CSET Summer School 2009

Howard Jacobs, Chairman, City Solicitors' Educational Trust, reports on the 2009 CSET Summer School

I am pleased to report that the two 2009 Summer Schools, held in the third and final weeks of July respectively, were a resounding success in the eyes of all involved - the students, guest speakers, organisers and representatives of the sponsor firms who generously gave their time and expertise.

Over 200 students from 44 universities around the UK attended the schools. The selection process this year was even more rigorous in identifying students at universities from which the legal profession does not usually recruit, who therefore stood to gain most from attending the Summer School programme.

The 2009 Summer School programme built on the success of last year's inaugural school. It was an intensive five day programme that included group and individual structured sessions while providing business and social networking opportunities.
Students were given insights into many aspects of the legal profession, embracing the Solicitors' profession and the Bar.

An important addition to this year's programme was a strong focus on the opportunities for a legal career in the public sector. David Green QC gave an excellent talk on the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office and we were pleased to have two senior representatives from the Government Legal Service. This new focus struck a real chord with the students, with several commenting that they had not previously realised the career opportunities that existed in the public sector.

It is equally encouraging that we received very positive feedback from the GLS who warmly welcomed the Summer School initiative as playing an important part in widening access to the legal profession. Paul Jenkins QC, Head of GLS, commented:

The concept of raising awareness about the opportunities afforded by a career in law to those from 'non-traditional' backgrounds is something that is very much in line with the GLS' own ethos. There was a clear benefit in providing students with the opportunity to consider the work of the GLS alongside that of more commercial legal organisations. In addition to Lee John-Charles and me, 24 GLS lawyers and trainees participated at the Summer School. All were of the opinion that it was both highly successful and worthwhile. The students I spoke to afterwards were all very bright and focused, asking exactly the right questions - a most impressive group. And the general audience seemed attentive, with good body language and good questions."

Another popular speaker was Margaret Mountford of BBC Apprentice fame (but who preferred to focus on her experience as a lawyer) who talked from the perspective of someone who was the first in her family to go to university. She gave some valuable interview tips and encouraged students to consider the variety of career paths that exist in the law. Margaret attended the Graduation Dinner at the conclusion of the final week, bringing an extra sparkle to the proceedings.

It is all thanks to the support of our sponsors that we were able to bring this valuable opportunity and experience to double the number of students this year. The fact that we have caught the eye of those in Government, at a time when fairer access to the professions is high on their agenda, is a testament to our success in implementing a serious, collaborative effort.

Feedback from students attending the two 2009 CSET Summer Schools

Tuesday 14 July - David Morley, Senior Partner, Allen & Overy
Good background to the legal profession in London and good context as to the economical basis of the firms. Informative and interesting insight.
Fantastic guest speaker, surprisingly down to earth, with a great insight into the life of a Partner at a top firm.

Wednesday 15 July - Anne Hudd, 29 Bedford Row Chambers
Extremely truthful insight into the rigours of becoming and being a self-employed barrister in chambers. She described many of the qualities needed to be a successful barrister.
The presentation explained fully the role of a barrister, the workload and the difficulties.

Wednesday 15 July - Graham Virgo, Downing College, Cambridge
His 'top ten tips' were great - unbelievably valuable and very engaging. Not what I would expect from a Cambridge Professor.
I found this presentation very enjoyable and highlighted the importance of breaking down your argument.
I thought his advice was good for law students and he made his presentation fun and interesting. I also liked the fact he got us involved instead of him just talking.
It is easy to overlook the academic skills required to obtain a good degree when your focus is on getting a career at the end of it. This session refocused my attention on my academic skill set.

Thursday 16 July - John Lee-Charles, Senior Lawyer, Government Legal Service
This talk from the public sector was very useful because it introduced ideas to me that I have never considered as I didn't realise it was an option.
Great insight into the GLS as I didn't realise the opportunities that were available.

Friday 17 July - David Green, QC, Revenue and Customs Prosecution Office
Really interesting talk and it was a great example of how law can be transferred into different areas.
Very interesting to hear from a guy at the top of his profession. He had some interesting stories of cases he had worked on.
A compelling speaker with some fascinating stories to tell. It really got me excited about the law and its channels.

Tuesday 28 July - Robert Sutton, Senior Partner, Macfarlanes
He gave us an idea of what Partners look for in future solicitors, but what was also good was the way he highlighted some of the bad points of the profession.
He spoke in depth about the working world of law and it was an excellent talk.
It was nice to hear from a Senior Partner about what he thinks is essential to be successful in law.
It was good to get the perspective from someone who has been there and done it, particularly who has been involved in Graduate Recruitment.

Wednesday 29 July - Adam Kramer, 3 Verulam Buildings Chambers
He gave a clear and detailed explanation of what life as a barrister is like and how to reach that level.
I have spoken to barristers before, but not commercial ones, so it was good to see it from a different angle.
Honest advice. He made no illusions but it was really insightful talk.

Wednesday 29 July - Jochim Dymott, University of Westminster
Definitely needed those top ten tips for a first. I needed to know about the changes occurring in the profession and the process of becoming a solicitor.
As the solicitor route is for me she drew on some very important issues and key points.
Jochim really broke down the whole process of becoming a solicitor into much more digestible sizes. Made me realise there is more competition but it's not impossible.

Thursday 30 July - Paul Jenkins, QC, Head of Government Legal Service
This presentation was certainly very useful and very interesting. It went a long way to directing me towards a career in that sector.
I really enjoyed the presentation given by Paul Jenkins. He was informative and kept the presentation lively and I took a lot away from it.
I found the presentation really funny, open and honest and Paul Jenkins was very charming.

Friday 31 July - Margaret Mountford
A very interesting speaker with a lot of experiences and knowledge.
It was good to hear how someone from a very normal background can go on to be so successful and build such a good career for themselves.