Student profiles

Name: Richard Needham

Course: LLB (Hons) Law

Placement: Crown Prosecution Service, Nottingham

Does your course automatically include a work placement or is it optional?
Yes the course did include a placement.

Who organised your work placement? Did you do it yourself or with support from the University? Was it a straightforward process?
The placement was organised by the University, although I had to attend an interview to secure it.

How long was your placement?
The placement lasted for 12 months. I was also invited back after graduation to complete summer work.

What kind of work did your placement involve?
I was involved in all aspects of the CPS's work. I assisted in preparing cases for trial, attending trials in crown court, legal research and drafting. I liaised with defence solicitors and police and played an active role in the team. In particular, I was involved in leading cases involving anti-social behaviour.

What support did you receive from your placement employer / organisation?
I was given regular training sessions. I worked closely with senior lawyers and received regular feedback and advice on my work.

What support did you receive from NTU?
I had a mentor who visited me during my placement and reviewed my placement portfolio at the end of my time at the CPS.

How did your placement relate to the content of your course? Have your studies helped you with your work placement?
My placement focused on criminal law, which I had previously studied. I was also able to develop soft skills such as drafting, research and communication skills. I was able to put my legal skills into practice when on placement. I also developed my IT skills.

What did you enjoy most about your placement?
I was given a great deal of responsibility when on placement, and found that to be very rewarding. It was clear from the first day that I was going to play an active role in the team. I enjoyed being given the opportunity to put my skills into practical application and learning how to manage my time in an office environment.

What have been the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge was learning how the law works in practice, which is often very different from its theoretical application.

What was your salary on the placement?
£13,000.

In what ways did your placement boost your career prospects?
The placement was invaluable in assisting me to secure a training contract. From practicing interview skills to developing practical legal skills, the placement year was a big success for me. Law firms are keen to recruit students who have practical legal work experience. My placement year demonstrated my commitment to the profession and made me stand out from the crowd.

Has doing a work placement changed your future (career) plans in any way?
The placement convinced me that a career in the legal profession was the right career path for me. I also learnt that my skills and attributes were better suited to a career in commercial law, where I could develop my interests in international law. The placement gave me the insight I needed in order to make the fundamental decisions about my career plans.

Would you recommend a work placement to other students and what advice would you give them?
Absolutely. One of the main differentiating factors between graduates applying for positions in commercial law is their respective levels of work experience. Firms look for work experience as it shows commitment to the profession, commercial awareness and an ability to transfer academic skills into an office working environment.