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CBP teams up with UNSW for access to higher education project
National firm Colin Biggers & Paisley has partnered with ASPIRE, the outreach arm of the UNSW, to help disadvantaged school students pursue higher education.
Jerome Doraisamy
The firm recently held its first regional visit at Coonabarabran High School, where a handful of lawyers volunteered to spend a day with students studying commerce and legal studies.
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The CBP lawyers spoke about specific areas of law, the firm noted in a statement, to help the students “see a link between the school curriculum and real-life application”.
“They also talked to the students about pathways to pursuing a career in law, their experience as law practitioners, and the role of law in promoting a fair society,” the firm said.
The visit was a great success for both our volunteers and the students, the firm said, with partner Amanda Ryding saying “it was fantastic to spend the day with such energetic engaged people”, and that the day also provided “a window into their lives, the issues that face them and the intelligence and humour with which they face those issues.”
Solicitor Madeleine Copley added: “It was a really wonderful experience to be able to contribute to the fantastic work ASPIRE does with students in regional schools.”
Graduate Elizabeth Flatley supported this, recalling a conversation she’d had with a student who was interested in working in domestic violence law and was inspired to hear about Colin Biggers & Paisley’s pro bono work on behalf of organisations such as the Women’s Legal Service.
“It gave him a new perspective on what a career in the law looks like”, she said, “and was a pointed reminder of the importance of getting to know young people, particularly regional students who generally have reduced opportunities to meet people engaged in various professional endeavours.”
ASPIRE operations manager Gavin Greenfield said: “Colin Biggers & Paisley has been a great supporter of ASPIRE for some time and has hosted a number of events for our students in their Sydney offices.”
“Their visit to one of our regional partner schools was a new initiative and an extension of our ‘Degrees at Work’ program. It was a significant commitment for employees and partners of the company to take the time to visit Coonabarabran High School and run a series of legal workshops.
“The opportunity for students to talk to a range of professionals at different stages in their careers is extremely valuable. Not only does it bring the school curriculum to life, but it also gives students a new perspective on future possibilities and their own career paths.”
