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Local legal trainees break down barriers with the help of Shaw Trust and the CPS. A trail-blazing joint initiative set up by national employment charity Shaw Trust and the Lancashire Crown Prosecution Service has given two local fledgling legal eagles the chance to spread their wings. The scheme - the first of its kind in the UK - has proved to be such a success that organisers hope that it will open doors for other Shaw Trust clients to enjoy legal work experience across the country. The three day job shadowing exercise was organised after CPS Lancashire Learning and Development Manager Jenny Bradford met up with Shaw Trust Preston's Senior Employment Consultant Pauline Butler at a careers fair. The CPS was looking for ways to build links with disability organisations, in an ongoing drive to increase recruitment of disabled people as part of its equality and diversity policy. Shaw Trust - which is the UK leading's provider of employment services for people disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or social circumstances - is always looking for work placement openings as clients progress towards employment. Former Preston housing officer Eddie Slater LL.B, MA, M.Phil, who retrained in law, was invited to shadow Higher Court Advocate, and District Judge, Duncan Birrell, who has just won a national award for his work for the prosecution on the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers case. Graduate Joanne O'Hare B.Hons, who has just finished her first term of a CPE law conversion course to add to her Cultural Studies degree, joined Higher Court Advocate Hilary Banks, who holds an Award from the Lancashire Criminal Justice Board for her sensitive prosecution of a Domestic Murder case. The Shaw Trust clients, who are both struggling to get back into the world of work after health crises, say that the experience has given them new impetus to achieve their ambitions. "I'd like to thank Shaw Trust and the CPS on a big scale for making me feel like a person again," said Joanne, 40, who had a nervous breakdown triggered by the tragic death of her boyfriend six years ago. "When you have been out of work for some time, it takes an enormous effort to summon up the courage to push yourself back out there. Everyone at the CPS was so welcoming and patient - in fact I don't think I've worked in a nicer office. "Pauline has worked hard to give me back my confidence and assertiveness, and now I feel I could take on the world," added Joanne, from Fulwood, who aims eventually to specialise in disability law. Hilary Banks, who has invited Joanne back three time since her initial visit, was full of praise for her shadower. "As a CPS trainer I have been committed to training and mentoring staff for many years. I was delighted to be able to assist Joanne, and due to her extensive knowledge of current legal issues, she was able to give me real assistance in Court," she said. "I found the experience challenging and rewarding, and I have no doubt that Joanne will succeed in her ambition to qualify as a Lawyer. I hope to maintain contact with her and follow her progress, and she will always be welcome to join me at Court to advance her studies." Eddie Slater, 56, who has been desperately seeking work in the legal profession ever since he was called to the Bar, at Gray's Inn, six years ago, said the experience was a big morale booster. "It got me back into the swing of things because you get to the stage when you feel like there's no point getting up in the mornings," explained Eddie, who came to Shaw Trust for help after recovering from a brain operation to remove a Hemangioblastoma-induced cyst in 2004. "I've got all these qualifications and it makes me feel sick to the back teeth that I can't get a job as a barrister because there are so few pupilages available each year. My placement with the CPS renewed my desire and enthusiasm to actively seek employment in the legal profession again." Duncan Birrell added: "The CPS got as much out of this exercise as Eddie and Joanne evidently did, and both are welcome to apply for any position within the organisation. "This is not a 'tick box' exercise for us but a meaningful part of our drive to ensure that CPS Lancashire is an open and transparent Service with a workforce that reflects the community we serve." Shaw Trust's Pauline Butler said: "This is a first for us and for the CPS, and we applaud the CPS' commitment to equality and diversity. Hopefully other public organisations will follow their example." www.shaw-trust.org.uk
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