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Law with a Year in Industry frequently asked questions

We've compiled answers to questions you may have about this exciting programme.

How many places are there?

We have approximately 19 placements available in the 2026/27 academic year.

Placements for 2026/2027 entry are available at:

  • Brabners LLP
  • CG Professional Limited
  • DWF Law LLP
  • Fletchers Solicitors Limited
  • Hill Dickinson LLP
  • In-House Legal Solutions Limited
  • Liverpool NHS Legal Collaborative
  • Provenio Litigation LLP
  • Taylor Wessing LLP
  • Weightmans LLP

These placements will be advertised in February 2026 for a start date of September 2026. Each placement will last for 12 months and will be paid within a range broadly in line with the National Living Wage.

How do I apply?

Each firm requires a CV and a 300-word statement as to why you want to undertake the placement. Visit the How to apply page for full application information and deadlines.

The available law placements are advertised to current second-year Liverpool Law School students for a start date in September 2026. Applications will open at 11.30am on Wednesday 11 February 2026 and close at 5pm on Friday 27 February 2026.

Please note that Law with a Year in Industry is not open to external applicants and students cannot apply for a place on the course via UCAS.

How many firms/organisations can I apply for?

Applicants can apply for a maximum of six firms/organisations in total.

If an applicant applies for more than six firms/organisations, the additional applications will be removed from the application process. It will be at the entire discretion of the shortlisting panel to determine which applications will be removed from the application process.

Each application must be tailored to that individual firm/organisation and the work it does.

What are the criteria?

You must be a second-year University of Liverpool undergraduate student, studying 100% Law or a combined degree with a minimum of 75% Law.

You must pass your second year of studies at the first attempt as there would not be time to re-sit (and have your results back) before the placements begin in September. Failure to pass your second-year at the first sit would therefore result in the Year-in-Industry placement being offered to another student.

I'm an international student. Can I apply?

Students who undertake a year in industry as an integrated part of their programme would remain on their Student Route visa for the duration of their work placement.  The employer would not need to sponsor them for immigration purposes and the student would be allowed to work more than the usual 20 hours per week max on their placement.

If accepted onto the programme, it would be integral for the student to seek advice from the Universities International Advice and Guidance (IAG) team in relation to any steps they will need to undertake in relation to their Tier 4 visa.

Is there an interview?

Yes, if your application is successful there will be an interview at the respective law firm/organisation. A team of University staff will draw up a shortlist for the firm/organisation to interview.

These interviews will take place at the respective firm/organisation. Date, times and invites to interview will be shared with you by the relevant firm/organisation after the shortlisting process.

Where are the placements based?

The placements are primarily located in Liverpool and the wider North West. You will mainly work in the main offices of your respective law firm/legal organisation.

However, some firms/organisations may carry out national and international work and there may be opportunities for travel to other parts of the country and abroad .

Firms/organisations may also have a hybrid-working policy meaning placements take place both inside and outside the office.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to the student. You will receive a salary for their 12-month contract. This will be paid within a range broadly in line with the national living wage. However, the firms will be setting their own specific salary levels.

Will I get travel expenses?

No, you will be paid a salary so will be expected to pay for your expenses from that.

Will I get a grant?

No, you will be in receipt of a salary for the one-year placement making you unlikely to be eligible for a grant.

Will I be supported by the University for the year?

Yes, you will have two academic meetings with an academic supervisor and two meetings to discuss pastoral support with a member of our Student Experience Team over the course of the 12-month placement. You are also free to contact those members of staff throughout the year with any issues or queries.

What happens if I drop out mid-year?

You will rejoin your final year at the start of September 2027 at the University. However, please bear in mind that you will have to abide with the terms of your employment agreement with your placement provider.

Will I be able to stay in my accommodation?

Yes, you will be able to stay in University accommodation if you have a place.

Am I assessed throughout this year, if so, how?

Yes, you are assessed. You will have to maintain a reflective diary detailing your experiences over the course of the year.

At the end of the year, you will give a 5-minute presentation based on your reflective diary and your experiences throughout the year.

Is there a pass mark for the year?

Yes, in that you must complete the 12-month placement to pass the year.

Is my attendance reported?

Yes, the firm/organisation will monitor student attendance. In essence you are a full-time employee of the firm, and any absence policies and procedures will be set by the firm for you to follow.

Is it five full days a week?

Yes, you are a full-time employee of the firm.

What will my hours be?

These will vary, but broadly speaking you will be employed 9am - 5pm from Monday to Friday.

What if I need time off?

You will be provided with holiday entitlement per your employment contract. Your leave can be agreed with your firm employer as stated within any other contract of employment.

What if I fail this year?

You will rejoin the next available third-year cohort and then complete your degree in the usual manner.

Will it change the name of my degree?

Yes, if you are a full-time LLB Law student, your degree classification will change to LLB Law with a Year in Industry. For students on combined degrees (e.g. Law with Politics), you will have to relinquish your minor subject and transfer back to LLB Law with a Year in Industry for your final year of study and receive the classification of LLB Law with a Year in Industry.

For combined degree students, the marks from your second-year assessments, including those from your minor subject will still count towards your final grade. You may also have to complete some compulsory LLB Law modules you would have missed during second year in your final year of study.

For more information on this, please contact the SLSJ Learning and Teaching Team at lawteach@liverpool.ac.uk.

Will this be on my transcript?

Yes, it will be marked as Law with a Year in Industry as your third-year of study between your second-year and fourth-year marks.

What is the cost of this course for the year the student is in industry? 

The current tuition fee (2026/27) for all students, UK and international, is £1,905.00.

For more information about fees for the 2026/27 programme, please contact feesenq@liverpool.ac.uk. 

Are the University fees covered by loans (Finance England)?

For UK students, provided they are eligible for UK funding, yes, this fee is covered.

For international students they would be self-funding or sponsored by a third party (evidence of sponsorship should be forwarded to the Fees Office)

Are the students still able to apply for maintenance?

UK students are eligible to apply for the UK maintenance support.

Will I get any accommodation finance?

No, students will only receive the usual Student Finance maintenance support. If the placement is paid, this is likely to reduce the available amount of maintenance support

If I have been awarded a bursary, will I entitled to this?

Each case is reviewed on an individual basis and you would have to enquire with the Universities Fees and Finance Team by contacting them at feeenq@liverpool.ac.uk.

Does my placement count as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)?

The majority of the law firms/legal organisations participating in the Law with a Year in Industry Programme have confirmed that placement students will be carrying out QWE for at least part of their placement.

However, this is an individual pursuit, and if you wish to undertake it, you will be expected to arrange opportunities to organise and complete QWE with your placement firm/organisation.