FIVE leading Scots law firms have signed up to a scheme that encourages underprivileged youngsters to consider a legal career.

Brodies, Dundas & Wilson, Maclay Murray & Spens, McGrigors and Shepherd & Wedderburn will provide secondary pupils with 30 to 35 hours of work experience, including training in presentation skills and networking.

The PRIME initiative will give pupils an insight into the careers available in law and help develop their business skills.

A joint statement by the partners said: “We are committed to attracting the brightest talent from communities across the country, irrespective of their social or financial circumstances.”