Eversheds launches student academy to unlock potential

Lawyer2B has reported that Eversheds has launched a new student academy that aims to support them from A-levels right up to graduation. The 'Unlocked Academy' will take the best students from the firm's Unlocked Programme, which is a three-day scheme aimed at helping talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue a career in law. The firm's website says: "This innovative programme [Eversheds Unlocked] is aimed at students who have academic potential and an interest in law, but who may believe that a legal career is out of their reach. We're here to prove that it isn't."

The new academy will give around 30 participants weekly advice and support. The advice will be delivered by way of face-to-face and online sessions, and personal mentoring from lawyers at the firm. Guidance will cover both professional and personal issues that the student may be facing. The Unlocked initiative is part of the firm's commitment to PRIME, the profession-wide social mobility scheme.

Head of resourcing at the firm, Nicky Bizzell, said:"Our scheme is more of a development programme, rather than work experience. Students will get to meet clients, partners and trainees - developing contacts and learning about a career in law. At the point they finish the programme, we're not guaranteeing a training contract but if they followed the programme there is no reason why they shouldn't get one."