CSET Summer School 2008
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Chairman’s Review: The 2008 CSET Summer School The CSET Summer School was a notable success, as described below. The sponsor firms, without which the Summer School could not happen, can be justifiably proud of their participation in this unique initiative, which looks set to go from strength to strength. CSET is most grateful to them for their support. Howard Jacobs The first CSET Summer School took place at Imperial College, London in the last week of July 2008. 104 students from nearly 50 universities attended the course. It was an intensive five day programme that used law as its context and included group and individual structured sessions while providing business and social networking opportunities. Students were given insights into many aspects of the legal profession. They spent time with trainees and recruiters from several leading law firms learning about their broad range of services and areas of practice; they visited the Royal Courts of Justice and heard about the opportunities to pursue a career as a barrister; and they worked through mock transactions to give them practical experience of real-life work as a lawyer. The development of strong verbal reasoning skills was a major focus of the Summer School. Students took part in a debating competition to enhance their confidence in structuring and presenting an argument, a critical skill for would-be lawyers. Topics ranged from “Should unregulated distribution of copyrighted works on the internet be allowed?” to “Should governments have the right to hold suspects without trial?”. The importance of developing strong writing skills was another major feature of the Summer School. Every student was asked to prepare a piece of written work and received constructive feedback from heads of graduate recruitment at a number of top law firms. Throughout the course of the week, students had the opportunity to hear first hand what it is like to work in a law firm from trainees who recently embarked on a career in the law and to ask questions about the challenges they might face. They also had the opportunity to visit the offices of several of London’s leading firms. |
But it wasn’t all hard work! Each day rounded off with an enjoyable social event ranging from a barbeque in the gardens of Imperial College to a graduation dinner at the Law Society. Students were also provided with accommodation on the Imperial College campus close to the Victoria & Albert, Natural History and Science Museums in the heart of London. The feedback, starting with what students at Derby, Manchester Metropolitan and Northumbria thought, says it all. “‘I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity. I was contemplating dropping law as I thought it was hard and I’d struggle. This week has shown me the practical, exciting side and I can’t wait to continue with law. You’ve changed my life! I know that sounds corny but I was the girl who sat in tutorials thinking I’m not right for this - but you’ve made me grow in confidence and I feel passionate about law again.’ “It was very intense each day but it has been really enjoyable and has provided me with many new skills and an insight into the legal field. Excellent format!” “The CSET Summer School surpassed my objectives. I didn’t expect it to be as challenging and I feel everything we did was important. I have certainly learnt a lot from this event and now know what to consider when applying to firms. Thank you for this opportunity.” Other significant comments include “I was very impressed with the students I met. They participated enthusiastically and were clearly engaged. I was especially pleased by the number of students who had questions about postgraduate study at Cambridge. Clearly these are ambitious people with a great deal to offer.” Professor Graham Virgo, Downing College, Cambridge “The CSET Summer School was designed to stretch and challenge the students and equip them with the skills and confidence to pursue their future careers with vigour and application. At the end of the week we had 104 exhausted, enthusiastic and inspired students who returned to their universities from across the UK as changed people. In ten year’s of running such events we have never seen such a transformation in students’ confidence and determination to succeed. This was, in a large part, down to the dedication and input given by the over 100 lawyers and recruiters who took such an active part in the Summer School’s case studies and seminars. The 2009 Summer School will build on this success.” Mark Blythe, Director and Founder, CSET Summer School event organizers GroupGTI |