The firm’s “Legal Explorer” programme provides school students who have an interest in law the opportunity to experience the legal industry first-hand.

The year-long work experience programme designed for fifth-year students runs from October to August in line with the academic year and aims to empower each student, informing them of the different opportunities available to them post-secondary education.

The first cohort of students participating in the programme are Vivienne Majchrzak and Glory Ahamefule from Mercy Secondary School, Inchicore, Dublin 8, and Aimee Geene from CBS Westland Row, Dublin 2.

To qualify for the programme, applicants must be attending a state-funded, non-fee-paying school or DEIS school within travelling distance of Addleshaw Goddard’s Dublin-based office. As part of the programme, each student is given a laptop to keep, a bursary, workshops and a dedicated mentor to provide support throughout the experience.

Throughout the academic year, participants are introduced to different career pathways into the legal sector and meet some of the firm’s staff, gaining valuable insight into the lived experiences of those currently working in the sector.

Sean Twomey, partner and head of real estate in Ireland at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “At Addleshaw Goddard, unlocking young potential is one of our core beliefs. The Legal Explorer programme embodies this and has been a huge success in our UK offices for many years.

“We are delighted to welcome our first cohort of students in Dublin this year and are extremely proud of our colleagues providing these students with such a unique experience, inspiring them to pursue a legal career.”

Welcoming the initiative, James Geoghegan, TD for Dublin Bay South and a qualified barrister, said: “It is brilliant to see an international law firm like Addleshaw Goddard opening the door to the legal world and bringing new learning opportunities to students from all communities.

“The Legal Explorer programme offers students a taste of what the Irish legal industry entails, an invaluable insight for all aspiring lawyers.

“I was delighted to meet the students and provide them with an overview of my career as a barrister and how I’ve brought my legal skills into politics. I was very impressed with the students’ enthusiasm to learn and wish them the very best for the future, which looks very bright for them all.”

The Explorers will be mentored by Alison Devine, associate in the firm’s disputes team; Dr James Meighan, managing associate in the regulatory and disputes team; and Siobhan Kenny, legal director in the construction and engineering team.

Dr Meighan said: “It is always refreshing to meet and work with driven individuals who, at such a young age, are already testing out what their future might look like.

“It is an absolute pleasure to work with this year’s group of Legal Explorers, and I look forward to seeing how each of their futures pans out — I have no doubt we will cross paths again over the coming years.”