Faculty to host disadvantaged young people for charity initiative

The charity initiative aims to open unexpected career avenues for gifted young students from less affluent areas by giving them an insight into professions which they may have seen as beyond their reach.

The initiative is run by a social mobility charity of the same name, founded in London three years ago by City lawyer Lesley Wan.

The week-long programme, which has only been run in England so far, will be coming to Scotland for the first time this summer.

Students participating in Through the Looking Glass Edinburgh from 29 June to 3 July will meet Lord Carloway, the Lord Justice Clerk, have a tour of Parliament House, and spend time in court.

During the week, they will also have the chance to find out about the solicitors branch of the legal profession, insurance and banking.

James Wolffe, QC, Dean of Faculty, said: “Advocacy is an exciting and interesting profession. It involves speaking up for other people, and defending their rights.

“I am very glad that the Faculty has been able, along with Through the Looking Glass, to introduce a group of Scotland’s young people to what advocacy is all about.

“The Scottish bar welcomes talented individuals from every background – and any young person who is seriously interested in justice should think about a career in advocacy.”