The Schools Consent Project

Freshfields collaborates with the Schools Consent Project (SCP) to bring legally‑led consent education into classrooms. Our volunteer lawyers help young people understand boundaries and the law in practical, age‑appropriate terms so everyday interactions are more respectful and informed.

Our Role

SCP is an important pro bono project at Freshfields. More than 19 of our lawyers have completed SCP’s specialist training and assessment to deliver engaging, hour‑long sessions that use interactive games and exercises to challenge misconceptions and highlight harmful behaviours. By normalising open conversations about consent and sexual offences, and by strengthening young people’s understanding of these issues, we help promote healthier interactions and reduce the risk of harm.

“This project really resonates with our people. It’s rare to see so many volunteers step forward so quickly, and that speaks volumes about its importance. Normalising conversations about consent is essential to fostering healthy, respectful interactions among young people—and as lawyers, we have a unique opportunity to make those conversations impactful.”

— Victoria Sigeti, Partner Sponsor

Why This Matters

Many young people enter adulthood without clear guidance on boundaries or the law. SCP bridges that gap by delivering interactive workshops in schools, creating safe spaces for honest conversations about consent, sexual harassment, and the legal consequences of sexual offences. These sessions empower students to make informed choices and foster cultures of respect both online and offline.

“Delivering the workshop was challenging but deeply rewarding. It pushed me to grow as a presenter and adapt to a classroom environment. Seeing students engage with the topic and challenge misconceptions was inspiring and reminded me why this work matters.”

— Sophie Rolph, Pro Bono Lawyer

Impact and Outcomes

Feedback from schools highlights clearer student understanding of consent in everyday scenarios and stronger awareness of the legal context. Our volunteer lawyers report lively discussion, thoughtful questions and measurable improvements in how classes approach boundaries and bystander choices.

"It was a really interesting session and definitely something we would not ordinarily do as part of our day to day work! It was a great experience to be able to work with students and I'm very privileged to be part of the project!"

— Jiahui Wu, Global Transactions Associate