Record numbers of University of Liverpool Law School students have been offered training contracts with leading legal firms after taking part in the Law with a Year in Industry programme.
Since the programme's inception in 2024/25, at least a third of students enrolled on Law with a Year in Industry have received an offer of a training contract from their industry firm, while other placement students gained meaningful part-time work in the legal section while finishing their studies.
Students have said that "this year prepped me well for when I start my training contract," and that the Law with a Year in Industry programme has "developed me so much both personally and professionally."
They commented that the programme has "advanced my career more than I ever could have without it," adding: "every trainee and person I've spoken to has mentioned how valuable this experience is and how much it puts you ahead of others in your age group/position."
Final year student Erin Bamber took part in the Law with a Year in Industry initiative during the 2025/26 academic year, gaining full-time professional experience with Law Firm Provenio Litigation LLP.
The placement allowed Erin to gain exposure to a wide range of legal work and practical experience, leading to an offer of a place on Provenio Litigation LLP's solicitor apprenticeship scheme on completion of her studies.
Final year student Erin Bamber took part in the Law with a Year in Industry Programme with partner organisation Provenio Litigation LLP.
Speaking about her Law with a Year in Industry programme placement, final year student Erin said: "I was not only exposed to a wide range of high-quality work but actively involved in it, with the firm prioritising my training and development throughout. I've developed practical skills in drafting for specific audiences, critical analysis and clear communication, and gained a practical understanding of how law firms operate as both businesses and client-focused service providers.
"The programme is designed so that you can fully experience working in professional practice, and Provenio ensured I worked on complex live matters in the way a non-student paralegal would."
She also reflected on her success following the Year in Industry placement, adding: "Being offered the opportunity to return to Provenio as a trainee solicitor after my final year of university has been the highlight of a brilliant year and speaks to how the programme can lead directly to future career opportunities."
Reflecting on their partnership with the University of Liverpool Law School and the Law with a Year in Industry programme, Hannah Caterall of Provenio Litigation LLP said: "We are delighted to continue to partner with the University of Liverpool Law School on this programme.
"Our first 'Year in Industry' student has made a significant contribution and excelled working alongside our team on our complex high value disputes. We were delighted that Erin has accepted our offer to join us as part of our solicitor apprenticeship scheme on completion of her studies next year. As a firm, we are absolutely committed to developing the next generation of legal talent."
They continued: "The Law with a Year in Industry initiative is a unique and valuable opportunity for UofL law students to get a head start on progressing their careers, and alongside our Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, marks our ongoing dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for career development."
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The Law with a Year in Industry programme launched for a third year in 2026.
Erin's success follows the launch of the third year of the Law with a Year in Industry programme, which saw the University of Liverpool Law School welcome three new partner organisations for the 2026/27 academic year.
The programme offers current second-year law students the opportunity to spend the third year of their degree in paid, full-time professional experience with a leading law firm or legal organisation in Liverpool. Partners include:
- CG Professional
- Fletchers Solicitors
- Liverpool NHS Legal Collaborative
- Brabners
- DWF Law
- Hill Dickinson
- In-House Legal Solutions
- Provenio Litigation
- Winston Taylor (formerly Taylor Wessing)
- Weightmans
Across the partner organisations, students will gain exposure to a wide range of legal work at regional, national and international levels.
Students then return to complete their final year of study, graduating with a Law with a Year in Industry LLB (Hons).
The degree combines academic study with extensive practical experience, designed to support future career success in the legal profession and beyond. The programme also continues to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from students from under-represented backgrounds or those facing potential barriers in the legal profession.
The Law with a Year in Industry programme not only enhances student's legal education, by providing rigorous training in legal analysis and promoting critical thinking, communication, independent thinking and project management skills, but also fosters personal and professional growth through real-world exposure.
Details of the 2027/28 programme will be published on the Law with a Year in Industry webpages in early 2027.