The Today's Children, Tomorrow's Lawyers programme is primarily targeted at ethnic minority and disadvantaged 14-to-17-year-olds. However, the programme and the various vodcasts (video podcasts) will benefit all children in this age group.

Schoolchildren get to take part in the BLD Great Law Debate in London and Manchester (pictured is St Angela's Ursuline School team, the winners in March 2011). Other aspects of the programme are Open Days at sponsoring organisations Barclays, BP, BPP Law School, Allen & Overy, Slaughter and May and Clifford Chance. There are also career workshops at the schools and a Career Fair at Barclays. For talented pupils, aged at least 16 with a keen interest in Law, we also offer work experience at Barclays, BP, Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy and Berwin Leighton Paisner.

Please download our TCTL Registration form, brochure, flyer and postcard here.

WHY WE ARE RUNNING THE TODAY'S CHILDREN, TOMORROW'S LAWYERS PROGRAMME

The experience of many qualified black minority ethnic (BME) lawyers is that during their schooling their career advisers actively discouraged them from pursuing a career in Law. The view held by some career advisers is that working within the legal profession is beyond the reach of BME children and that such children should be more realistic in their choice of career. For children, this negative advice may be further compounded by the lack of support by those close to them. Experience has, however, shown that those who disregarded such negative advice and receive support have gone on to have successful legal careers. BLD believes there is a need to mentor and support young people through schools and universities to empower them to make sound career choices. Young people need to feel confident about their chosen career and have the opportunity to seek guidance from experienced practitioners.The aim of this scheme, therefore, is to target young participants, arm them with information, raise their expectations, support their aspirations and make the aspirations a reality.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
• Educate and inform about what the legal profession
  has to offer and the available wide-ranging opportunities
• Raise aspirations and empower participants
• Assist participants in making informed choices and
  being open to the many available options

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, including what children will gain from the programme, how the programme is delivered, the targeted areas and the selection process.