Bristows was delighted to host 12 fantastic year 12 students for its second annual Joe Sako Summer Workshop. Between 10-13 July, these students visited our offices to learn more about a career in law and a variety of legal practice areas, to develop their soft skills in a series of presentations, practical sessions and workshops, and to network with a diverse range of people from all roles across the firm.

The sessions included a trip to the Royal Courts of Justice to sit in on a case following a mock trial (complete with bundle props!), a speed networking session, a tour of the firm, workshops on application and interview hints and tips, routes into law and networking skills, as well as a variety of presentations covering intellectual property (including what it is and when it appears in the news), disputes, data protection and libel, and a regulatory law session on medical devices.

The annual Workshop offers a bespoke experience for students who meet aspects of the PRIME criteria, are interested in a career in law and who may not otherwise have an opportunity to undertake work experience in a law firm. It is organised and hosted by Bristows in memory of Joe Sako, an exceptional Associate at Bristows whose untimely passing in 2019 from meningitis has seen Joe deeply missed by all his friends and colleagues at Bristows. As Joe was incredibly passionate about increasing diversity in the legal profession, and was heavily involved in Bristows’ previous work experience schemes with the Social Mobility Foundation, setting up this workshop in Joe’s memory is a very fitting tribute.

It was therefore great to receive such positive participant feedback which included “a wonderful and amazing experience”, “loved the welcoming environment” and “something I will never forget”. We hope this year’s attendees enjoyed their experience with us and we look forward to hosting another great group of students next year!