law is an important part of the curriculum but it can be a challenging area to make interesting and engaging. Having real life experts working with the students would really help bring the legal system to life and highlight how interesting and relevant the law is.

‘In the past the students have responded particularly well to visits from local magistrates who spoke about the criminal justice system. Therefore we’d like to build on this by looking at other important areas of the legal system like people’s rights as consumers and employees, and topics like human rights.’

Project Officer, David Raeburn of the Citizenship Foundation said: ‘We’re delighted to see lawyers across the country using our materials in schools, recognising the valuable contribution they can make to their local community. Liverpool’s schools are still waiting for the first firm in the area to join the scheme and support their local students and we would welcome any law firms in the area interested in signing-up.’

The school has a history of former pupils going on to have careers in law and the scheme offers a valuable opportunity for students to interact with professionals in the field while learning about an important part of our society. Dame Rose Heilbron, a former student at the school, became the first woman to become a QC and was the first female judge to sit at the Old Bailey. The scheme could build on the school’s history by inspiring Liverpool’s next generation of lawyers and barristers.

Lawyers interested in the scheme should get in touch with David Raeburn on 020 7566 4157 or locallawyers@citizenshipfoundation.org.uk