#MeetALawyer
Lord Neuberger has said ‘tag, you’re it’ in a new Facebook video urging judges and lawyers to visit state schools and sixth form colleges. The video encourages those who take up the challenge to share photos of the experience on social media.
In a piece to camera posted on new Facebook page Access 2 Lawyers, ex-Supreme Court president Neuberger says:
“Throughout my career, I always thought it really important that judges and lawyers encourage people who otherwise might not think of it of becoming lawyers, so we have a more diverse profession.”
Now in retirement, Neuberger is putting this into action. As revealed by Legal Cheek, the former judge spent two days in January visiting non-Russell Group universities and state schools to speak to the students about his career and the profession.
In the run-up to his trip to schools in Yorkshire and the Midlands, Neuberger told us: “It helps pupils and students understand how our constitution works and why the rule of law is so important. It also gives them information about a career in the law. And it makes the law a little less remote.”
Now, initial visits complete, Neuberger is urging other lawyers to follow in his footsteps. In the video, he says:
“I would encourage every judge and every lawyer of whatever level to visit a state school or a sixth form college at least once a year to talk to the pupils about the law and above all a career in the law. It’s a really worthwhile exercise.”
The video, also posted on Twitter, ends with a segment by Ammar Khan, a recent University of Exeter graduate who is soon to begin a training contract at CMS.
Khan became friends with the ex-Supreme Court head honcho after meeting at a work experience placement, and even gave a speech at Neuberger’s honorary degree ceremony in Exeter. Khan encourages lawyers who do go back to school to share their photos using the #MeetALawyer hashtag.