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Following the success of Leeds Legal Week 2007, over 150 Leeds lawyers were again out in force last month to support 15 primary and secondary schools in the city as part of Enterprise week.

Partners and staff from 12 Leeds Law firms took part in a variety of activities aimed at promoting enterprise in schools, spearheaded by Leeds Legal and co-ordinated by Leeds Ahead in conjunction with Education Leeds. Activities included supporting the ‘Make Your Mark’ Challenge - a national enterprise competition to encourage students to develop new ideas and innovative products in response to a secret brief. Leeds Ahead also organised a number of "World of Work" events aimed at encouraging primary school children to think aspirationally about what they want to do when they grow up. Primary school children were also assisted by volunteers on the ‘Smoothie Challenge’ - a fun enterprise competition where pupils work together to develop and "take to market" the best smoothie.

During the week, over 2,770 pupils benefited from the support provided by the law firms. One head teacher remarked that ”The children benefited enormously from working in small groups with a 'new' teacher. Aside from the wonderful role-models each provided, they helped improve speaking and listening skills, writing skills and artistic creativity.”

Rosemary Edwards, a director of Leeds Legal and partner at solicitors Shulmans, said, “Education and Enterprise Week was a great success for everybody who took part and the children who got involved in the events really enjoyed themselves. I’ve received some excellent feedback from the Leeds lawyers who took part ."