Tanya is a Senior Emerging Talent Advisor. In this blog, Tanya shares how a partnership between Shoosmiths and long-standing client Virgin Media O2 created an inspiring careers experience, helping students explore legal careers, develop key workplace skills and build confidence.

Published: 19 August 2026
Author: Tanya Mumford, Senior Emerging Talent Advisor

Shoosmiths recently welcomed a group of students to its London office as part of a collaborative careers experience delivered alongside long-standing client Virgin Media O2, helping to inspire and inform the next generation of legal professionals.

The event formed part of Virgin Media O2's summer work experience programme and was designed to provide 20 students, ranging from sixth form students to graduates, with a practical insight into life in the legal profession.

Developed and facilitated by Shoosmiths' Emerging Talent team, including Tanya Mumford, Senior Emerging Talent Advisor, and Samantha Hope, Senior Emerging Talent Manager, the programme also featured contributions from Alex Bishop, Partner and Head of Litigation, Regulatory & Compliance, alongside colleagues from across Shoosmiths and Virgin Media O2.

Together, they delivered an engaging programme combining careers education with interactive learning. Students engaged with professionals from across both organisations, including a Partner, trainee solicitors and business development professionals, while developing key professional skills and gaining insight into different career pathways.

Sessions covered routes into the profession, networking and relationship-building skills, the role Business Development plays in building successful client relationships and an interactive legal case study challenge titled The Great Cake Debate.

Working in teams, students researched a real-life commercial dispute, explored competing viewpoints and prepared arguments to support their position before presenting their case and engaging in a lively debate.

The exercise developed collaboration, critical thinking, commercial awareness and communication skills, with students impressing colleagues through the quality of their research, the strength of their arguments and the confidence of their delivery.

The day also featured an office tour, networking activities and panel discussions with trainee solicitors.

A key focus of the day was helping students build confidence and understand that successful legal careers rely on far more than technical knowledge alone. Through practical exercises, a dedicated session on business development and conversations with professionals at different stages of their careers, students explored the importance of communication, curiosity, relationship-building and commercial awareness.

The event was born out of an existing client relationship between Shoosmiths and Virgin Media O2 and demonstrates how client collaboration can create meaningful opportunities beyond legal advice, supporting social mobility and helping young people better understand the world of work.

Following the event, feedback was incredibly positive. Students particularly valued the opportunity to hear from and engage with professionals from across Shoosmiths and Virgin Media O2, gain insight into both the legal and commercial aspects of working in a law firm, tour the office and take part in interactive activities.

Alex Bishop, Partner and Head of Litigation, Regulatory & Compliance at Shoosmiths, said:

"One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative was the opportunity to work alongside our colleagues at Virgin Media O2 on something that aligns so closely with both organisations' values.

Strong client relationships are built on much more than the legal work we deliver. They are built through collaboration, trust and finding opportunities to create value together. This programme was a fantastic example of that in action.

By bringing together colleagues from across Shoosmiths and Virgin Media O2, we were able to give students a broader and more rounded understanding of the legal profession.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm to making the day such a success."

Mariko Newell, Senior Legal Counsel at Virgin Media O2, said:

"Shoosmiths really put themselves in the students' shoes and offered a rounded opportunity to understand what it means to be at the early stage of a legal career.

The way Shoosmiths looked after us, gave that personal touch and supported something that means so much to our business is what client care and adding value are all about."

Tanya Mumford, Senior Emerging Talent Advisor at Shoosmiths, said:

"It was a real privilege to welcome the students to our London office and share a glimpse into what a career in law can look like.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the day was seeing the students grow in confidence as they asked questions, took part in discussions and connected with people from across the firm. Their curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved made the day incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.

It was particularly encouraging to see many of the students putting their networking skills into practice beyond the session itself by reaching out afterwards to continue the conversation. Receiving thoughtful messages reflecting on what they had learnt and how the experience had influenced their thinking was a wonderful reminder of the impact that even a single day can have.

We were delighted to work alongside Virgin Media O2 on this initiative and bring together perspectives from both private practice and in-house legal teams. We hope the experience helped students see that there is no single route into a legal career and that opportunities are available to anyone with the drive, curiosity and determination to pursue them."

The collaboration reflects Shoosmiths' continued commitment to widening access to the legal profession and creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring legal professionals to develop their skills, build confidence and gain valuable insight into the sector. By working closely with clients such as Virgin Media O2, the firm continues to help inspire and support future talent.

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