A FORMER Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau (GNWCAB) volunteer has launched Scotland’s first ever information directory site for aspiring lawyers from less advantaged backgrounds.

Lauren Bowie, who volunteered with GNWCAB for a year, went on to study law at Glasgow University after being told her dream of being a lawyer was ‘unattainable’ because she grew up in a deprived area.

The 22-year-old has now launched ‘Legable’ a site that combines information about scholarships, bursaries, work and volunteering opportunities.

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She said: “I grew up in a place where I was considered naïve because ‘people like me don’t become lawyers’, and where I struggled to find any information about life as a law student or even how to qualify as a solicitor.

“I wanted to remove the information barrier which prevents aspiring lawyers accessing resources to support them to study law and advance their careers. I want all young people to know that your background doesn’t determine your future.”

Lauren, who graduated from Glasgow University with a first-class law degree, faced a number of struggles on her path to success.

When Lauren reached university, she found the majority of students on her course were from affluent and well-connected backgrounds. Determined to gain some practice resolving complex issues face-to-face, Lauren joined Glasgow North West CAB as a volunteer.

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She added: “GNWCAB helped me more than anything else. Volunteering built my confidence and helped me practise my skills with vulnerable people in real life.”

Next year Lauren will start a traineeship with Pinsent Masons, a renowned multinational law firm which she said her experience with GNWCAB helped her to achieve.

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow North West CAB is a charity that supports more than 2,500 people living below the Scottish poverty line every year with free advice on a range of issues.

They train over 40 volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds through a six-month programme every year with 60% of the workforce made of volunteers at any given time.

Robert Winning, volunteer organiser at Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “We are so pleased Lauren’s experience with us helped inspire her to launch a site to help disadvantaged young people.

“As a volunteer-led charity, GNWCAB is able to change the lives of thousands of people living in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland. Our volunteer programme helps people gain confidence, skills and work experience that opens up employment opportunities for them.

“We are grateful for the hard work and dedication our volunteers show in helping those who need it most in the community.”

Legable information can be found at: www.legable.co.uk and to sign-up to GNWCAB’s volunteering project please email: bureau@gnwcab.org.uk.