National law firm Clarke Willmott has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young people and driving social mobility by taking part in two NextGen events at Richard Huish College in Taunton.
Partner Laura Mackain-Bremner attended a networking event where she joined a panel of local business leaders answering student questions at the Somerset and Taunton Chambers of Commerce forum, which connected professionals with students to share career insights and opportunities.
Laura also took part in the 2025 CareerFest for Year 1 students, where the campus was transformed into a hub of opportunity and inspiration and where students were connected with a number of career and progression pathways.
“It was inspiring to meet so many engaged and enthusiastic students and to help demystify the path into professional careers like law,” said Laura, who is a partner in Clarke Willmott’s commercial and private client litigation team in Taunton.
“Events like NextGen are so important because they give young people the chance to ask real questions and gain practical advice that’s often hard to come by unless you have existing connections in the business world.
“From personal experience, I know how a single conversation with a professional can boost confidence and help shape your direction and confidence. I was glad to provide that support and equally grateful to learn from the students about what matters most to them as they plan their futures.”
The networking session gave students a chance to ask about applications, CV tips, and careers, while helping businesses understand their aspirations and priorities.
The CareerFest featured a careers fair in the Sports Hall, where students had the chance to connect with representatives from over 70 employers and universities.
In the Huish Theatre, an Employer Panel was held which featured Laura Mackain-Bremner and three other local business professionals.
Clarke Willmott’s involvement at NextGen events reflects its broader commitment to increasing access to the legal profession and promote equity and inclusion.
The firm’s annual paid internship vacation scheme gives participants valuable insight into day-to-day life at the firm, offering the chance to work with a team of specialists in a particular area of law, doing real work with expert supervision.
The scheme uses anonymised shortlisting and inclusive recruitment practices to create equal opportunities for all applicants.
Clarke Willmott is also continuing its national partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF), which works to create equal opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is welcoming three SMF participants to its Summer Vacation Scheme this year.
Staff at the firm provide mentoring, CV and application support, and employability skills training to young people from low socio-economic backgrounds, many of whom lack the networks and opportunities to break into competitive industries like law.
These initiatives form part of Clarke Willmott’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) commitments to build a stronger, more representative legal profession and business community.
