Summer 2022 marked our biggest work experience offering yet, with 5 programmes running from June to August. As part of this, we facilitated opportunities for 10 of our young people to spend a week with global law firm, Mayer Brown. These summer opportunities form part of our employability programme, WYZ For Work.
Students who previously attended our Law Careers Insight Day with Mayer Brown were offered the fantastic opportunity.
A week like none other
A huge amount of planning went into the week to ensure it was as informative and engaging as possible. As part of the application process, students selected their preferred areas of interest. There was something for everyone - from Litigation to Finance and Business Development.
It was also important for them to learn how a law firm operates as a business and serves its clients. The week was filled with educational skill-building sessions covering a range of areas.
Building a professional network
Networking is hugely valuable, especially for those starting out in their careers. This is all the more important after two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing, when in-person opportunities were limited.
The placements involved networking sessions, which enabled students to meet professionals and their peers. It also provided an opportunity to learn about other areas of the firm that they might not have experienced. These sessions helped to build confidence, communication and inter-personal skills - all critical for successful careers!
The participants grew in confidence throughout the week. We also received glowing feedback from some of the team.
“We are delighted to have been able to host the students at our firm, thanks to Open Palm. We hope in the week they spent with us, they were able to learn about the legal field and what a career in law entails. We wish them all well for the next stage of their careers” – Danielle White, Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Mayer Brown
CV-boosting experience
An opportunity at a prestigious global law firm is hard to come by. Our young people thoroughly enjoyed their experience and learnt a huge amount.
"I’m delighted to say that I’ve now completed a week of work experience at Mayer Brown. This amazing opportunity was orchestrated by Open Palm. The experience not only enabled me to be surrounded by likeminded students but also professionals with years of experience."
"I was grateful to be sat next to Partner, Bob and to have an amazing supervisor, James and buddy, Niki. They all made the experience great." - Kay (student)
We're committed to providing opportunities for young people, closing the opportunity gap for those from ethnically or socially diverse backgrounds. Our mission is to create an equal start line for young people, so that no one is left behind.
We cannot thank Mayer Brown enough for the work experience opportunities they provided. We would like to recognise the significant time, energy and planning that Mayer Brown put into creating these invaluable placements, which will serve as a vital launch pad for those who benefitted.
"The feedback has been incredibly positive. Students have thoroughly enjoyed the exposure, experience and positive coaching from the Mayer Brown team. This has, in many cases, cemented their desire to pursue a career in law. We look forward to collaborating with Mayer Brown in future. - Lynette, Trustee, Open Palm
Interested in learning skills for career success and securing work experience? You can sign up for our WYZ For Work course for free.