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Employment law on the curriculum for Carson McDowell in new 'law school' for north

Pictured at the first Lawyers in Schools session are Matthew Barrow, a member of the first class at Priory Integrated College; Jacqueline McAleese, programme volunteer and partner at Carson McDowell; Dr Anne Rice, Northern Ireland coordinator for the Citizenship Foundation; and Jacqueline Magennis, principal of Priory Integrated College
Pictured at the first Lawyers in Schools session are Matthew Barrow, a member of the first class at Priory Integrated College; Jacqueline McAleese, programme volunteer and partner at Carson McDowell; Dr Anne Rice, Northern Ireland coordinator for the Citi Pictured at the first Lawyers in Schools session are Matthew Barrow, a member of the first class at Priory Integrated College; Jacqueline McAleese, programme volunteer and partner at Carson McDowell; Dr Anne Rice, Northern Ireland coordinator for the Citizenship Foundation; and Jacqueline Magennis, principal of Priory Integrated College

CARSON McDowell has become the first law firm to deliver the Lawyers in Schools programme to young people in Northern Ireland.

The partnership with the Citizenship Foundation, funded by the Legal Education Foundation, will see nine solicitors from the firm volunteer their time to help young people learn about their rights and responsibilities across a number of areas including social media, employment law, intellectual property and police powers.

Last year, more than 1,200 students in the UK and Australia were involved in the Lawyers in School programme, receiving mentoring from 500 legal volunteers.

As specialists in Northern Irish legislation, Carson McDowell volunteered its time and expertise to adapt the programme to the jurisdiction and is supporting the pilot delivery at Priory Integrated College in Holywood.

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 Anne Rice, Northern Ireland coordinator for the Citizenship Foundation, added: "Bringing Lawyers in Schools pilot to Priory Integrated College is a positive step forward for Northern Ireland.

"Carson McDowell’s support in the delivery of the programme is an essential part of our aim to promote citizenship among young people."