Virtual summer school inspires the next generation of lawyers

For the first time ever, the Law Society of Scotland ran its summer school virtually this year, with more than 70 pupils from across Scotland attending. Mac Sanderson, a fifth-year pupil at Boroughmuir High School Edinburgh, discusses his experience of the virtual summer school and why it confirmed his desire to go into the law.

When I first read about the summer school through my school’s website, I was hesitant to sign up.

I was unsure if it was the right time for me to participate. Was I too young? Did I have to know what branch of law I’d like to focus on? Would I be asked questions that I wouldn’t know the answer to? Was this the right course for me? I didn’t know anything. Despite this, I eventually bit the bullet and signed up.

This decision became one of the best I made during lockdown.

Throughout my time in high school, my ideas of what I want to do when I leave have been ever-changing, but they all seem to focus around studying business and law.

I’ve been encouraged to actively pursue my interests and have contacted lawyers, law students and lecturers who I knew to ask advice. I also managed to secure a week-long summer work experience place with the in-house law department at SKY in London. Unfortunately, this fell through, much like everything else, due to coronavirus and, at that point, I felt slightly lost.

I had selected my five subjects for Highers based around what I enjoy, but also those that would provide skills that many deem important for law students. I knew I wanted to know more about the world of law, but despite having spoken to many people in the field, I still felt I was missing something.

This was when I came across the email from my school, reminding me of the opportunity of the Law Society's summer school and so I signed up.

From the first session I was captured.

We talked about the route to qualification, answering so many questions at the back of my mind, some of which I didn’t even know I had. Throughout the week of fascinating topics, question and answer sessions included stories from professionals in their field and I was provided with mounds of helpful and interesting information. The lessons that had been planned out changed my perspective and many of my preconceived ideas of the world of law.

Up to this point, the summer school will be one of the most influential experiences in shaping my desire for a career in law. The lessons and advice I’ve taken from this experience have been invaluable.

I urge anyone remotely interested in a career in law to sign up. Even if you eventually decide law is not for you, this will be the best opportunity for you to appreciate and discover the diverse world of law.

I’m very thankful for the opportunity provided by the Law Society of Scotland and hope to take my newfound knowledge onto a LLB in law in the coming years.