Christina, an associate and corporate solicitor at Liverpool law firm O’Connors in Old Hall Street, is setting up the Legal Step-Up Programme targeting those as young as 13

Lawyer Christina Millan is launching a new programme to encourage Merseyside teenagers to consider a career in the law.

Christina, who is an associate and corporate solicitor at Liverpool law firm O’Connors in Old Hall Street, won the ‘Rising Star Award’ at the 2019 Liverpool Law Society Legal Awards.

She was recognised for her work to increase awareness of law as a career amongst young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, as well as her corporate expertise.   

Her next project – the Legal Step-Up Programme – has received the full support of The Liverpool Law Society. She explained: “There’s a very defined process to enter the legal sector and if you miss the boat in terms of grades and subject choices, you can find yourself excluded from traditional entry routes.

“Career insight days tend to be held for 17 to 18-year-olds, but we need to be focusing on inspiring students from as young as 13 so they can consider the exciting opportunities and careers in law that are out there and – importantly – recognise what they need to be doing now to be successful.

“At that age, there is still an opportunity for young adults to work on their grades, take up extracurricular activities and make informed choices around work experience placements to improve their chances. The Legal Step-Up Programme is designed to give them the knowledge and confidence to do that.”

Christina intends to form a Steering Group in the autumn with representatives from a host of organisations – including the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), the University of Law, local university representatives, students and other law firms.

“It’s exciting to see this dream of mine take shape,” added Christina, who is a graduate of the University of Liverpool. “From a diversity perspective, BAME candidates only represent approximately 16% of the total population on the roll of solicitors. If the profession wants to be at the cutting edge of business development and in tune with its client base, then it needs to be representative of all demographics of the wider population.

“I want Merseyside to be a shining beacon for inclusive law practice and to attract and retain the very best talent from our local schools and youth organisations.”

To express interest in The Legal Step-Up Programme or the Steering Group, contact Christina on 0151 906 1006 or email christinamillan@oconnors.law