In early 2025, Peters & Peters teamed up with Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver a fully virtual work placement programme designed to give law students an exclusive, first-hand look into life at a top-tier disputes law firm. The initiative was designed to provide students with meaningful exposure to live cases, hands-on legal practice and expert mentorship. Not only did the initiative equip participants with essential skills and insights, but it also underscores the firm’s commitment to diversity, access and the future of the legal profession.

This placement served as a bridge between academic theory and real-world legal practice, and for many of the students involved, it opened up new ways of thinking about their future. A summary of the programme’s findings can be found in the recently published impact report.

From the classroom to the courtroom

One of the most powerful aspects of the programme was the chance for students to observe a high-profile case in action, something that few undergraduates get to experience. Anna, a final-year LLB student, described it as eye-opening:

“Watching the case in court and then discussing it afterwards was my first experience following a case both before and after a court hearing. Knowing the facts and legal background beforehand was invaluable to understanding what was happening in court. It also showcased the time pressures and complexities of high-profile cases.”

Throughout the week students were encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and participate in meaningful conversations with professionals across the firm. Through a mix of group exercises, panel discussions and mentorship sessions, participants developed a range of practical skills, including legal research, drafting, networking and team collaboration.

Lifting the lid on legal careers

The exposure to different areas of law, including sanctions, fraud and international criminal litigation, was especially impactful for students still exploring their career paths. For Ayeza, another LLB student, the placement broadened her understanding of the field:

“Through the placement, I gained a deeper understanding of sanctions law and how it affects individuals. I also developed practical skills in legal research and client communication. The team’s support and encouragement made me feel like a valued member—I’ll carry the lessons and insights I gained into the next stage of my career.”

This sense of empowerment was echoed by postgraduate students as well. Evgeniya, an LLM student, highlighted the value of engaging with complex legal arguments at the highest level:

“I genuinely enjoyed being involved in a complex sanctions case and having the chance to follow a Supreme Court hearing. I cannot thank you enough for this valuable opportunity.”

As well as the exposure to the different areas of law, students were given an opportunity to hear from the firm’s business support experts including a presentation from Senior HR Adviser Emily Hyde on the ‘Do’s and don’ts’ of applying for a training contract’ including practical feedback for students to fine-tune applications and stand out from the crowd.

Building the programme: behind the scenes

Behind the scenes, this initiative was carefully developed by teams at Peters & Peters and Manchester Law School with the aim of offering more than a typical internship and opening access to the legal profession:

“This experience was incredibly insightful,” said Monisha, an LLM student. “Several elements directly related to my studies, and I’m now able to incorporate what I learned into my CV and pupillage applications.”

Professor Andrew Francis, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Manchester Law School, underscored the wider significance of such collaborations:

“Legal education transforms lives—and your support supercharges what we deliver. I see the impact of support like yours every day… and even more so when I see the pride in the families and communities that sit behind these students when they graduate.”

The Business Crime team and HR collaborated to come up with a programme that would enable students based away from London to get an inside look at a niche area of law. The programme was designed to showcase sector knowledge and the court processes involved, whilst also giving students an insight into essential skills through practical assignments and social events. By removing barriers frequently experienced with accessing opportunities, such as travel costs and accommodation, we were able to encourage and support a diverse range of students in their pursuit of legal careers.

The road ahead

The success of this placement has set a new benchmark for how law firms can support early-career legal talent. By offering meaningful opportunities that combine legal insight with professional development, Peters & Peters hopes to inspire the next generation of legal professionals and promote greater access and inclusion in the sector.

This initiative is a reminder that when firms invest in potential, open doors, and share their knowledge generously, the impact can extend far beyond a single week.