Emma Clarkson, employability and placement officer at the University of Huddersfield, student Corinne Barnett and Tracey Armitage, partner and HR & operations manager at Ridley and Hall

As part of its commitment to nurturing young legal talent, Ridley & Hall has welcomed a law student from the University of Huddersfield who will spend 12 months with the firm gaining work experience within its property team.

Twenty year old Corinne Barnett, who hails from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, has completed two years of a University of Huddersfield Business School LLB Law course. She joins the well-known Huddersfield-based law firm as a residential conveyancing assistant before returning to university in autumn 2020 to complete her final year.

Tracey Armitage, partner and HR & operations manager at Ridley and Hall, explains: “We have a long established relationship with the Law School and the award winning Law Clinic they run. Over the years, we have provided many shorter work experience placements and internships for students some of which have led to permanent roles with us as paralegals and trainee solicitors. We felt this year-long placement was an ideal opportunity for us to support the programme whilst also filling a role so that one of our trainees could move to another team and extend their own training.

“Corinne is bright and enthusiastic, and eager to learn. We hope this placement will give her a real insight into what it’s like to be a lawyer and inspire her to pursue her dream of having a career in the legal profession.”

Corinne adds: “I’m really excited to be working as part of such an experienced team – it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain legal knowledge as well as getting a taste of working in a professional business setting.”

Emma Clarkson, employability and placement officer at the University of Huddersfield, commented: “We believe that students gain a wealth of benefits by undertaking these type of work placements. A year in the business world often transforms them, not only improving their professional, analytical and communications skills, but also their confidence and broadening their horizons.

“We really appreciate the support of firms like Ridley & Hall – there’s no doubt that our students emerge from their placements as broader, more rounded individuals who are better equipped with the skills employers are looking for.”

Ridley & Hall’s support of the University of Huddersfield has included the firm providing lawyers to work with students at the university’s law clinic, giving pro bono advice. It also sponsors prizes at the end of year graduation prize giving ceremonies.