Students from the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University have completed a week-long work experience placement in ITV’s legal department and global law firm Squire Patton Boggs. The four students secured places on this scheme through an essay writing competition, which was judged by the course leaders at each university.
This is the second year that ITV and Squire Patton Boggs have joined forces to give prospective lawyers from non- Russell Group universities the chance to experience life as both internal and external counsel at a FTSE 100 company and a global law firm. During their week the students learned about the day-to-day challenges faced by lawyers at ITV and how firms like Squire Patton Boggs support clients as external advisors.
Commenting on the programme, Rob Elvin, office managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs in Manchester, said: “We were delighted to again partner with ITV to offer prospective lawyers the chance to see two perspectives of the legal profession. Schemes like this are vital to equip students for the demands of life working as a lawyer and we hope that this experience has given these able students some valuable insight for their careers.”
Barry Matthews, Director of Legal Affairs and Third Party Sales at ITV, added: “It is crucial that companies invest in the communities in which they do business; the ITV legal team has focused the core of its Corporate Responsibility programme on social mobility. This scheme gives students who, whilst very bright, can all too often be overlooked for work experience opportunities of this quality. We are proud to partner with Squire Patton Boggs and the Universities on this initiative and were hugely impressed by the calibre of students who participated in the scheme.”
Faizan Nayyar, one of the four students on this year’s scheme, commented: “I'd like to thank everybody at Squire Patton Boggs and ITV for putting together this placement and giving me the opportunity to gain some invaluable experience.
“The two days at Squire Patton Boggs were excellent. Everybody was very friendly and welcoming; the experience showed me what life is like as a lawyer working for a global firm, and how fast-paced and exciting an environment it can be.
“I then had the opportunity to gain a real insight into what working in-house is all about, with three days spent in London with ITV. Not only was the placement beneficial in helping me acquire legal skills, but it was very useful from a commercial perspective since I learned to appreciate how a legal decision can impact on the day-to-day running of a business. I also picked up some great tips on how to get your foot on the career ladder; it was really inspiring.”
Dr. Shane Sullivan, Director of Law Programmes at the University of Salford said: “Salford Law within the Salford Business School was delighted to be invited to participate in this exciting scheme again this year. It provides an important opportunity for our final year law students to experience law in a dynamic practical environment. The students were so happy to have been selected and incredibly excited about the prospect of the placements. We are pleased to partner with such renowned companies as ITV and Squire Patton Boggs to create this wonderful opportunity for our students.”
Catherine Shephard, author of Legal Systems and Skills and Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University said: “High quality work experience is key to help students develop essential legal skills and secure employment in the legal sector. Through this innovative scheme, ITV and Squire Patton Boggs set an admirable example in taking practical steps to widen access to the top of the profession. It’s a fantastic collaboration.”
The placement took place in London at ITV’s studios, and in Manchester, at the office of Squire Patton Boggs.