How many places are there?
We have around 10 placements in the 2024/2025 academic year. We are hoping to expand these over time to offer as many placements as possible to our excellent students.
The 2024/2025 entry placements are at Brabners, DWF, Hill Dickinson, In-House Legal Solutions, Taylor Wessing and Weightmans.
These placements are being advertised in February 2024 for a start date in September 2024. The placement will last for 12 months and will be paid at the national living wage.
How do I apply?
Each firm has different criteria and a different process of application. Broadly, each firm requires a CV and a 300 word statement as to why you want to undertake the placement. Visit the How to Apply webpage for full application information and deadlines.
The law placements are being advertised in February 2024 for a start date in September 2024. Applications will open on Wednesday 6th March and for most of the participating law firms will close at 2pm on Friday 15th March. Applications for DWF will remain open until 31st May 2024.
Please note that Law with a Year in Industry is not open to external applicants and students cannot apply for a place via UCAS.
Can I apply to more than one firm?
Yes, but each application must be tailored to that individual firm and the work the firm does.
What are the criteria?
You must be a University of Liverpool 2nd year Law or Law/with student.
You must pass your 2nd year at the first sit as there would not be time to re-sit (and have your results back) before the placements begin in September. Failure to pass your 2nd 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 20hrs per week max on their placement.
If accepted onto the module, 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, there will be an interview at the respective firms. University staff will be drawing up a shortlist for the firm staff to interview.
These interviews will take place in March 2024 at the respective firms.
Where are the places?
The placements are mainly based in Liverpool in terms of geographical location. You will be largely working at the respective firm in their main offices.
However, these are international law firms and there may be opportunities for travel to other parts of the country and also abroad.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to the student. Students will receive a salary for the 12-month contract. This is currently at 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.
Will I be supported by the university for the year?
Yes, you will have three visits from academic and support staff over the course of the 12-month placements. You are also free to contact those members of staff through the year with any issues or queries.
What happens if I drop out mid year?
You will rejoin your final year in the next September at the University.
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 30-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 have to complete the 12-month placement.
Is my attendance reported?
Yes, the firm will monitor student attendance. In essence you are a full-time employee of the firm.
Is it 5 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 from 9am until 5pm from Monday to Friday.
What if I need time off?
This can be agreed with your firm employer as with any normal employment relationship.
What if I fail this year?
You will rejoin the next availalbe third-year cohort and then complete your degree in the usual manner.
Will it change the name of my degree?
Yes, you will have the degree on LL.B. but the Year in Industry will be mentioned.
Will this be on my transcript?
Yes, marked as a year in industry between your second and final year.
What is the cost of this course for the year the student is in industry?
Current tuition fee (23/24 & 24/25) for all students, UK and international, = £1,850
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, yes, they are eligible to apply for the UK maintenance support.
Will they get any accommodation Finance?
No, or at least not any separate funding just the usual Student Finance maintenance support. If the placement is paid, this is likely to reduce the available maintenance support.
If a student is on a bursary, will they still be entitled to this?
Each case is reviewed on an individual basis and you would have to enquire with the fee's and finance by contacting them at feeenq@liverpool.ac.uk
Back to: Liverpool Law School