Law firms leading the way in charity’s social mobility initiative

The charity’s director, Patrick Gaffney, explained: “Independent schools routinely highlight the achievements of former pupils (FP) to great effect. Indeed they employ special staff to do so.

“State schools do not have those specialist staff but, thanks to the support of local law firms, we have now provided some schools with ready-to-go classroom presentations that help raise confidence and aspirations by introducing students to their own FP role models.”

The scheme started in Knox Academy in Haddington with support from the East Lothian office of Anderson Strathern before moving to Ross High School in Tranent with support from McKinnon Forbes.

On receiving materials highlighting successful Ross High FPs, headteacher Paul Reynolds thanked the firm, adding: “This is superb! I will make very good use of the presentation at our upcoming assembly with parents. The FP profiles will also be displayed on walls around the school.”

The project has now reached Edinburgh where Balfour+Manson is helping to highlight former pupils of Broughton High School.

It is also due to reach North Lanarkshire after a successful lawyer and former pupil of St Aidan’s High School in Wishaw decided to support the project as an individual.

Impressive People has said it is “very grateful” for the support from Scotland’s legal sector and hopes to work with many more firms and individuals in the weeks and months ahead.

Mr Gaffney also made special mention of the great support of the Law Society of Scotland, one of its founding partners.