Legal Careers Event Inspires North Wales Pupils
Last week, the University welcomed almost 300 Year 9 pupils from across North Wales for a bilingual legal careers event designed to raise aspirations and promote opportunities within the region.
The event was developed by the School of History, Law and Social Sciences in partnership with the local judiciary and Careers Wales, with support from the Reaching Wider programme, which funded transport for participating schools. The aim was to encourage pupils to consider careers in law, and importantly, to explore pathways that would enable them to build those careers in North Wales.
A key focus of the day was the value of Welsh language skills in the legal profession. Employers across the sector report ongoing challenges in recruiting Welsh-speaking colleagues, and sessions highlighted the benefits of working bilingually.
The programme featured a series of interactive workshops delivered by senior members of the judiciary, solicitors, barristers, prison service, the Crown Prosecution Service and North Wales Police. Using a real murder case from Wrexham, pupils followed the journey of an investigation, learning how different professionals contribute at each stage.
Activities included a mock bail application, cross-examination exercises, and a session on sentencing and rehabilitation. Pupils were encouraged to take part, gaining first-hand experience of legal processes. A police dog demonstration also proved particularly popular.
The day concluded with a talk from High Court Judge Sir Matthew James Nicklin FRSA, who shared insights from his career in law.
Tracey Horton, senior lecturer in law, said, 鈥 It was a real challenge to fit so many sessions into one day, but it was important to give pupils a broad insight into careers available in the legal sector. The day was a huge success, and the pupils were highly engaged. We hope the experience will inspire them to consider further education and future careers in law.鈥
Mr Justice Matthew Nicklin, who attended the event and delivered a speech to the pupils said 鈥"It is vitally important that the legal profession and the judiciary reflect the communities they serve. A justice system is stronger, fairer and more effective when it draws on the widest possible range of talent and experience. In Wales, that must include encouraging and supporting the next generation of Welsh-speaking lawyers, judges and magistrates. Events of this kind play an important part in widening horizons, inspiring ambition and helping young people to see that a career in law, or within the justice system more broadly, is open to them."