School of Law networking event draws praise from employers
The University of Bradford’s School of Law has been praised by employers for its efforts in training future barristers and solicitors.
It was also commended for its outreach work in local schools, in particular by running mock trial competitions to introduce school pupils to law.
The School of Law held a networking evening on June 30 to celebrate the support it receives from the community, to provide information on key developments, and to showcase the work of students.
Prof Engobo Emeseh, Head of School of Law, said: “Our School is rooted in the community and we aim to continue to expand our relationships with various organisations in and around Bradford and the Yorkshire region, with a view to developing and enhancing our already strong links in the wider legal community, for the benefit of our students, our research and the community of Bradford itself.”
School of Law students regularly take up internships and work experience with local law firms in order to gain valuable experience.
Pictured below: Bradford Grammar School pupils with their winning trophy.
Daniel Robin, head of Fenchurch Law’s Leeds office, said: “I was very impressed with the calibre of students who worked at our offices last summer. They were just as strong as students from a redbrick university. It was a pleasure to have them and I am looking forward to the next set of students this summer.”
The School is collaborating with a number of organisations in various ways to enhance students transferable skills and employability. These organisations include Walker Morris LLP, Liberty Global, Government Legal Department, Fenchurch Law LLP, Proctor & Hobbs solicitors - who this year sponsored the University’s own mock trials competition - and the Girlington Centre. The organisations all expressed how impressed they were with the high standards displayed by the students who have taken up various opportunities within their organisations.
Student Melody Amadi, who completed internships with both Fenchurch Law Solicitors and Proctor & Hobbs Solicitors, said she believed the opportunity to undertake work experience not only enhanced transferable skills but helped her identify weaknesses so she could begin turning them into strengths.
Yacoob Ahmed, a final year student who grew up in Girlington, one of Bradford’s more deprived areas, attended a two-day vacation scheme with Walker Morris LLP, open exclusively to students from the University. He said the experience had made him more confident and had helped him in his application for and secure a graduate scheme with a leading insurance organisation.
Prof Amir Sharif, the Dean of the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences congratulated the School on its continued growth and reiterated his support for the School.
Pictured below (left to right): Rubina Burhan (Manager, Girlington Centre), Rhys Armstrong (student), Imaan Siddiqui (student).
School of Law takes law to schools
Prof Engobo said the School of Law also placed great importance in nurturing young people through a number of initiatives, such as a series called ‘Creating Future Lawyers’, which sees members of staff speaking to students over a four-week period.
The School also runs a mock-trial competition, open to A-level and sixth form students around the region.
This year’s Bradford Grammar School and Beckfoot Thornton were joint winners of the competition, with students taking on the role of barristers and solicitors to enhance their understanding of law, and increase skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and planning.
Study law at Bradford
The University of Bradford’s School of Law has its very own mock courtroom - Lady Hale Court - in which students can practise their skills in a realistic setting. The School also runs internships and placements with local employers, and offers its students the chance to gain valuable experience by working with its Law Clinic, which offers free advice to members of the public.