Student Completes Placement with the Legal Social Mobility Partnership and ITV

29 September 2015

Kye Strowbridge, currently studying Law, Government & Politics and Economics at The Sixth Form College, completed the second part of his work experience under the Legal Social Mobility Partnership (LSMP) over the summer holidays. The LSMP is a course run by ITV that offers an alliance of law firms and legal departments across the UK who have made a commitment to broaden access to the legal profession through offering work experience to young people that may not otherwise have an opportunity to pursue careers in the legal world.

Under the scheme, Kye was able to secure 2 weeks work experience in Manchester with commercial law firm, Squire, Patton, Boggs. Kye completed his first week’s experience earlier this year during spring half term. During this time he completed team working exercises, attended networking sessions, improved his presentation skills and gained experience across the various departments within the legal profession.

Kye’s second week of work experience took place during the summer, where he had an opportunity to visit some of the law firm’s high profile clients. Kye visited Wigan Warriors Rugby Club for resilience and focus training. He also spent time at ITV studios, Adidas and Manchester United Football Club where he completed more team building workshops, negotiation training, networking, a talk on alternative pathways in to a career in Law, and learning how each department works together with the client.

Kye applied for his place with the Legal Social Mobility Partnership through the Pathways to Law programme run by Manchester University’s School of Law - a widening participation scheme which inspires and supports academically-able students from non-privileged backgrounds who are interested in a career in law. Kye was supported in this move by Paula Blakemore, Head of Law at The Sixth Form College.

Kye commented, “Paula was really supportive when putting together my application. My entire experience at Squire, Patton, Boggs went really well, I learnt a lot about the different departments within a Law Firm and made lots of connections at networking events.” The former South Wirral High School student also had the opportunity to enjoy his time in Manchester during the week, adding, “During the client visits I was able to take tours of the stadiums at both Wigan Warriors and Manchester United. I also got taken on a tour of the Coronation Street Studios at ITV and met with up-coming athlete Jasmine Sawyer when visiting Adidas – overall, it was a great experience.”