Students from Exeter College honed their debating skills and awareness of legal issues with a debate on divorce and the role of women in modern society organised by young lawyers from Stephens Scown.
Organised by Stephens Scown’s young marketing group, the debate, which took place on 20 April, centred on divorce and separation and the challenges facing working women who are increasingly important breadwinners in the family as well as mothers.
Students debated the topic from both the home maker and breadwinner point of view. Young lawyers from Stephens Scown devised the topic and briefed the students before the event.
Ellen Bradridge, a first year A level student taking part in the debate said: “It was a really challenging, but enjoyable debate. It was great to work as part of a team and we really appreciate the opportunity Stephens Scown has given us.”
Beth Johnson, a lawyer from Stephens Scown helped to organised the event. She said: “It was great for all of us at Stephens Scown that were involved in the event to work with the students and hear their take on the issues. With divorce and separation so prevalent in our society at the same time as women increasingly forge their own careers and become key earners, there are a whole range of issues that need to be addressed.”
Martin Owen, who runs the Exeter College Debating Society, said: “Many thanks to Stephens Scown for working with the college on this event. It provided a new format of debate for us and it is something that our students really enjoyed. We would be very happy to put on another joint debate next year.”
The young marketing group organises networking events with other young professionals throughout the year. Stephens Scown was recently ranked number 12 in the Sunday Times top 100 mid-sized firms to work for, the highest ranked law firm on the list.