Reed Smith has been a committed supporter of The Prince's Trust since 2008. United by a shared mission to transform young lives, both organizations work to equip young people with the skills and confidence necessary to 'live, learn, and earn.'
This partnership highlights a mutual commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, with The Prince's Trust serving as a strategic social mobility partner for the firm.
The Prince’s Trust supports 11-to-30-year-olds who are unemployed, struggling at school, or at risk of exclusion. By providing courses, resources, and other support, they help young people develop essential life skills, prepare for work, and access job opportunities.
Reed Smith collaborates with the charity in several key areas:
- Ongoing Pro Bono support: Last year, Reed Smith’s pro bono contributions were valued at over £40,000, allowing The Prince’s Trust to allocate more resources towards empowering young people and making a tangible difference in their lives. Recent pro bono support has included reviewing and negotiating property contracts for the charity.
- World of Work Tours: These tours provide young people with the opportunity to speak with a panel of Reed Smith employees, ask questions, and learn about the diverse career paths within a law firm, many of which do not require legal qualifications. The tours also highlight entry-level employment roles and what recruiters look for in potential employees.
- Staff volunteering: Reed Smith employees volunteer their time to network with disadvantaged young people, offering insights into the legal industry, helping to inspire and build confidence, and developing employability skills.
- Annual Partnership Fee: An annual Partnership Fee of £10,000 to The Prince’s Trust helps equip more young people with the confidence, training, and employment opportunities they deserve.
Carole Mehigan, Reed Smith’s Responsible Business Manager (EMEA), said: “It’s been an honour to work closely with The Prince’s Trust for so many years. They make a tremendous impact in supporting young people, and we are very proud to continue our longstanding partnership with them.”
Georgia Locke, Reed Smith’s Partnership Manager at The Prince’s Trust said: “At the Prince’s Trust, we are passionate about ensuring every young person has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. Our long-standing partnership with Reed Smith has been essential in achieving our mission. Reed Smith’s enthusiasm and dedication has empowered countless young individuals, equipping them with the skills and confidence to explore careers in law, while also dispelling the misconception that only qualified lawyers can pursue such careers. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact and look forward to seeing our partnership grow even further!"