Law in Practice is a flagship, final year module studied by Law and Law and Criminology students at the Department of Law and Criminology of Sheffield Hallam University. Law in Practice encapsulates the university’s applied learning approach which blends theory and practice.
Law in Practice students are placed, one day a week, at legal settings throughout the region. Such settings encompass law firms (including international, national and local firms), local authorities, in-house legal departments and charities. Placement settings span a wide variety of practice areas from corporate and commercial to crime and personal injury; and from local government to personal legal assistance.
Module Leader, Mark Johnson, said ‘As part of an applied law curriculum at the Department of Law and Criminology, Law in Practice provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the practice of the legal principles they have studied and to begin building a professional network.’
Mark continued, ‘Feedback from students and placement providers is consistently excellent, with many students going on to take up employment with their placement provider following graduation.’
Hattie Purser, a final year Law student who is taking up a placement at the Sheffield Office of DLA Piper, commented, ‘This opportunity offers students invaluable experience in the legal profession. It will allow me to develop skills and knowledge in a working environment. I’m exceptionally excited to have been given this opportunity and very much looking forward to learning more about my chosen career path.’
Richard Norman, Office Managing Partner of the Sheffield Office of DLA Piper, said ‘Our long-standing relationship with Sheffield Hallam University has proved invaluable to both DLA Piper and indeed the students who participate in the placements.’ Richard added ‘In short - the students learn to place the legal issues of a client in a commercial context. I’m very proud to say most of our placement students have gone on to secure training contracts and ultimately become solicitors. Long may that continue!’
If you are a local lawyer, and would be interested in offering a Law in Practice placement, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact Mark Johnson, Senior Lecturer in Law and Employability Lead (Law): mark.johnson@shu.ac.uk.
