Tim Clark, highly respected lawyer and former Senior Partner at law firm Slaughter and May, visited Thorns Collegiate Academy to share his professional experiences and careers journey with students recently.
The visit, arranged by Speakers for Schools, provided a unique opportunity for students to gain insights into the legal profession and learn about the pathways to a successful career in law.
Blending his expertise in commercial law and passion for history, Clark’s visit was particularly poignant as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where he also discussed his book inspired by his parents’ experiences during the Second World War.
During his career sessions, Clark recounted his unexpected journey into law after initially aspiring to specialise in History and become a researcher. Following his work experience and training at Slaughter and May, Clark went on to develop a highly successful career in commercial law. His candid account of navigating the vast array of career choices, seizing opportunities and remaining open and adaptable resonated deeply with students as they contemplate their own futures.
In addition to his legal accomplishments, Clark discussed his extensive involvement in cultural and charitable organisations, where he has held prominent positions on the boards of companies including Water Aid, the Wellcome Trust, the National Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
In line with the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Clark also hosted a round table discussion with a group of the Academy’s history students to talk about his book, ‘Monopoli Blues’. The book delves into his parents’ unique story during the Second World War, including his father’s harrowing ordeal after being betrayed and captured as a prisoner of war during a critical mission, and the impact of being separated by conflict.
Clark’s exploration of his parents’ extraordinary story brought history to life for students, offering them a new profound understanding of the realities and complexities of war behind the headlines of the time.
Tim Clark, reflecting on his visit to the Academy, said: “It was a huge privilege to come to the Academy as part of the Speakers for Schools programme and a huge pleasure to talk about some of the possibilities for a career as a lawyer and discuss part of the history of World War II and how it affected my family.
“I enormously enjoyed my time with the staff and three groups of students – such interesting and impressive groups, who clearly have great potential for their futures. One of the joys of the Speakers for Schools occasions is meeting talented students and hopefully helping to stimulate their thinking about how they might realise their potential in their future careers. I hope that my visit achieved this. I want to thank all the team at the Academy for organising such a brilliant visit and looking after me so beautifully while I was there. Above all, my thanks go to the students who made the visit such a stimulating experience for me.”
Students were captivated throughout Clark’s visit, gaining a newfound appreciation for the importance of perseverance and nurturing interests. They learned that career paths do not need to be linear, with Clark emphasising that the journey itself it just as valuable, often shaping who we become and where we ultimately end up.
Reflecting on the experience, one student commented: “I really enjoyed learning from an expert how I can make it in the world of law. It was even more impressive that Tim juggled his legal career with his own hobbies and interests with history too. I have never had the chance to speak with a solicitor before and I think all students should get the chance to speak to someone in a profession they wish to go into as they get older.”
Nikki Jones, Principal at Thorns Collegiate Academy, said: “We were delighted to host Tim Clark as our special guest and are incredibly grateful to him for sharing his unique insights into law as a career and his remarkable work as an author.
“Experiences like these provide our students with valuable guidance and inspiration as they navigate their future pathways. Having guest speakers like Tim Clark, who are experts in their field, offers students specialised, industry-specific insights that help them better discover their aspirations and how to achieve them. I would also like to extend our thanks to Speakers for Schools for arranging this wonderful opportunity.”
Speakers for Schools is the UK’s leading social mobility charity, dedicated to bridging the educational gap for students aged 11-19 nationwide. The charity offers invaluable opportunities including free, fully paid work experience placements and inspirational talks. The talks, traditionally associated with independent schools, feature high-profile industry professionals who aim to inspire students by sharing their secrets to career success.
