At HCR Law, we’re passionate about people and about making a difference in our local communities, which is why we’ve set up HCR Spark. Created for Year 12 students, HCR Spark will offer support and mentoring to two students from a selection of schools we’re working with, in the Wye Valley.
Gaining relevant experience is important, particularly in the legal sector. By offering a work placement as part of HCR Spark, students will be able to find out what working in a law firm is really like as they get ready to take the next steps on their journey.
Each student, chosen by their school, will submit a short video, explaining a bit about themselves, what interests them about law and why they feel they should win. Shortlisted students will then meet with HCR to talk about the programme in more detail before two winners are chosen.
The successful students will each win a structured work placement, a £500 cash prize and ongoing mentoring support and advice.
HCR Spark was inspired by our former colleague Keith Shawcross. Keith was a solicitor in the Wye Valley region for over fifty years and the last senior partner of Shawcross & Co before the firm merged with HCR Law. Keith was well-known for his commitment to the local community and the two winners will also be awarded a Shawcross Prize trophy. We are working with schools in the Wye Valley to launch HCR Spark, and plan to expand this to other offices and regions in future years so that more students can benefit.
Partner and Head of the Wye Valley office, Arpinder Dhillon, said: “We’re really excited to be launching HCR Spark. Keith’s commitment to the local community was well-known and we’re delighted to be able to continue his legacy with the award of the Shawcross Prize. At HCR Law, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of legal professionals and providing opportunities for young people to find out more about the legal profession. We’re looking forward to seeing the videos and to meeting the shortlisted students in a few months’ time.”