Liverpool University has announced a significant development in legal education, partnering with six major law firms to introduce a pioneering four-year degree programme with a year in industry.
Thirteen students in their third year have transitioned from the conventional three-year format to embark on a year-long placement with renowned firms such as Brabners, DWF, Hill Dickinson, In-House Legal Solutions, Taylor Wessing, and Weightmans. These placements are designed to last a minimum of 40 weeks, with the firms committed to paying at least the real Living Wage.
A particular emphasis has been placed on encouraging students from under-represented backgrounds, or those perceiving hurdles to workforce entry, to apply for the programme. This initiative reflects a broader movement within legal education to diversify the profession.
Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, dean of the university’s school of law and social justice, highlighted the transformative potential of the programme, stating that it provides students with invaluable practical experience in prestigious legal settings. According to him, the partnership aims at expanding students’ horizons and equipping them with skills essential for future success.
Saleem Fazal, head of the Liverpool office at Taylor Wessing, remarked on the mutual benefits of the initiative, expressing hopes that it would cultivate strong talent to bolster their recruitment strategies while introducing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Similarly, Jakob Sexton from Brabners emphasised the programme’s role in dismantling barriers to entry into the legal profession and expressed enthusiasm about the new access points it creates.
In addition, DWF has introduced 17 apprentices in Liverpool into a six-year insurance solicitor apprentice pathway which includes a law degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, marking the highest intake across the UK for the firm.
The collaborative degree programme reflects a growing trend of integrating academic study with practical experience, as seen in similar offerings from Queen Mary University of London and others.
This initiative between Liverpool University and prominent law firms represents a forward-thinking approach in legal education, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to gain practical experience and equipping them with the tools needed for a successful legal career.
