Blake Morgan continues to deliver its annual Growing Ambitions scheme, helping to break down barriers to a career in law and provide young people with valuable insight into the legal profession.
The Growing Ambitions scheme is part of Blake Morgan’s ongoing commitment to improving access to legal careers for young people, particularly those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience life in a law firm.
Over the Summer, students took part in dedicated schemes in Blake Morgan’s Cardiff and Oxford offices. Working alongside housing association partners, the scheme provided practical learning, career guidance and first-hand exposure to a range of legal careers. The students met legal professionals, developed transferable workplace skills, networked with their peers and learnt more about the different departments within the firm.
Creating real career opportunities
The impact of Growing Ambitions can be seen within Blake Morgan itself. This Summer, the firm welcomed two new colleagues who previously took part in the scheme, demonstrating how Growing Ambitions is helping young people take their first steps into professional careers.
Ella Williams, who attended Growing Ambitions in 2025, recently joined Blake Morgan as a Paralegal Apprentice, while Mia Hill, a participant in the 2026 programme, has joined the firm as a Trainee Office Services Assistant.
The impact of Growing Ambitions can be seen within Blake Morgan itself. This Summer, the firm welcomed two new colleagues who previously took part in the scheme, demonstrating how Growing Ambitions is helping young people take their first steps into professional careers.
Ella Williams, who attended Growing Ambitions in 2025, recently joined Blake Morgan as a Paralegal Apprentice, while Mia Hill, a participant in the 2026 programme, has joined the firm as a Trainee Office Services Assistant.
Ella reflected on the full circle experience:
This time last year I took part in Blake Morgan LLP’s Growing Ambitions scheme, and this year, I had a hands-on approach in helping to coordinate the scheme. I had a really positive experience on the scheme, and it helped me go beyond my comfort zone. Through the Growing Ambitions scheme, I made useful connections which have led to me joining the firm as a Paralegal Apprentice, an apprenticeship I had no idea existed previously. I had assumed that university was the only option in pursuing a career in law, but the Growing Ambitions scheme has proved otherwise.
Their appointments highlight the value of investing in young people and providing them with early exposure to the workplace – helping them build confidence, develop new skills and better understand the opportunities available to them.
Giving young people access to legal careers
Growing Ambitions was created 14 years ago to tackle the barriers into the legal profession which has traditionally been perceived as difficult to access for those without established networks or experience. Blake Morgan will continue to challenge those barriers through Growing Ambitions by creating meaningful opportunities for young people to explore the profession, build confidence and gain practical experience.
Participants are able to hear directly from lawyers and business services professionals, learn about different career pathways, and gain a greater understanding of the skills required to succeed in law and beyond.
Feedback from the participants was very positive overall, with comments highlighting that “the programme gave participants the chance to build their confidence, make new connections and gain experience they can add to their CVs and talk about in future interviews.”
A successful week in Cardiff
The Cardiff scheme brought together students for a week of workshops, career insights and practical experiences designed to showcase the wide range of opportunities available within the legal sector and the community within which Blake Morgan works.
The young people had the opportunity to gain experience of what it was like to be a law student at Cardiff Metropolitan University, sample a day in the life of a trainee solicitor, hear what one of our in-house barristers do, and have a tour of the Crown Court, including sitting in on a live hearing. Other sessions covered topics including recognising threats of cyber security, earning and managing your money, equality diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and the scope and reach of law into all sectors.
Speaking about the initiative, Louise Howells, Partner at Blake Morgan and organiser of the Cardiff programme for the scheme, said:
One of the most rewarding aspects of Growing Ambitions is seeing the lasting impact it can have on young people. The fact that two former participants have since joined Blake Morgan is a fantastic example of what impact these opportunities can have. By opening doors, providing role models and offering real-world experience, we hope to inspire talented young people to see law and professional services as careers that are genuinely within their reach.
Oxford students gain hands-on legal experience
The Oxford programme was led by Emily Hunter, supported by fellow trainees and colleagues from across the firm. During the week, students spent time with a variety of legal teams including Succession and Tax, Commercial and Charities, Construction, Regulatory, Banking and Finance, Employment and Property, learning about the work undertaken by Blake Morgan and taking part in practical exercises.
Students also visited Oxford Combined Court, where they observed live hearings hosted by local Magistrate Robert Walsh JP and had the opportunity to ask questions about the justice system. They also took part in a tour and taster lecture at Oxford Brookes University’s School of Law, including a practical mooting exercise. The programme featured talks from legal and business professionals, career advice sessions, team challenges and advocacy exercises before concluding with a certificate presentation celebrating the students’ achievements.
Speaking about the Oxford week, Emily Hunter, Trainee Solicitor at Blake Morgan, commented:
The enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment shown by the students throughout the week was fantastic to see. We wanted to give participants a realistic insight into the legal profession while also helping them build confidence and develop valuable transferable skills. It was incredibly rewarding to play a part in their journey.
Investing in future talent
Growing Ambitions reflects Blake Morgan’s wider commitment to social mobility, inclusion and supporting future talent. The success of the scheme is already evident, and by creating meaningful workplace experiences, broadening access to professional networks and providing practical insights into legal careers, Blake Morgan will continue to invest in supporting young people realise their potential by pursuing careers they may not have considered previously.
