BRISTOL LAW SOCIETY AND UWE SET UP PLACEMENT SCHEME

Posted on01 March 2012

Bristol Law Society and UWE have launched a joint 2012 work placement scheme exclusively for UWE Legal Practice Course students. UWE’s LPC students will again be placed with firms in Bristol and beyond. Last year, a number of students was able to secure legal employment on the basis of the scheme.

Nick Dell, president of the Bristol Law Society and Head of Property at Pardoes, said: “Bristol Law Society and its members are always striving to support the lawyers of tomorrow. The Society is extremely pleased to be continuing its partnership with UWE this year. The joint placement scheme with UWE's LPC clearly demonstrates the Society's commitment to the young talent currently studying at UWE's highly regarded Legal Practice Course. The UWE/BLS joint scheme offers UWE's LPC students, including those without significant previous legal work experience, the chance of spending valuable time with member firms, thereby enhancing their CV. Fair and open access to the profession is one of the key objectives of the Society. Local opportunities provided by the scheme are of particular importance to students applying for training contracts, and other legal positions, including the highly competitive Bristol and South West market.”

Dagmar Steffens, head of the Legal Practice Course at UWE, said: “ I am delighted that we are again able to offer our students this incredible opportunity. Last year, a great number of our LPC students were able to gather valuable experience at local law firms through the scheme organised by us in co-operation with the Bristol Law Society. UWE is the largest provider of professional legal education in the region; we have extensive and profound connections with the legal community in Bristol and the South West, and are well regarded and supported by that community. We are the natural partner for Bristol Law Society in the provision of such a significant scheme. This year, we are hoping to place even greater numbers of our students with law firms, as well as with in-house legal departments. Our network is clearly working for our students.”

Any members of Bristol Law Society who are not already a partner in this scheme and would wish to participate are asked to contact Jacek in the BLS Office on info@bristollawsociety.com

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS