Parkstone Grammar School's fledging lawyers inspired by legal eagle

Matt Lewis, from Coles Miller Solicitors, urged students to gain work and life experience but also enjoy themselves when he spoke at Parkstone Grammar as it signed up to Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (DCCI) Young Chamber Programme with sponsorship from Coles Miller.

The 28-year-old also revealed to students that he was just about to be made a partner at the firm – the youngest in its history just five years after joining as a trainee solicitor.

Matt, who is head of residential leasehold property, said: “The most important factors for you at this stage are hard work and the desire to succeed.”

He also urged pupils to “go with it and enjoy” their journey through education and work in building a career.

Matt, who studied in Southampton and Bournemouth at undergraduate and postgraduate level, will lead the Young Chamber Programme for Coles Miller Solicitors.

He was accompanied by the firm’s managing partner Adrian Cormack and marketing manager Sarah Ryan.

DCCI chief executive Ian Girling and Young Chamber co-ordinator Will Montgomery also attended along with head teacher Tracy Harris and careers co-ordinator Julia Wilkinson.

Parkstone has become the first school in Poole and the first grammar to join DCCI’s groundbreaking Young Chamber Programme, which now has 14 members.

Tracy said: “We know how hard it can be for local businesses and schools to interact so the Young Chamber Programme offers many great opportunities.

“It means our students can hear real world stories and about routes into professions. We are very grateful to Coles Miller Solicitors for their sponsorship and are looking forward to developing a very strong relationship.”

Adrian said: “We place great value on our links with the community and wanted to support a school close to our Poole office.”

DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset, has 800 members representing 37,000 employees.

Will said: “Parkstone has become the first grammar and the first school in Poole to join the Young Chamber Programme.

“The initiative has already exceeded expectations and is proving inspirational for businesses and schools alike.”