Weil’s got WOW factor: an unmissable aspiration session
News article from March 13, 2017
A group of ten children and parents from Montem Primary School spent the morning at law firm Weil, Gotshal and Manges this week. The families interviewed employees including trainees, lawyers, support staff and Weil’s Facilities Manager about their work and how they ended up at Weil. Some of the facts were very surprising – who knew that secretaries at law firms need to work night shifts?! Staff explained the difference between criminal and civil law, and barristers and solicitors. Children and parents got to understand just how much goes into keeping an international law firm running efficiently by talking to the wide variety of employees.
Next, the group enjoyed a tour of the building, meeting the reprographic guys who thought they might have a monster in the photocopier! They took copies of the children’s hands that came out looking like werewolf hands – luckily, everyone was safe as it wasn’t a full moon out. The amazing roof terrace was also a definite hit, with stunning views of London and the Royal Courts of Justice.
Lunch and a quiz for the children rounded things off, and a hard fought battle of ‘Heads and Tails’ went seventeen rounds before we got to two finalists. Billy and Luke battled it out, holding their nerve through a range of questions on Weil’s business – they knew the revenue figure exactly, where the Head Office is, and how many staff work for the firm!
Thanks very much for having us, Weil, Gotshal and Manges. Judging by comments below, this was a brilliant aspiration session!
Mum of girl aged 10: “I am really very happy I came today, this is really interesting, I had an appointment today and I am so glad I was able to be here, this has given me some ideas to talk about with my daughter now I understand something about law firms – it’s an amazing building.”
L
uke aged 9: “Really fun and interesting to see about other people’s jobs, and how the view is, and how big the building is, and how many floors there are, and how big it is here, and how many people work here and just everything!”
Sumaya, aged 10: “I liked today because it was really good, I didn’t know there was so many jobs, I only thought there were lawyers and judges working here, but there’s lots of people doing lots of different jobs. I’ve loved it today, this has been the best trip ever in Year Five.”
Mum of boy aged 10: “I didn’t realise there are so many departments – this has been amazing, I’m so glad I came today.”
Taymour Keen – Associate: “It was a brilliant event, I’m very passionate about social mobility so was very keen to take part. I was very impressed by how engaged the children were and the interesting questions they were asking. I’m confident they left the event with a better understanding of the world of work and hopefully feeling inspired to work hard and raise their aspirations.”
Barbara Coogan – Evening Secretary: “A very good session. The children were very interested and asked lots of questions. I think it made them think about how you can help yourself to progress.”