From classroom to city law firm: our Insight Day with Mayer Brown

On 20 February 2025, we once again teamed up with international law firm Mayer Brown to host a Law and Business Careers Insight Day. This unforgettable day was all about opening the doors for those dreaming of a future in the legal world, whether as a lawyer or on the business side.

Held at Mayer Brown’s sleek city of London office, the day was packed with energy, ambition and eye-opening experiences. We welcomed a brilliant group of students from far and wide — from London to Birmingham, many of whom are the first in their families to consider a career in law or business.

Our mission? To encourage and show students that they absolutely can belong in a top city law firm, regardless of their ethnic or social background.

The day did not just focus on careers. From a hands-on mock court case to an interactive personal branding workshop, students got stuck in, asked smart questions and showed just how much talent and potential they bring to the table.

One of the most powerful moments of the day was a panel chat with Mayer Brown’s lawyers—from apprentices and trainees all the way up to partners—who shared their own journeys into the firm. They opened up about everything from imposter syndrome to the mentors who helped them through. Students were encouraged to see that there is no ‘typical’ legal professional and there are many other roles at a law firm in addition to lawyers.

We collaborated with Mayer Brown to deliver an engaging and thoughtful day. From the content of the sessions to the travel support— the agenda was designed to remove barriers and make students feel confident, seen, and supported. Because we know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t.

“This isn’t just a nice event to tick a box. It’s about giving young people the tools, the exposure, and the belief that they can thrive in spaces that haven’t always felt open to them.” - Sophie McBaiden, Trustee and Co-Founder at Open Palm

We were delighted to work with Mayer Brown on our joint 4th annual careers insight day. We are proud to deliver these events and help increase access to the legal profession.

“We were delighted to once again collaborate with Open Palm and their students at our Career Insight Day.  Being able to share knowledge both through workshops, panel sessions and even a mock court case enabled the students to be fully immersed in what working at a law firm could be like whilst at the same time building on their skills and confidence.  Working with organisations such as Open Palm is always a pleasure as their programme prepares the students before their arrival so they are ready to embrace the day”. - Jo Sampson, DE&I and CSR Manager at Mayer Brown International LLP

By the end of the day, students left with more than just knowledge—they left with confidence, connections, and a clear sense that they belong. Huge thanks to Mayer Brown for an excellent day.