Pathways to Law

Our flagship project in this area is the Pathways to Law programme – a £1.5m initiative developed by The Sutton Trust and The College of Law, with support from major law firms, to inspire and support academically-able students from non-privileged backgrounds interested in a career in law. 

Modelled on a scheme developed at the University of Edinburgh, Pathways to Law was established in 2007 and is delivered by five universities – Leeds, London School of Economics, Manchester, Southampton and Warwick – in collaboration with the regional centres of the College of Law.  The Pathways programme comprises a sustained series of interventions over two years: university-based sessions, including academic lectures and seminar discussions; careers and university advice; e-mentoring by current law students; a guaranteed work placement with a top law firm; a three-night residential conference; and the use of a library of law-related information and news.

The third cohort of over 250 students joined the programme in September 2009 and is due to complete the programme in July 2011.  In total, at least 1,000 students will benefit from the scheme over the lifetime of the project.  Initial tracking of the first group of students to the programme suggests a significant impact – with half being successfully admitted to leading research-led universities and three quarters pursuing subjects which lead to a career in the law.

The coming year is likely to see an expansion of the project: with substantial backing from the College of Law, the project will extend to more universities and continue beyond its initial five year phase.