Former solicitor and teacher James Stewart (pictured) is on a mission to run 100 legal workshops at state schools this year. Stewart is the founder of educational business All Rise Workshops, which helps students understand the legal system and how it applies to their everyday lives.

James Stewart

Students and teachers take part in a mock trial, involving lawyers, jurors, court reporters, court artists, police officers – and even disgruntled members of the public gallery.

Workshops vary depending on the audience, he tells Obiter. Younger pupils may tackle a road traffic accident trial. Older students may enact a case involving a kitchen hand heading home with his knives after work, who is then picked up by police after a brawl in the park.

Stewart wants to reach 100 state schools this year and is hoping law firms can help him by supporting and/or sponsoring his initiative. One West Sussex firm has already offered funding as part of its corporate social responsibility remit.

His mock trials certainly seem to be making a difference, judging by the testimonials. One primary school headteacher wrote: ‘After the workshop, several children, who have a love for art and writing, were inspired by the possibility of being a court artist or reporter. One child, who comes from a challenging socio-economic background, revealed they now wanted to be a judge.’

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