Excello Law’s Pearlford Foundation is launching Pathways to Law, a pilot internship programme that gives talented young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds paid work experience in the business and operations of a law firm. For many, this kind of experience is difficult to gain because of their background. Pathways to Law is designed to change that.
Participants gain real-life experience, are supported by mentorship throughout, and have the opportunity to add value by working on a focused project task. Rather than a one-off talk or a single day of shadowing, they spend real time within the firm.
The Foundation has chosen to partner with The Brokerage, an independent social mobility charity dedicated to breaking down barriers to professional careers, to deliver the programme.
Why The Brokerage
The Brokerage’s mission aligns closely with our own. For young people, the charity provides the skills, networks and opportunities to thrive, ensuring that background never limits potential. For employers, it connects businesses with outstanding, diverse talent, helping them access the full talent pool to drive innovation and growth. As an independent not-for-profit, The Brokerage champions a workforce where success is defined by talent, not background, and works to create meaningful experiences that open doors, build confidence and shape futures.
That shared commitment to talent over background made The Brokerage the natural partner to help the Pearlford Foundation deliver Pathways to Law.
“We are delighted to be partnering with The Brokerage on this pilot programme,” says George Bisnought, Founder of the Pearlford Foundation and CEO of Excello Law. “I have been very fortunate to meet people who have been influential in my choice of career. The Brokerage’s work in connecting talented young people with real opportunities is therefore exactly the kind of impact the Pearlford Foundation was set up to support, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together.”
About the Pearlford Foundation
The Pearlford Foundation sits at the heart of what Excello Law stands for. Founded by CEO George Bisnought, and inspired by the resilience shown by his parents as part of the Windrush generation, the Foundation reflects a personal belief that talent exists everywhere, even where opportunity does not, and that the legal profession is stronger when it draws from the widest possible pool of people. The Foundation focuses on mentorship, bursaries and community support to make the legal profession more accessible to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Get Involved
If you are interested in partnering with Excello Law’s Pearlford Foundation or taking part in Pathways to Law, please email hr@excellolaw.co.uk
