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David Laing, Chairman
of
Ledingham Chalmers,
supports the aims of
the Schools Law Project. |
Ledingham
Chalmers
sign
up to
national
Schools Law
Project
Ledingham Chalmers are at the forefront of a nationwide
initiative which helps school pupils understand the legal system
and the wide variety of work that lawyers do. The teacher-led Schools Law Project also
makes young people aware that laws bring
responsibilities as well as rights.
Ledingham Chalmers have been strong supporters of the Schools Law Project
since it began five years ago and have extended their support
into the 2008/9 school year by
nominating a further two schools for the initiative.
David Laing, Chairman of Ledingham Chalmers,
confirmed the firm is delighted to continue its support for such
an important education initiative. David and his team are
keen to see young people develop a real understanding of why we
need laws and also of how the legal system works. This
way, they are less likely to feel inhibited
when dealing with members of the legal profession when they
become adults.
The Schools Law Project helps to achieve this by
distributing teacher-friendly classroom materials to schools.
It also runs
a programme of school visits which takes lawyers back to their
former school to answer questions from today's pupils.
The Schools Law Project is proving very popular with both
teachers and lawyers, and has gained the full support of the Law
Society of Scotland. The Society’s Director of Education &
Training, Liz Campbell commented, “We are delighted that
Ledingham Chalmers have decided to continue their support
for this programme which
helps break down some of the misconceptions and stereotypes
which still persist about lawyers and the work they do.”
Patrick Gaffney, Director of The Schools Project, added his own
thanks saying, “We can only make a difference in schools if we
gain the support of the wider community. I am extremely
grateful to Ledingham Chalmers for their backing over
the years.”
 “Indeed, I am pleased to say the support from solicitors all
over Scotland has been remarkable. They are clearly keen to
increase the understanding of young people. Almost 200 law firms
have now signed up with the result that more than 60,000 school
pupils have been catered for. The legal profession deserves
great credit for this.”
As well as informing all pupils about a wide range of legal
matters, the project also provides information and help for
senior pupils who are considering a career in the law. In
some cases potential law students have spent time with
practising lawyers and,
where appropriate,
have been able to watch
them in
action both with clients and in court.
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