Becoming well-rounded lawyers and inspiring young people

With my training contract ahead of me, I thought that by joining the ‘corporate world’ I would limit my ability to give back to the community and help individuals and families that need it the most; how wrong I was.

Pinsent Masons has opened up new and varied pathways for me to get involved in bettering our local community and the lives of those within it. Since joining the firm in September I have been welcomed to their charitable initiative, Starfish, and have been appointed to the Starfish Committee as the KidsOut representative; our charity of the year for 2017.

Their message is clear. Pinsent Masons is committed to inspiring young lives and dedicating their time and resources to enable young individuals to aim high and achieve. However small, if we all participate we can ultimately make a difference to the lives of young people, even if it is by changing one life at a time.

The Starfish Committee is focused on finding new and creative ways to deliver this message and make it a reality. They have long-standing partnerships with local schools and partake in a number of local fundraising events such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Abbey Dash and Pretty Mudder, to name but a few.

As a member of the Starfish Committee and KidsOut representative, I have an active role in organising and running charity events; either to raise funds for our charitable partnerships or to devote our time to their cause. I have had the opportunity to liaise with other charitable enthusiasts, some of which have been our clients, and I have been responsible for our Giving Tree toy appeal this Christmas.

Though I was not directly involved with the organisation of our ‘Children in Need bake sale’, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to partake in our show-stopping Cake Competition – which I can proudly say I won Star Baker! (Although I don’t think I will be getting a ‘Paul Hollywood handshake’ any time soon).

Alongside being a member of the Committee I volunteer as a literacy mentor for one of our partnership schools. Devoting a small amount of time to help young individuals develop fundamental skills which are key to their futures. This is an extremely rewarding experience and one that I am grateful to be a part of.

Not only has the KidsOut engagement given me the chance to take on more responsibility, I have had the opportunity to unleash my creative side – something which you do not get to do everyday. I would even go so far as to say that my involvement with the Starfish Committee is one of the highlights of my training contract to date. Knowing that together we are making a difference to young lives is something we can all be proud of.

If you enjoy getting involved with charitable events alongside your legal duties then I cannot recommend Pinsent Masons enough. The firm has by far exceeded all of my expectations and I admire their enthusiasm and commitment to positively change the lives of young people and help them determine their own futures.