Developing future legal talent has always been an important part of who we are. Through our long-standing partnership with Cardiff University, our Professional Placement Year (PPY) scheme gives law students the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience within a leading UK law firm while continuing their studies.
Since 2016, we have welcomed undergraduates into the year-long placement programme, helping students bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. The scheme reflects a shared commitment between the firm and the university to supporting student development, enhancing employability, and providing practical workplace experience that prepares students for a successful career in law.
Phoebe Orbell, Head of People Operations, said:
“The placement year allows students to immerse themselves in the day-to-day realities of legal practice, developing essential skills such as communication, teamwork, commercial awareness, problem solving, and client care. From working directly with clients to drafting legal documents and supporting complex cases, students gain valuable insight into life at a commercial law firm while contributing meaningfully to their teams.”
Learning beyond the lecture theatre
For students, the PPY scheme offers far more than work experience. It provides the opportunity to build confidence, establish professional relationships, and gain exposure to real legal work long before graduation. Students are given the information regarding the PPY scheme during the autumn term of their second year, and are able to apply for a place via Cardiff University in the following February each year.
We sat down with some of the students currently participating in the scheme to hear about the lasting impact the experience has had on both their personal and professional development.
Jack Rosser, a Paralegal in our Nursing Care team, said:
“The scheme has offered me the opportunity to learn things that cannot always be taught through lectures, particularly the practical side of legal work. It’s also helped me understand the practicalities of working in law, including client interaction, meeting deadlines and managing a regular professional routine. I do not think I could have gained the same level of confidence or practical understanding without the scheme.”
For Lowri Davies, a Paralegal in our Clinical Negligence team, the placement year has provided her with invaluable exposure to the realities of legal practice and helped strengthen her long-term career ambitions.
Lowri said:
“At the start, I was anxious about delaying graduation by a year, as I felt like I was stepping off the traditional timeline, but this experience has given me more confidence, strengthened my professional skills, and will allow me to graduate with meaningful experience that will hopefully set me apart from other graduates in a competitive job market.”
Building confidence and professional skills
One theme that was consistent when chatting to this year’s students was how much the placement year has given them confidence through working alongside legal professionals to take ownership of their work.
Talking about her placement with our Trusts and Estate Administration team, Nada Kaciulis said:
“The most beneficial part of the placement has been the opportunity to learn through real experience rather than just from education alone. It has given me a much clearer understanding of the legal profession and helped me grow both personally and professionally. My personal highlight has been feeling genuinely welcomed by the team and being trusted to get involved in real tasks, which made the experience feel meaningful and rewarding.”
Betty Scott, a Paralegal in our Financial Mis Selling team, highlighted the value of real-world experience:
“I wanted to gain practical legal experience and use the theoretical skills I’d learnt at University in a ‘real-life’ setting. I have learnt so much, from being able to handle a large workload and client list, legal drafting, and building my confidence when speaking to clients.”
The students also spoke positively about the supportive culture across the firm and the welcoming nature of their teams. Holly Whale, who also carried out her placement within Trusts and Estate Administration team, described how the placement helped her feel part of the wider firm community.
She said:
“The social events have helped me build relationships with colleagues and feel part of the firm, while hearing positive feedback from clients has been really rewarding and has shown me the impact that good client service can have.”
Creating future career pathways
For many students, the Professional Placement Year is not only an opportunity to gain practical experience, but also a chance to build clarity and confidence around their future careers.
Working alongside experienced legal professionals allows students to explore different areas of law, understand the realities of client work, and develop a clearer sense of the career path they want to pursue after graduation.
Ifan Stoddart, who carried out his placement within our Trusts and Estate Administration team, said:
“The practical experience of working in a law firm full-time has greatly developed my knowledge of the legal sector and has reaffirmed my decision in wanting to become a solicitor. Everyone is very friendly and the open office plan makes the job enjoyable. It makes you feel like you are part of the team despite only being there for a year.”
Ifan added:
“It is a very rewarding experience when clients come back and thank you for the work you have done, knowing you have had a positive impact on their lives during a difficult time.”
Words of encouragement for future applicants
Although every student’s experience has been different, one thing came across clearly in every conversation: the placement year is about far more than simply gaining work experience. From building confidence and friendships to discovering career ambitions and developing practical legal skills, students spoke passionately about the impact the scheme has had on them both professionally and personally.
Highlighting the value of confidence and support, Betty Scott said:
“Be confident in your ability and don’t worry if you don’t have tonnes of legal work experience — this is exactly what the Placement Year is for. At first, it can feel daunting stepping into a professional legal environment, but everyone is incredibly supportive and understands that you are there to learn and develop.”
Holly Whale talked about the advantage the experience gives students when thinking about life after university:
“A placement year is such a valuable opportunity, especially in a competitive graduate market. Having a year of real experience behind you not only helps you stand out in applications and interviews, but also gives you a genuine insight into what working in a law firm is really like.”
Commenting on the invaluable experience the placement gave her, Nada Kacilulis said:
“I would definitely encourage anyone thinking about applying to go for it. It is such a valuable opportunity to gain experience, meet inspiring people, and develop your confidence in a professional environment. The placement gives you a real insight into life at a leading law firm, and can really help you feel more certain and excited about pursuing a future career in law, just as it has done for me.”
