Liverpool University school of law and social justice: Initiative is transformative for students
Liverpool University has joined forces with six law firms in the city to offer students a new four-year ‘Law with a Year in Industry’ degree.
Thirteen third-year students have moved from a traditional three-year degree and now begun their year-long placements at Brabners, DWF, Hill Dickinson, In-House Legal Solutions, Taylor Wessing and Weightmans.
The placement lasts for a minimum of 40 weeks and the law firms have committed to the real Living Wage standards. Some of the time may count towards the qualifying work experience needed for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.
Students from under-represented backgrounds, or those who believed they would face barriers when entering the world of work, were strongly encouraged to apply.
Queen Mary University of London already offers a similar degree, in partnership with a host of law firms and other legal services businesses, while others offer students the option of seeking a year of work experience.
Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, dean of the university’s school of law and social justice, said: “This initiative is transformative for our students, offering them invaluable practical experience within high-calibre legal environments…
“We are committed to providing opportunities that broaden our students’ horizons, and this partnership is a vital step towards preparing them for future success.”
Saleem Fazal, partner and head of the Liverpool office at Taylor Wessing, said: “Hopefully, it benefits the individual, but it also gives us the opportunity to help grow strong talent to support our future recruitment, while benefitting us from the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that they bring to their practical learning.”
Jakob Sexton, early careers specialist at Brabners, said: “It’s incredibly important to us as a firm to provide students with employment and placement opportunities. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers into law, and we are extremely excited to be offering this new programme which opens access to the legal profession.”
Six of the students have joined DWF. Paul Maddock, director at DWF, said: “This initiative not only opens doors for students but also ensures they gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
“By providing them with opportunities to rotate through various legal teams, we are helping to shape the next generation of legal talent.”
DWF has also just taken on 17 new apprentices in Liverpool for its six-year insurance solicitor apprentice pathway that includes a law degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.
The firm has hired a record high 32 solicitor apprentices across the UK this autumn, while Claudia Webb has become its fourth solicitor to qualify through this route.
