Young Citizens seeks legal sector volunteers to boost legal literacy in schools

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UK charity Young Citizens has launched a national call for lawyers and law students to volunteer for The Big Legal Lesson, its flagship legal literacy programme for schools, by 1 May 2026.

The initiative, which CEO Ashley Hodges said aims to “strengthen the foundations of democratic life”, has been running since 2020 to help children aged five to 18 better understand legal concepts. Backed by the Law Society of England and Wales and Mishcon de Reya LLP, the programme aims to demystify the law by showing how it affects everyday life and who has the power to change it – from police, judges, lawyers and politicians to individual citizens.

This year, the Big Legal Lesson took place from 23 to 27 February 2026, reaching thousands of pupils. Since 2020, the annual campaign has reached more than 375,000 students, with 92% of participating teachers last year saying their learners had a better understanding of the rule of law.

The charity’s call for volunteers comes after the government confirmed in November that Citizenship, which includes the rule of law, will become compulsory in primary schools from 2028, rather than from Key Stage 3.

The updated curriculum will introduce concepts including fairness, equity, and rights and responsibilities. The Department for Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Review said the change would “ensure that pupils develop an understanding of rules and laws, why they are important, who makes them and the consequences of not following them”.

Hodges commented: “Every school wants to prepare their young people as citizens, and understanding the law and our legal institutions is key to that. But without expert materials and relevant, exciting content, that can be a hard ask. When pupils learn how the law works and how it shapes their lives, they gain the confidence to ask questions, make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in society.”

President of the Law Society, Mark Evans, added: “Encouraging young learners to understand how the law works and affects everyday life, gives them the confidence to make informed decisions as future citizens. The Law Society has supported the Big Legal Lesson since its inception. We are proud to see that it continues to inspire young people, teachers and legal professionals in a practical and meaningful way.”

Meanwhile, senior pro bono manager at Mishcon de Reya, Verity Taylor, said: “Legal literacy is foundational to a thriving democratic society, which is why we’re incredibly proud to support The Big Legal Lesson again in 2026. At Mishcon de Reya, we believe that understanding the law should be empowering, not intimidating. This initiative opens the door for young people to build confidence, curiosity and critical thinking skills that will stay with them for life."