Prepare with a placement
Placements are a fantastic opportunity for you to put theory into practice. Stepping out of the lecture theatre and into a real-world environment helps gain you a sneak peek into your future career.
10-week placement
You will be required to spend at least three days per week for 10 weeks on your work experience placement in an approved environment. It is open to those studying LLB Law full-time and LLB Law with Business.
Sandwich placement
You will be required to spend at least 36 weeks on your work experience placement extending up to a maximum of one year. It is open to all undergraduate students (LLB Law Sandwich students will automatically be enrolled).
You will be able to search and apply for a suitable placement opportunity just like any other job. Whether you find your placement through InPlace or have somewhere else in mind, a placement is there to help you gain valuable experience in a field you're interested in.
What our students say
I am currently on my placement year at a law firm where I am a Legal Assistant in the Litigation Department.
My role enables me to put what I have learnt into practice. Within my first month I attended court, sat in conferences with Counsel, attended multiple meetings and learnt many skills such as document drafting, how to interact with clients, and how to take new enquiries.
No day is the same but there is always something new to learn. The firm has been very supportive and welcoming, and each person is always ready to help and clarify anything. I would encourage any individual thinking of doing a placement to go for it. You will not regret it!
Rumbidzai Mavera, LLB (Hons) Law Sandwich
The benefits
Undertaking a placement can help you stand out to employers by highlighting your competency across a range of key skills and experiences:
- Negotiation
- Drafting
- Reporting and analysis
- Written presentation
- Oral presentation
- Time management
- Communication
- Professionalism in the workplace
- Confidence
Any questions?
Typical tasks that you would be expected to do will depend on your workplace. If you are based at a law firm you may work on active client files, draft witness statements, court forms, instruct barristers, prepare trial bundles and speak and communicate with clients.
Past placement students have gained experience in law firms, in-house legal teams (e.g. in local government), barristers’ chambers and the Court Service.
Students are also encouraged to consider placement opportunities outside of the legal sector, in areas such as human resources, banking and finance. As well as helping you to get 'workplace ready', these opportunities offer valuable insights into the kinds of goals and challenges that businesses seek legal counsel on.
You will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee for the sandwich year. Students can secure funding for this through Student Finance England.
During your placement, you will get support from your supervisor in the workplace as well as an allocated tutor who will visit you during your placement. They will be on hand to answer any queries you may have.
You will have the opportunity to attend a timetabled pre-placement session which will focus on the practical side of the placement search as well as preparing for life during your placement. You will also get help from the Employability Team who will provide support on applications and interviews.
Once your course starts, you will be able to access MyEmployability - where you will find more information, including more information on Sandwich placements.
You can also contact the Employability team if you need any help.
Other opportunities
Read more about the placement opportunities exclusive to NLS students
NLS Legal
Learn more about the opportunities available at NLS Legal, our award-winning teaching law firm right on campus, and the only of its kind in the UK.
Learn about NLS Legal opportunitiesSupport Through Court
Read more about the opportunities available at Support Through Court, a service for people who can’t access legal aid and are facing court alone.
Learn about Support Through Court opportunitiesWhen you're a Nottingham Law School student you will have access to the MyEmployability online portal offering graduate opportunities, vacancies, careers resources, and exclusive access to a huge range of employers and organisations, all looking to recruit NTU students and graduates.