Innovation is a relevant element in all businesses and law firms are aware of this. Baker McKenzie has therefore recently announced the launch of the second edition of its leadership programme in conjunction with the Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre (NCS).

This programme, launched in 2020, aims to train students at A-Level (advanced level). Each of these programmes lasts two years and trains participants in interviewing skills, goal setting, presentation skills and more.

The project also includes training for education staff on resilience issues. 

"There are many key aspects that each sector can learn from the others, and it is important that we work together to achieve this. Without this joint effort, we will struggle to meaningfully address social mobility," says NCS director Mouhssin Ismail.

For the global president of the Banking & Finance department, Matthew Dening, this programme is a "unique partnership" that demonstrates the firm's commitment to social mobility. "It is a privilege to help nurture the abundant talent involved in this programme and to work with its dedicated and inspiring faculty".

For programme founder Andriea Vamadevan, a senior associate at Baker McKenzie, the programme focuses on "teaching 'life skills', but we also organise practical sessions where students can put into practice what we have discussed and get feedback", and reiterates the importance of finding young talent that is less exposed to big cities such as London.

Other members of the international firm have also participated in this initiative, including Matthew Legg, Mark Agnew, Henry Gee, Gabrielle Galdino-Glaeser, Chenise Howe, Aleksandar Genov, Bushra Begum, Rachele Dal Cin, Natalie Cordell, Susanna Winter, Amy Millard and Kirsty Milner.