PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Legal Education Foundation

Pathways to Law Annual Report 2013 Contents

Foreword Background The Programme Student Destinations and Evaluation Plans for Phase III Partners 3 4 6 9 17 18

Foreword
Pathways to Law is now into its sixth year, and over 2,000 students have passed through the programme since its inception. Pathways was set up in response to research by the Sutton Trust which showed that the top echelons of the legal profession were drawn from a relatively narrow range of social backgrounds. The programme continues to attract bright and talented sixth-form students who without the support, advice and experience that the programme offers might not even consider applying to leading universities, let alone pursuing a career in law. Pathways to Law is unique in terms of its scale and the extent of support that it offers. Students have the opportunity to experience university - and working-life, as well as access to expert advice and guidance on their university applications, and on-going mentoring from current undergraduate students. Our evaluation of Pathways to Law suggests that these types of interventions throughout students sixth-form studies and the university application process are crucial. Of course the programme could not succeed without the support of the Legal Education Foundation, formerly the College of Law, the various universities which host Pathways students, and the firms that offer work placements and other opportunities to the students. We are very grateful to all of these organisations for their on-going support. In this report we look at what Pathways to Law has achieved to date we can feel proud of these achievements, and of course proud of the students themselves. But we also need to look at what lies ahead for Pathways. While we are making progress towards widening access to the legal profession, through initiatives such as Pathways and PRIME, there is clearly still a long way to go. We know that students whose parents are professionals themselves and who are from better-off homes and in fee-paying schools are still significantly more likely to realise a career in law. We also know that many law firms continue to recruit from a small number of universities, and so widening access to these universities is essential. We firmly believe the need for Pathways still exists and that is why we are hoping to develop a third phase of the programme, which would see the continuation and evolution of the existing activities, as well as an extension of the support we offer into the undergraduate years. It is an important and exciting time for Pathways and for access to the professions generally. Sir Peter Lampl Chairman, The Sutton Trust Chairman, The Education Endowment Foundation

Robyn Holmes Pathways host university: Leeds Reading Law at the University of Leeds I initially chose the Pathways to Law scheme at the start of sixth form as I knew that law interested me, and I wished to gain a better insight into how to succeed and what being a barrister or solicitor actually involved. Previously, having never met anyone in the profession, the opportunity to do so with my Pathways peers was invaluable. From the scheme I not only gained information, support for the UCAS application process and work experience in a top commercial law firm (DLA Piper), but I also gained a number of friendships that Ive carried to university with me.

PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Background
Pathways to Law was established in 2007 by The Sutton Trust and The College of Law to improve access and social mobility within the legal profession. Since then, over 2,000 students have benefitted from participating in the Pathways programme with the sixth cohort commencing in Autumn 2012. During 2012 the College of Law was sold and the re-named Legal Education Foundation became the main sponsor of Pathways to Law. The programme supports Year 12 and 13 students throughout the two years of their A level (or equivalent) studies by providing a variety of activities including events arranged by the participating universities; a work placement (usually at a commercial law firm); sessions arranged by our supporters including the College of Law / Legal Education Foundation, barrister chambers and the Inner Temple; and the Pathways National Conference. The programme ends with a Graduation Ceremony hosted by the Law Society. Some members of the first cohort are currently studying the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) having graduated from university in July 2012, and an extensive survey of all Pathways alumni has identified many more who will be following a similar route into the legal profession in subsequent years. The Sutton Trust also supports the PRIME work experience initiative, which is an extremely positive development in the sector. PRIME is a framework for ensuring fair access to high quality work experience rather than a programme of activity in itself - and is entirely complementary to Pathways and its aims. The Universities The Pathways programme is delivered by seven Russell Group universities - Bristol, Leeds, London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), Manchester, Southampton, University College London (UCL), and Warwick - who provide an extensive range of sessions delivered locally at the respective institution alongside visits to courts, law firms, chambers and nationally organised events. Each university has a dedicated widening participation professional who is responsible for the promotion of Pathways through the local network of eligible schools and colleges, the recruitment and selection of students, and inputs into the design and delivery of the programme. The Students Students wishing to participate in Pathways are required to complete a detailed application form, which includes a 1,000 word personal statement detailing why they want to join the programme, their interest in law and the qualities they will bring to the programme if selected. The application also includes information about the parent(s) or carer(s) and a reference from their school or college. The applications are judged against the nationally agreed selection criteria, which are that all successful applicants: are attending a state school or college have obtained mostly grades A*, A or B at GSCE have demonstrated they are interested in a career in law and that they are committed to participate fully in the programme will be the first in their family to attend higher education. And as many applicants as possible will also: reside within 50 miles of the university come from backgrounds which are relatively disadvantaged, as evidenced by: estimated household income and/or socio-economic group; and/or in receipt of free school meals; and/or have spent significant periods in public care. In the future, we intend to bring the Pathways selection criteria in line with those of PRIME. Management The programme is centrally managed by The Sutton Trust with strategic contributions from The College of Law / Legal Education Foundation, Donor Partners and representative from the seven participating universities. Two committees the Pathways Advisory Group (with representatives from the Donor Partners) and the Pathways Operational Group (made up of representatives from the universities and delivery partners) each meet four times a year to oversee recruitment and selection, and delivery, and to monitor and evaluate the programme. Funding The bulk of the funding for the Pathways programme is provided by The Legal Education Foundation, with some from The Sutton Trust, which is supplemented by donations received from firms and organisations within the legal profession. Further information about our donor partners can be found on pages 18 and 19.

PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

The Programme
University Sessions Each university has autonomy over the local elements of Pathways, and the number and content of the sessions have been refined since 2007 to provide an extensive and stimulating series of events for students in the two years they are on the scheme. The programme comprises a mixture of academic sessions including lectures and seminars alongside workshops, moots and other interactive events, as well as sessions delivered by external speakers from the profession including barristers, solicitors, trainees, and HR professionals. There are also contributions from current law undergraduates who, in some cases, are Pathways alumni. E-Mentoring One of the key elements of Pathways is the web-based mentoring programme. Delivered in association with Brightside, and funded entirely by donations from the profession, each student is allocated a current law undergraduate student (normally in their second year) who is their mentor for two years. The discussions are varied and provide a vital extra layer of support to the Pathways students. Topics which are often discussed include current reported cases, studying law, practising law, which area of the profession to go into, work experience, university applications (personal statements, university choices, and the Law National Admission Test), finance, study techniques, and student life, as well as music, sport, film and other personal interests. Students are encouraged to contact their mentors on a weekly basis and the online relationship is monitored to comply with child protection policies. The students can also use the Bright Knowledge library of resources which includes articles about studying law, famous cases and profiles of legal professionals alongside careers and university advice and guidance. Placements Another important element of the programme is the opportunity for Pathways students to take up a three-to five-day work placement at one of our partner law firms. These placements enable students to experience working life in the legal sector, and have proved to be one of the most popular and informative elements of the programme. The opportunity to work with trainees and speak with fee earners and partners, as well as graduate recruitment professionals, has provided a valuable and unique insight into the profession for Pathways students, and is something which has greatly enhanced their university applications. Placements have also been provided by some chambers for those students with a particular interest in the bar, and these have been extremely well received. The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple Pathways has established a key relationship with Inner Temple which provides three events per year to Pathways students interested in pursuing a career at the bar. These have been a great source of information with leading barristers giving up their time to lead sessions and participate in panel discussions. The sessions have also included visits to the Old Bailey, the Royal Courts of Justice and the Supreme Court giving Pathways students, especially those from outside London, an additional valuable experience. Pathways alumni also have the opportunity to apply for the Inner Temples prestigious Pegasus Access Scheme. Pathways National Conference The Pathways National Conference is held in July each year at The University of Warwick. It is a four-day / three-night residential event which brings all seven groups of Pathways students together for a unique legally-focused conference. The event includes the study of ten specific topics, and the development of soft skills such as academic research, presentation skils and teamwork, as well as providing a real university experience. Topics discussed, debated and presented at the conferences have included adverse possession, assisted suicide, charities and trusts, death penalty, defamation, House of Lords reform, human rights, knife crime, rights of a child, right to privacy, right to protest, right to strike, same-sex marriage and terrorism. This is another element which is wholly funded by the legal profession and one which has been supported enthusiastically over the five years. The conference includes a gala dinner on the last evening and, in the last couple of years, the guests of honour were current President of The Law Society, John Wotton in 2011 and Lucy Scott-Moncrieff in 2012. Pathways Graduation Ceremony Another element of the programme which has become an annual tradition, the Graduation Ceremony, has taken place four times, on each occasion held in the splendid setting of The Law Societys Common Room in Chancery Lane, London. Students from across the seven locations who have successfully completed the programme gather in London for the Graduation Ceremony. The latest graduates, in 2012, were presented with their awards by the retiring Senior Academic Registrar of The College of Law, Prof. Richard de Friend.

PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Student Destinations and Evaluation

Anisha Polson Pathways host university: Manchester Read Law at The University of Cambridge Graduated in 2012 Currently studying the LPC It was my experience on Pathways to Law that truly cemented my choice to read Law at Cambridge. I was able to explore different aspects of law through a variety of events organised by the programme. I really enjoyed the National Conference at Warwick University and I found the work experience offered through Pathways at a solicitors firm and at a barristers Chambers invaluable. These are opportunities that I would never have come across outside the Pathways to Law scheme. I believe that being a part of Pathways had a really positive impact on my university applications because it showed my commitment towards the subject and a desire to learn more about it. I also met some really ambitious and motivated students from different walks of life who have inspired me to work hard and pursue my dreams! Summary 13% of Pathways students were admitted to their host Pathways university, and 22% were admitted to one of the Pathways universities 85% applied to at least one Russell Group university and 59% to at least one 1994 Group university Almost half (47%) were accepted at either a Russell Group or 1994 Group university 42% of students were accepted at one of the 20 leading law universities, compared with 34% of a comparison group of similar students 61% were accepted onto law courses. Pathways to Law is evaluated by tracking Pathways students through the UCAS system. The latest tracking data we have is for the third cohort of Pathways students who completed the programme in 2011, and this information has been compared with similar students applying to university at the same time. The analysis includes the five universities participating in the programme at the time; UCL and Bristol joined the programme for cohort four. Methodology Information about Pathways students was provided by the host universities and this was matched to data held by UCAS as a result of applications to higher education made by these students. There were 275 places available on the third cohort of Pathways to Law and 174 students successfully completed the programme of these, 127 were matched in the UCAS database for the 2011 cycle. We have used this data to look at the characteristics of Pathways graduates and to evaluate outcomes in terms of applications to higher education. We have also contrasted these students with other students from similar backgrounds by making use of two comparison groups drawn from the whole UCAS database. Profile of students Table 1 summarises the students by institution and gender. Table 1: Students by Pathways to Law host institution and gender
Matched Institution Female Male Total in 2011 UCAS Data Leeds LSE Manchester Southampton Warwick Total 23 47 18 20 21 129 9 10 16 7 3 45 32 57 34 27 24 174 22 39 28 21 17 127

In all the institutions except Manchester, girls outnumbered boys by a considerable margin. This was most marked in Warwick, where only three boys successfully completed the programme.

PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Table 2: Ethnic background (students matched to 2011 UCAS data)

Ethnic background Asian - Bangladeshi Asian - Chinese Asian - Indian Asian - Other Asian background Asian - Pakistani Black - African Black - Caribbean Black - Other black background Mixed - White and Asian Mixed - White and Black African Other ethnic background Unknown or Prefer Not To Say White Total
Percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding.

that over 95% of successful applicants to Pathways are the first in their family to go to university. The Polar2 classification produced by HEFCE (the Higher Education Funding Council for England) links individuals postcodes to the higher education participation rates of people in the same area. Table 3 shows that 29% of students were from the two lowest quintiles of Polar2 (the areas with the lowest higher education participation rates).
1

% 4 2 5 4 11 9 4 2 0 1 2 1 57 100

59% applied to at least one 1994 Group university 95% applied to at least one of the 20 leading law universities2 69% of the applications were for law courses.3

Table 4: Distribution of tariff scores of accepted students

Tariff score range Up to 239 240 - 299 300 - 399 400 - 499 500 and over Total
Percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding.

% 6 10 30 29 24 100

Table 3: Polar2 classification of students matched to 2011 UCAS data

Quintiles of Polar2 Lowest participation rate % 13 16 27 21 Highest participation rate Unknown Total
Percentages may not sum to 100 because of rounding.

24 1 100

Acceptances 91% of Pathways students applying in the 2011 cycle were accepted at university, and 61% of students who applied were accepted onto law courses. 88% of students from families with no history of higher education were successful in obtaining a place. Perhaps surprisingly, the lowest success rate was for those from areas in the highest quintile of higher education participation based on Polar2, with 25 out of 30 students accepted (83%). The tariff scores of accepted students had a mean of 403 where a score of 420 would be 3 A grades at A level and one AS with an A grade although scores ranged from 0 to 800. Table 4 summarises the distribution of scores. 16% of those accepted had scores of less than 300.

Looking in more detail at the types of universities at which students were accepted: 13% of applicants were accepted at their host Pathways university 22% were accepted at one of the seven Pathways universities 47% were accepted at a research-led university 42% were accepted at one of the leading 20 law universities.

Table 2 summarises the ethnic background of the Pathways graduates matched to the UCAS database. Almost 60% of these students were from white backgrounds. The next biggest groups were for students from Pakistani and Black African backgrounds. Of those with known data, 83% of the Pathways students applying to UCAS said that their parents had no higher education qualifications, and 17% were from families with higher education. Pathways is now attracting more first generation students initial data from later cohorts suggest

Applications The third cohort of Pathways students made 621 university applications in total. Within this figure: 50% of students applied to the host Pathway institution 73% applied to at least one Pathways institution 85% applied to at least one Russell Group university

1 See www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/polar/polar2/ 2 These are The University of Birmingham, The University of Bristol, The University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Durham University, University of Exeter, The University of Kent , Kings College London, University of Leeds, The University of Liverpool, London School of Economics and Political Science, The University of Manchester, Newcastle University, The University of Nottingham, Oxford University, Queen Mary: University of London, University of Southampton, University of Sussex, University College London and The University of Warwick.

3 Analysis of previous cohorts has considered how many students applied for courses in law or which could lead to a postgraduate conversion course to law. For the third cohort, for simplicity and clarity, we have considered instead the number of students applying for courses with a substantial law element UCAS classifies courses by key words with up to two key words per course, and so for this analysis a law course is one where either of these key words is law.

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Jessica Smith Pathways host university: Leeds Read Law at University of Leeds, LPC at College of Law York Currently a Trainee Solicitor at DLA Piper Having enjoyed studying law at A-level, I was keen to find out more about law at university and a legal career, although this proved difficult having only limited contacts in the legal sector. Being involved with Pathways to Law gave me a great insight into studying law at University, and the information on the application process and obtaining work experience proved invaluable. Attending the National Conference enabled me to experience first-hand life at University and confirmed that higher education was something that I wished to pursue. Visiting the University of Leeds and attending the Pathways sessions further prepared me for studying law. Having struggled to get legal work experience in the corporate sector, it was fantastic to have the opportunity to complete a placement at a large corporate firm, providing a much needed insight into my chosen career and boost to my CV. I was extremely fortunate to be mentored by a solicitor at DLA Piper. Having a mentor enabled me to find out more about the profession and the opportunity to regularly attend the office gave me an insight into the work and culture of the firm. One of the crucial factors when considering which firms to apply to was the culture of the firm and atmosphere in the office; without Pathways I would not have had this experience. Taking part in Pathways to Law was a fantastic opportunity.

Comparisons with non-Pathways students To compare Pathways students with non-Pathways students, two groups were selected from all applicants in the 2011 UCAS cycle: Group 1: applicants with no parental experience of higher education and who achieved a tariff score of 300 points or above Group 2: applicants who fall into Polar2 groups 1-4 and who achieved a tariff score of 300 points or above. These groups, consisting of students from similar academic and social backgrounds to the target group for Pathways to Law, provide a means of assessing the value added provided by Pathways. The relatively small number of Pathways students, and the difficulty of identifying similar students within the overall UCAS database, for example in terms of aspirations and interest in law, mean that these comparisons are indicative rather than definitive. Table 5 summarises the characteristics of Pathways to Law graduates and students in the two comparison groups. In most respects, the comparator groups are well matched with the Pathways to Law graduates. Females are more highly represented in the Pathways to Law group than in the two comparison groups: UCAS data shows that about two thirds of applicants for law are female so it is not surprising that there is a lower proportion of females in the two comparison groups, which are not defined by subject.

Table 5: Student characteristics

Pathways to Law graduates Gender - Male 24% Comparison group 1 39% Comparison group 2 58%

- Female

76%

61%

42%

No parental experience of higher education Percentage with tariff of at least 300 (those accepted at HE only) Average tariff (those accepted at HE only)

83%

100%

31%

84%

100%

100%

408

409

414

Percentage in lowest two quintiles of Polar2

29%

29%

31%

Number of students

127

51,360

120,370

Table 6: Acceptances to university

Percentage of applicants who were accepted at: Pathways graduates Any university 91% A Pathways to Law host university 22% A research-led university 47% One of the 20 leading law universities 42%

Comparison Group 1

89%

12%

54%

34%

Comparison Group 2

89%

11%

55%

34%

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PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

None of the Pathways graduates, but over 10% of the comparison groups, were from independent schools. Pathways to Law graduates were much more likely to be accepted onto law courses than were those in the comparison groups (61% for Pathways graduates, and 6% for each comparison group) and to be accepted at leading law universities. (42% compared to 34%). In considering these outcomes, it is important to remember that while all three groups of students have a similar average tariff score, 16% of the Pathways graduates had tariff scores of less than 300 (e.g. 3 A levels at grade B), whereas all students in the comparison group had tariff scores of 300 or above. These results suggest that Pathways to Law is adding value in relation to acceptance at a Russell Group university or one of the 20 leading law universities (these two groups do, of course, overlap).

Conclusions As for earlier cohorts, the third cohort of Pathways to Law was, overall, successful in recruiting students from its target group (academically able, from families without experience of higher education, and from areas with low levels of participation in higher education). It was also successful in terms of outcomes, with Pathways graduates more likely to apply to, and be accepted at, research-led universities and/or one of the 20 leading law universities. It is also evident that the programme helped host universities to develop a strong link with Pathways graduates, with 13% of them being accepted at their host university. When the third cohort started, there were 275 places available on the Pathways programme, and 174 students (63%) completed the programme successfully. Of the other 101 students, some may have dropped out for good reasons such as a change in personal circumstances, or the realisation that law and even university was not the route they wished to pursue which could be regarded as a positive outcome. It may be that even those who did not graduate from the programme gained enough from it to enhance their chances of getting a place at a leading university. In future evaluations we will be exploring why some students do not complete the programme, and we will look at measures to help mitigate this.

Warren Wellington Pathways host university: LSE Reading Law at the University of Leeds Although I had intended going to University, I knew relatively little about becoming a lawyer. This was not helped by the many misconceptions I had of the profession. Living in an area where the percentage of people who progress to Higher Education was significantly below average meant advice and guidance were not easily obtained. I applied to Pathways to Law at LSE with hopes of receiving such advice, which I got and a lot more. As a Pathways student I was exposed to: networking sessions with established solicitors and barristers; lectures from LSE professors; visits to the Inns of Court and Supreme Court; and mentoring from Law students. These gave me an invaluable insight into access to the legal profession. It also introduced me to the corporate aspects of the law in practice through informative presentations and my work experience placement at Pinsent Masons LLP. The Pathways summer conference was a great opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge on university life by staying on campus at Warwick for three days. This confirmed my initial desire to go to university after being discouraged by the increase in student fees. One of the Leeds Pathways Ambassadors had particularly impressed me when he told me of Leeds campus university and friendly environment, thus leading to my further research and subsequent application. I believe Pathways played a large part in helping me to remain motivated and equipping me with the relevant experience. Overall I wholly recommend this programme to anyone who is interested in studying the law.

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PATHWAYS TO LAW ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Plans for Phase III of Pathways to Law

Pathways to Law has been running since 2007. Since then the issues of social mobility and access to the professions have become more prominent. The legal profession has made good progress towards increasing accessibility but there is still a long way to go. The need for Pathways to Law the only activity of its type of such a significant scale certainly still exists. Under a third phase of Pathways, due to start in September 2013, the programme would evolve to include the continuation and development of the existing pre-university Core Pathways Programme, and the development of a new component Pathways Plus. This would extend support into undergraduate years for a number of Pathways, and other, students, boosting further their chances of entering the profession on graduation. We are currently consulting law firms and the Legal Education Foundation about these proposals. The Sutton Trust is also interested in developing the Pathways model in other professions. Pathways to Property at Reading University is already underway, and plans for work in other areas are being developed.

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Pathways Partners
We are very grateful to the Legal Education Foundation, formerly The College of Law, for its support of the programme since inception. Without that generous funding, Pathways could not have happened. We are also very grateful for the support of the law firms which provide Pathways students with work experience opportunities and, in the case of sponsor firms, also provide financial assistance to the scheme. Sponsor organisations Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Eversheds, Freshfields, Hogan Lovells, Linklaters, Mayer Brown, The Law Society Other firms Bevan Brittan, Blake Lapthorn, Bond Pearce, Clarke Willmott, Cobbetts, DAC Beachcroft, Hill Dickinson, Holman Fennick Willan, Irwin Mitchell, Loxley Legal, Macfarlanes, Osborne Clarke, Pannone, Simply Conveyancing, Stephensons, Tuckers, Veale Wasbrough Pathways Staff and Contacts University of Bristol Alex ODriscoll, Lois Bibbings, Lucy Collins University of Leeds Herabans Kaur, Anna Lawson, Ceri Nursaw, Steve Scott London School of Economics & Political Science Niaomi Collett, Stephen Grundy, Cath Baldwin The University of Manchester Laura Littlewood, Carol Barker, Dinah Crystal OBE, Julian Skyrme University of Southampton Claire Musselwhite, Prof. Hazel Biggs University College London Kerry Newlyn, Olga Thomas, Katy Redfern The University of Warwick Annunziata Videtta, Kim Eccleston Central Coordination The Sutton Trust: Phil Moss, James Turner, Doug Thomson, Kathryn Davies The College of Law: Prof. Richard de Friend Brightside: Hannah Steele, Suzanne Guiver, Dr Tessa Stone With thanks to all the university staff, past and present, and university students who have contributed to the success of the Pathways to Law programme, and in particular: Sara Aukland, Katie Barlow, Nick Brown, Conference Group Leaders & Assistants, Kieran Duignan, Gino Graziano, Katie Howley, Alexander Hunt, Antti Karjalainen, Michelle Lim, all the Mentors, Leonora Onara, Dominic Powell, Steph Saffrey, Magnus Skogstad, Robyn Smith, Dorothy Spencer, Thomas Such, Karly Thomson, Thomas Webber, Kerry Westland, Liz Williams. Alexander Hunt Pathways host university: Southampton Reading Law at LSE, due to graduate in 2013 Has secured a training contract with White & Case I am extremely grateful for the support given to me by the Pathways to Law programme. In particular, the care, support and encouragement I received was exemplary. Without Pathways I would not be studying law at an elite university, let alone gaining a training contract at a top international law firm. I particularly enjoyed attending the Pathways National Conference, and the opportunity I was given to be involved in the management of the Conference in recent years. The experience was both fruitful and rewarding.

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