At Peters & Peters, we are committed to widening access to the legal profession and supporting talented students from all backgrounds. That commitment underpins our partnership with upReach, a social mobility charity that helps undergraduates from lower socio‑economic backgrounds develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to launch successful careers.

Since partnering with upReach in January 2024, we have welcomed students to a series of immersive Insight Days, mentoring cohorts and work experience schemes, all designed to give them meaningful exposure to life inside a law firm.

The Insight Day is the centrepiece of our collaboration with upReach. It is a full-day, in‑person experience that brings students into the heart of our firm to see what a career in law really looks like.

Throughout the day, students hear from a wide range of Peters & Peters professionals, including lawyers, senior management, and HR, who share their career journeys, practical advice and insights into the realities of legal practice. We also highlight the many pathways into the profession, including non‑traditional routes that do not require a university degree.

One student remarked “Hearing from associates, trainees, and paralegals allowed me to understand the role each individual plays when acting for a client.”

The day is deliberately interactive. Students take part in:

• • Speed networking with trainees, associates and business services staff
  • A Dragon’s Den–style presentation challenge
  • Team‑based problem‑solving activities
  • Workshops on communication, teamwork and professional skills

These sessions give students hands‑on experience, boost their confidence and help them prepare for future applications and assessment days.

Why this matters

For many students from lower socio‑economic backgrounds, opportunities to meet legal professionals or gain insight into the sector are limited. Our Insight Day helps bridge that gap by:

• • Demystifying the legal profession
  • Building students’ confidence through direct interaction
  • Strengthening their employability skills
  • Providing clarity about career options and next steps
  • Creating early professional networks that can support long‑term success

We consistently see students leave with greater self‑belief, sharper skills and a clearer sense of direction.