23 October 2008
Budding lawyers seeking advice and support in their efforts to join the legal profession will be helped by a government initiative launched today by Justice Minister Lord Bach.
The project, 'Barriers Leading into Law', will look into obstacles facing students trying to pursue a career in law and how to overcome them. The sponsors or 'life coaches' will keep in touch with the students as they apply to join the legal profession, and observe any difficulties in their way.
Justice Minister Lord Bach said:
'I am pleased we have brought this diverse group of potential lawyers together, to help us overcome problems that can stop people like them joining the legal profession.
'The legal profession, including the judiciary, should reflect the rich diversity in the community it serves in order to increase the public's confidence.
'The initiative launched today will help provide the valuable information needed to drive the legal profession forward as well as help those who are involved to develop further.'
The students will be encouraged to share their experiences with their coach and each other through internet blogs, email or personal talks to help identify barriers that could prevent them from becoming lawyers.
The project, led by the Ministry of Justice, is open to undergraduates reading law and those holding Graduate Diplomas in Law, the Bar Vocational Course or Legal Practice Course qualifications who want to pursue a legal career and wish to take part in the scheme.
The project is a key part of initiatives to ensure diversity of both the legal profession and the judiciary is improved. It will provide the actual experiences of a group of students trying to get jobs as lawyers and therefore become potential judges.
Lawyer in waiting Gbemisola Atinsola said:
'I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to discuss my progress with experienced people as I try to get into the legal profession. Just having someone to talk to and sharing experiences with the rest of the group will help understand the best way to do approach things.'
Note to editors
1. Thirty-two students will be coached by selected members of Ministry of Justice staff with relevant coaching experience. The project will run for a year, and will be evaluated at the end of the year. It is free for participants and the Bar Council, ILEX and Law Society are supporting the project by running talks and possible work shadowing. The Ministry of Justice is also working with a number of professionals to create learning and networking opportunities for the participants.
2. For media enquiries please contact Ministry of Justice Press Office, tel: 020 3334 3536.