We’re proud to collaborate with Cardiff University’s School of Law and Politics, helping nurture the next generation of legal talent in Wales and beyond. As the School marks 20 years of its Pro Bono, Skills & Employability programme, we’re celebrating the impact on students, clients and the wider profession and the many legal colleagues who’ve given their time to make it happen.
A partnership that puts law into action
Launched in 2005, the programme has grown into a rich portfolio of live projects that give students real-world experience and the confidence to thrive in practical law. We joined the Scheme in 2006 and have backed it ever since, hosting students year on year and providing hands on experience at the firm. Powered by volunteer legal experts, including many of our own colleagues, the scheme provides mentoring, training and close supervision so students learn through practical experience. It’s a partnership that embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals and supporting access to opportunity.
[Photo of the students at the Hugh James Cardiff HQ in 2025 (top) and students at Cardiff University in 2011 (bottom)]
Why it matters
Law is a competitive and people-centred career, and good grades are only part of the story; graduates also need practical knowledge, ethical judgement and the ability to apply the law in real-life situations. Through our partnership with the School, we’ve seen how structured pro bono work builds exactly those skills to support clients in the community. We’re passionate about using the expertise at our premier Cardiff HQ to support students and future partners gain the confidence and purpose that define a career in law.
Twenty years of impact
Cardiff University’s new report charts an impressive set of milestones, and we’re delighted to feature in that journey. The achievements reflect the ambition and hard work of the School’s staff, students and supporters. At the start of our relationship with Cardiff University, we knew we wanted to support student learning and employability skills and have supported the University in many ways, including assisting them with the launch of a work placement programme.
By supporting the School in a variety of ways, including attendance at Law Fairs, pro bono consultancy, careers advice and office open days, our firm has, for many students, become the natural choice of employer upon graduation.
Lisa Morgan, Partner and Head of our Nursing Care team, has been the scheme’s supervising solicitor since it began in collaboration with Cardiff University. She said:
“I can’t quite believe it has been two decades since the Pro Bono Scheme began. We partnered with the University back in 2006, as soon as I qualified. Each year, the students taking part in the scheme always embrace every task they are given and manage to demonstrate key skills such as advocacy, drafting and presentation. It is always fantastic to welcome the students to our Cardiff city centre office and I look forward to following their future careers. It’s been wonderful to see the students flourish and learn through hands-on experience with our firm. I’m delighted to see so many students from the Pro Bono Scheme go on to become Trainees, and even Partners, here at Hugh James.”
What our team contributes
We’re especially proud to offer students practical experience around the sensitive issue of NHS funding for care home fees. Focusing on NHS Continuing Healthcare claims, the scheme exposes students to real cases, client care and the rhythms of day-to-day legal practice which are skills they carry into their future roles.
Our ongoing commitment
Our partnership with Cardiff University’s Pro Bono Scheme is one of the many ways we continue to invest in developing legal talent, supporting our communities and strengthening the future of the profession. With our deep roots in the region, we’ll keep supporting initiatives that widen access to justice and build practical legal skills. From volunteering on clinics to hosting student placements, our lawyers will continue to back programmes that align legal education with the needs of clients and communities.
Find out more
To explore the full story with Cardiff University over the past 20 years, take a look at the new report or check out our most recent blog from this year’s cohort, plus a deep dive into some of the success stories growing careers from within.
If you’re interested in taking part in the Pro Bono scheme, Cardiff Law School are opening applications for this year’s scheme on Monday 24 November and students can apply directly through the University. Find out more about the Pro Bono scheme on our dedicated page.
