sky’s limit


The


James Wickes is a partner with City law firm RPC, which provides legal services to industries including insurance, retail, media, technology, life sciences, finance and leisure.


the


How a working-class boy-turned-City lawyer is increasing social mobility for pupils at Jo Richardson Community School in his home town of Dagenham


‘I


grew up in Dagenham, where my dad worked at Ford for more than 35 years and my mum was a part-time cleaner and healthcare assistant. I didn’t get much careers’ advice at


school and I was the first person in my family to go to university. Studying law at Durham was a massive step for me, but I soon discovered that for my privately educated peers going to university was a normal expectation. Many had been heavily coached for the interview process, whereas for me it was a great unknown. I just had to wing it! I decided then that if I was successful at getting


a job in law, I would do something to help bright young people from Dagenham have fairer access to educational and employment opportunities. So, soon after being offered a training contract at RPC, I got together with a school friend to found Limitless London. Our aim was to create a level playing field for young people from less privileged backgrounds who had aspiration and talent. We designed a personalised career guidance


and support programme that would broaden horizons, nurture self-belief and awareness of opportunities, and emphasise the necessity of self-motivation and early planning.


40 SUMMER 2021 FundEd


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