Birmingham Law Society has teamed up with Birmingham City University in a new venture that will see law students automatically enrolled as student members of the organisation.
All 290 students from the University’s 2012 intake will become members of Birmingham Law Society – the largest local law society in the country.
It is the first time that any university has provided all of its students with membership of Birmingham Law Society, and reflects the importance that Birmingham City University attaches to its students being connected to the local legal profession.
In the current economic climate, securing a training contract or pupillage is becoming more competitive than ever. Birmingham City University recognises the importance of giving law students a competitive edge and by ensuring they are enrolled as members of Birmingham Law Society it believes it is providing its students with a number of key advantages.
Fiona Church, executive dean of Birmingham City University, said: “Birmingham City University is very excited by Birmingham Law Society’s commitment to law students. We feel it will give students the opportunity to gain a far greater insight into the legal profession, build up local connections and contacts and ensure students are aware of the challenges and issues surrounding this sector.”
Ben Henry, chair of Birmingham Law Society’s Student Committee, said: “This is a significant development by a university and it reflects the value and trust that Birmingham City University places in Birmingham Law Society and our student membership scheme. We recognise the incredible talent in our local universities and we want to try and assist these students in preparing for their future careers.”
Andrew Lancaster, president of Birmingham Law Society, added: “I am delighted with this significant development and I do applaud the University and its ambition to get its law students involved in the region’s legal community.”
Birmingham Law Society’s Student Committee is in the process of planning a number of key events, which will include regular student tours of local law firms and chambers, as well as events designed to be both educational and social.