Enabling Enterprise has been working in partnerships with law firm Addleshaw Goddard since 2015 to organise inspirational visits for students following Enabling Enterprise programmes in their schools.

Since then over 280 students across the country have benefitted from the visits to their various locations, and over 60 Addleshaw Goddard volunteers have taken part. The employer visits sit alongside an extensive school-based programme focused on developing students' essential skills from age 5 all the way through to 18.

Last week we had an exciting opportunity: to run three trips, with three schools, to three different Addleshaw Goddard locations - all in one day! The offices in London, Leeds and Manchester were up for the challenge, so we connected them with Year 4s from Winns Primary School (London), Year 5s from Rosebank Primary School (Leeds), and Year 6s from E-ACT Blackley Academy (Manchester).

"This is such a great opportunity for the kids. We never had this sort of thing at school and I know it would have helped me." - Volunteer, Addleshaw Goddard (Leeds)

The challenge for the day was Tour the Law, our project designed specifically to introduce students to the world of law.

The day started off with the students interviewing the volunteers to find out about their different roles, responsibilities and the essential skills required to do their jobs. Students then went on a tour of the premises, which allowed the teams to see the great variety of jobs available in the legal world.

"We have been so welcomed as soon as we arrived, the children have seen these skills in context and we’ve all had the best day!" - Teacher, Winns Primary School (London)

Taking on the role of lawyers, students explored two different areas of law – Criminal and Business Law – through separate cases designed to stretch their Problem Solving skills. The first case saw them review police evidence and then play the part of a defence lawyer to build a case for their client.

"The team work today was incredible, there were no raised voices, everyone listened to one another and had a go. It was great to see so many the pupils willing to step out of their comfort zones." - Teacher, E-ACT Blackley Academy (Manchester)

"If my children are anything like you when they grow up I will be so proud. The presentations you just delivered to a group of partners all deserve a special mention - really well done!" - Volunteer, Addleshaw Goddard (London)

In the second task, the teams of students acted as mediators in a business merger, finding different possible solutions and considering the pros and cons of each. Presenting skills were put to the test as new challenges arose, and also at the end of the day when each team presented their findings to a panel of professional judges.

"I’m really proud that I took part in the presentation as I don’t normally in school." - Student, E-ACT Blackley Academy (Manchester)

In all three locations the day was a resounding success; we're very grateful to all of the volunteers who gave up their time to collaborate with the children and share some of their experience using essential skills in their work. We look forward to many more inspiring trips in the future!

"Everyone at Addleshaw Goddard is so nice and so hardworking. Do you know if they need anyone else to work here? Because I’d like to!" - Student, Winns Primary School (London)