Access to Opportunity - Career Start

Partnering for progress: empowering the next generation

As an international law firm, we recognise the importance of opening up opportunities for young people and working to level the playing field. Our Career Start programme is an initiative aimed at broadening access to the legal profession and promoting social mobility. Since its launch in 2019, we have supported over 140 students from lower socio-economic backgrounds who aspire to build careers in professional services.

During this year’s Career Start work experience week, we were thrilled to collaborate with our client, Howard de Walden Estates – a prominent and historic property estate based in Marylebone, London.

Students took part in a week-long case study built around a real-life scenario, which included a site visit to the Howard de Walden Estate including Marylebone Village and Portland Place. Throughout the week, they worked diligently on a challenge set by the client and concluded by pitching their ideas directly to the Howard de Walden Estates team at the end of the week. The task helped them to build on their teamwork, research and communication skills.

The students presentations were met with enthusiastic feedback, and students shared that they valued gaining a practical insight into the dynamic and realistic relationship between lawyers and their clients.