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Lester Aldridge was pleased to sponsor and visit St Peter’s School last week ahead of their participation in the Bar Mock Trial Regional Heat, which will take place at Oxford Crown Court on 15 November.
The Bar Mock Trial competition, run by Young Citizens with support from the Bar Council and the four Inns of Court, gives students the opportunity to take on the roles of barristers, witnesses, and court staff in real criminal cases. This year’s cases involve possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. The competition is held in real Crown Courts across the UK, with regional winners progressing to the National Final at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
St Peter’s School has a strong track record in the competition, having won seven regional heats, participated in six national finals, and represented the UK at four international Empire Mock Trial competitions in New York. Many of their alumni have gone on to study law and qualify as solicitors or barristers.
During the visit, Rebecca Bright, Senior Associate in our International Private Client team and a former St Peter’s student, and Chris Evans, Partner in our Dispute Resolution team, met with students to share insights into legal careers and offer encouragement ahead of the competition.
This initiative reflects Lester Aldridge’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people and increasing awareness of the legal profession. While our focus for this visit was on encouraging future legal talent, we continue to value and invest in programmes that promote wider access to legal careers.
Our broader initiatives include:
- Solicitor Apprenticeships: Offering an alternative route to qualification, allowing individuals to earn while they learn.
- Work Experience Placements: Welcoming students from GCSE to degree level to gain insight into legal practice.
- CILEX Pathways: Supporting non-graduate routes to qualification as lawyers.
- Career Development Funding: Providing financial support and study leave for professional development.
- University Placements: Hosting students on 40-week placements, many of whom go on to join the firm permanently.
- School and University Engagement: Attending careers fairs and offering mentoring to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
To find out more about our approach to education and opportunity, visit our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion page or explore Working at Lester Aldridge.
