Member Article

Sheffield law firm makes the grade with award nomination

Lawyers from the private client department at hlw Keeble Hawson are part of a team shortlisted for a prestigious academic award for an innovative programme run in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University.

In recognition of the significant contribution that it has made to the university, the Private Client Enterprise Scheme has been nominated in the Sheffield Hallam University Faculty Awards 2014.

The scheme is designed to give first and second year law students practical experience of working in a professional legal environment. Competition for the scheme is tough and students have to take part in a rigorous recruitment process organised by the University.

hlw Keeble Hawson partner Michele Todd, who runs the placement element of the programme, says: “We are honoured to be part of the team shortlisted for this award. We have a long standing relationship with Sheffield Hallam and have always been impressed with the professionalism of the students on the scheme.”

She continued: “hlw Keeble Hawson is committed to helping these students gain the skills they need in order to secure a job when they graduate and to give them a taste of an area of work they will cover in their final year of study. We feel a real sense of achievement knowing that we are helping to develop the next generation of lawyers.”

Sheffield Hallam University law lecturer Vinny Jethwa said: “It is wonderful that the law and criminology work we are doing with hlw Keeble Hawson has been recognised. Our participating students gain so much from the scheme because it enables them to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom.”

Seventeen students are taking part in the scheme, which includes witnessing wills, working with Age UK and participating in Free Wills Month – a scheme which gives people over the age of 55 the chance to have their wills written or updated free of charge by participating solicitors.

hlw Keeble Hawson’s extensive pro-bono activities also include holding a weekly legal advice surgery at Weston Park Hospital, organising a bi-annual charity seminar and participating in the Free Wills Month campaign.

The awards will take place on Thursday 19 June 2014 at St Paul’s Hotel, Sheffield.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by hlw Keeble Hawson LLP .