McGrigors lead the way in the Scottish Schools Law Project
 

McGrigors are at the forefront of a nationwide initiative which helps school pupils understand the legal system and the work that lawyers do.

The teacher-led Schools Law Project also emphasizes to young people that laws bring responsibilities as well as rights.

Two members of McGrigors' Glasgow office have recently returned to their former schools to meet a host of lively pupils and answer questions about their own time at school and the work they now do as practising solicitors.

Diane Nicol (left) and class teacher, Ms Thain, with the P.7 class at David Livingstone Memorial Primary School, Blantyre

Diane Nicol, Partner in charge of the firm's UK Employment & Pensions team, made a big impact when she returned to David Livingstone Memorial Primary School in Blantyre for the first time since leaving as an 11 year-old.

The staff gave Diane a very warm welcome before she was grilled by the P7 class on a host of different topics.

Afterwards Diane commented, “I really enjoyed the visit.  I was so impressed with the Primary 7 children who were well mannered, enthusiastic and asked some very interesting and searching questions on the law.  The staff are obviously doing a great job and some of the youngsters are clearly budding lawyers!"

"It was also fantastic to meet some of my old teachers after all these years.  I feel we do so little to celebrate those who have made a difference to our lives and it was lovely to be able to acknowledge to the children that my teachers made that difference for me."

Diane's visit was of particular significance being the very first to a primary school as part of the Schools Law Project.  Director Patrick Gaffney was delighted with the result and was particularly impressed by Diane's ability to set her responses at just the right level for the youngsters.

Patrick was also very complimentary about the input from another member of the McGrigors' employment team when Marie Sime returned to meet pupils at her former secondary school, Turnbull High in Bishopbriggs.

Marie returned along with a good school friend who also went on to become a solicitor and together they hosted a lively Q&A session with a Modern Studies class made up of 12 & 13 year-olds.  Afterwards they relaxed over coffee with senior pupils who are considering a career in the law - an excellent opportunity for the young people to gain practical advice about studying law.

Marie Sime with two S2 Modern Studies pupils at Turnbull High School, Bishopbriggs.

The Turnbull High teachers were delighted that the two young solicitors took the time to give something back to their old school and were highly impressed by the way they handled a wide variety of interesting questions. 

For her part, Marie said, "This is a very impressive programme.  It does so much to encourage pupils generally, while at the same time helping them understand many different aspects of our legal system.  It was a great experience and I would love to do it again." 

Not surprisingly, 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 McGrigors have decided to support this initiative which helps break down some of the misconceptions and stereotypes which still persist about lawyers and the work they do.”

Patrick Gaffney added his own thanks saying, “We can only make a difference in schools if we gain the support of the wider community.  I am delighted that McGrigors have decided to get involved.”

“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 up to 100,000 school pupils have been catered for with the supply of teacher-friendly classroom materials.  The legal profession deserves great credit for this.”