Carson McDowell is the first firm in Northern Ireland to participate in Lawyers in Schools, a skills-based employee volunteering programme.

Over 1,200 students in the UK and Australia took part in the programme last year, which saw 500 legal volunteers help to raise young people’s awareness and understanding of the law.

Nine solicitors from Carson McDowell will volunteer their time to facilitate learning across a number of topics including social media, employment law, intellectual property and police powers.

The firm has been working with Dr Anne Rice to adapt resources for schools in Northern Ireland, and will be delivering sessions to Year 10 pupils between September and December.

Michael Johnston, managing partner at Carson McDowell, said: “Volunteering and the legal profession go hand in hand. This initiative is the perfect example of how solicitors should be engaging with young people and encouraging them to discuss current affairs and learn about their rights.

“Our solicitors also benefit from the programme, developing their own skills and progressing their professional development. Our aim is to get young people interested in the law and to encourage the next generation of legal professionals.”

Dr Rice added: “Lawyers in Schools is a unique form of education delivery wherein several lawyers work through a set of modules with a class who are split into small groups.

“This is the first time this model has been available in Northern Ireland and provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn about their legal rights and responsibilities.”