Our Core Values include a commitment to the community in which we work and to the wider society – at home and overseas. Since we were set up our members and staff have contributed time and resources to a range of community initiatives.
Matrix Access Programme
In June 2011 Matrix launched an Access Programme in partnership with Parliament Hill School Camden. The programme is part of Matrix’s commitment to public service and equality of opportunity, and aims to encourage individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds to embark on a career in the law.
There are a number of challenges facing young people wishing to pursue a career in the law. These include:
- The cost of training
- Absence of contacts in the field
- Difficulty in getting relevant experience
- Appropriate encouragement from supporting adults
- Advice on choices, such as A-Level subjects, studying law and non-law subjects at university
- Access to honest advice and information e.g. about earning potential, cost of training and the likelihood of getting a traineeship.
The Matrix Access Programme aims to address some of these issues by developing a deep, sustained relationship with Parliament Hill, working with students from prior to GCSE choices through to A-Levels, university and further legal training. Activities include visits to Matrix, mentoring sessions and work experience. Matrix is also taking part in the Citizenship Foundation Lawyers in Schools programme, delivering citizenship lessons to year 10 students. Matrix is one of only two barristers’ sets taking part in Lawyers in Schools.
The Access Programme promotes all aspects of the law available at Matrix, not only working as a barrister, but also the various roles of the staff team, including the Practice Teams, Legal Information and Marketing. In the long term, it is hoped that that one day there will be a cohort of ‘Matrix students’ who enter the legal profession having been supported throughout their time at school and university by Matrix.
Education is key to ensuring a diverse legal profession. Generations of academically gifted, potential lawyers have not picked law simply because they had no idea that it was an option or the opportunities available. The Matrix Access Programme aims to help remedy this by both increasing young people’s awareness and understanding of the law, and providing opportunities that would not otherwise be available to young people in the area.
For further details on the programme email Anita Davies on anitadavies@matrixlaw.co.uk.
Partnerships and Volunteering
Matrix is in its 10th year of offering work experience placements to secondary school college pupils. They have the opportunity to spend a week in the busy Admin Room with the rest of the staff team, and to accompany a member of Matrix to Court.
In recognition of our commitment to further education, Matrix has teamed up with other firms of solicitors to run days for sixth forms students on "Law as a Career". We are pleased to be undertaking two events this year, in partnership with Clifford Chance, with students from Tower Hamlets.
All enquiries about any of our Matrix in the Community initiatives should be directed to Lindsay Clarke: lindsayclarke@matrixlaw.co.uk.
Matrix Causes Fund
Matrix has so far committed over £510,000 to charitable and non-charitable causes. Since 2003 grants to charitable organisations have been administered through a fund registered with the Charities Aid Foundation. Barristers and staff alike make monthly contributions to the Fund and a sub-committee considers applications for support.
Find out more about the projects we have helped by clicking through our fun, interactive Prezi Presentation below.
Since July 2003 our funding priorities have been support for organisations working in the following areas:
- Access to justice, including securing benefits such as welfare benefits, health, housing and from other vulnerable groups such as prisoners and asylum seekers
- Promotion of women’s rights, especially women's refuges
- Children’s education, especially special educational needs, and the promotion of art and music in schools
- The environment, especially the prevention of environmental damage
- Homelessness and mental health
Please note that Matrix does not generally fund projects for more than 3 years at a time.
Download full details below of our funding priorities and criteria, and a copy of the short questionnaire we ask groups to complete when applying for funds.
All enquiries about the Fund should be sent to our Office Administrator, Lindsay Clarke: lindsayclarke@matrixlaw.co.uk.