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̨ÍåÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ (DMU) Leicester recently launched its new Law Lab Enterprise, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world legal practice.

The launch brought professional experts and students together to showcase how the enterprise creates opportunities for students to develop legal skills and immerse themselves in legal professional practice before they graduate.

The enterpise aims to give students the opportunities to network and build relationships with law firms and local organisations while still studying to equip them with skills, knowledge and connections to excel in the legal profession.

Such was the interest in the Law Lab Enterprise that almost all of the seats in the large lecture hall in the Hugh Aston Building were occupied. Baron Willy Bach, former Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner and current member of the House of Lords, launched the Law Lab Enterprise together with DMU's Vice Chancellor Professor Katie Normington.

President and Vice President of The Law Society of England and Wales, Richard Atkinson and Mark Evans, also attended as part of their national tour to celebrate 200 years of the Society.

Designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world legal practice, the Law Lab Enterprise offers Law students a unique, hands-on learning experience, helping them build essential skills and gain practical knowledge. It was founded by Sharan Sandhu, Director of Practical Legal Education at DMU. Sharan opened the proceedings, and was proud to see the high attendance at the launch.

She said: “We’re pioneering the way that practical legal education is delivered. Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of this, as we work with local law firms and local organisations, for example the Leicester Community Advice and Law Centre, to connect people with people.”

The Law Lab Enterprise has five elements helping DMU shape the future of legal education. These are:

• The Justice Clinic – this comprises a number of legal clinics hosted by law firms allowing students to help people with their legal issues under the supervision of an experienced lawyer
• DMYou – this hosts a series of exciting legal events, for example Street Law, where students go to community projects and educate people on various areas of the law; or supporting the development of legal skills such as advocacy in mooting competitions or negotiation competitions. It also hosts practitioners from the local legal profession in events such as speed interviewing or insight days at law firms.
• The Law Academy – offering short courses focused on power skills essential for success in today’s fast-paced legal world
• Law Global – designed to create a global employee giving students the chance to develop an international career in law, for example linking with a variety of partner institutes around the globe through collaborative online international projects or international trips.
• Law Lounge – a social platform for students to connect and explore all things law including an exciting podcast series

Students attending the launch were also able to speak to fellow students and staff on other areas that the Law Lab Enterprise encompasses in between the launch and the Q&A session. These included the Bar Futures programme, run by Associate Professor Dr Alwyn Jones, which gives students the chance to immerse themselves in the legal profession, with mock trials and visits to local chambers. It gives them the chance to see what it takes to become a barrister, along with insights into what life will be like.

Jake-Kenny Pickering, a third-year law student, said: “This programme has furthered my ambition to be a barrister and given me more of a clear understanding of how to get there.”

Maya Soni, a first-year law student, is excited about what the Law Lab Enterprise will bring to her study. Maya said: “The Law Lab will give me a little more insight. We get inundated with information so it will be good to filter what’s important, such as work experience. Seeing people with a passion for law gives me that passion.”