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Centre for Professional Legal Education

The Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLE) is a leading provider of professional legal education and training within the School of Law at the University of Sheffield. This well regarded and established centre of excellence sits within the Grade II listed Bartolome House.

Uniquely among English Russell Group law schools, we offer the opportunity for you to complete both the academic and vocational stages of qualifying as a solicitor.

Whatever the stage of your career, the CPLE offers a range of quality courses designed and delivered by experienced practitioners to help succeed in your legal training. Many of our courses offer the flexibility to study full-time or part-time allowing you to work your studies around other commitments.

Qualify as a solicitor

Convert your degree to law

We are proud to be the only Russell Group University in England to offer the Legal Practice Course, which is validated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA). Students with a qualifying law degree can complete the MA in Legal Practice to become a qualified solicitor.

If you have a degree or equivalent in a non-law subject and want to enter the legal profession, you can study the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or the MA Law and “convert” to law. Successful completion of these programmes will lead on to the next stage of professional legal training; the Legal Practice Course or the Bar Professional Training Course.

Our courses

Real world experience

We provide learning opportunities for you beyond the classroom to develop transferable skills and improve your employability.

Pro bono

Mooting

Our FreeLaw Legal Advice Clinic is one of our prestigious pro bono schemes, providing free legal advice to members of the public and to local charities.

This is a great way to gain valuable hands-on work experience in a professional environment, honing your legal skills and working under the supervision and guidance of practicing solicitors.

Our flagship legal clinic is what attracts many of our students to Sheffield, all looking to enhance their CVs in a competitive graduate job market.

The School boasts its own Moot Court where you can practice mooting with your peers. For employers, mooting demonstrates your interest and competency as an advocate.

It can be nerve-wracking, so we have plenty of support available including skills sessions on mooting, debating and negotiation.

You could end up mooting in national or even international competitions, meeting members of the judiciary and have the chance to win mini-pupillages.

Probono

Mooting

Dedicated careers advice

In addition to The University of Sheffield’s careers service, we offer our students in-house specialist careers advice from a qualified solicitor, as well as running a regular programme of employability and skills events, which give you access to professional, first hand advice to help you choose and prepare for a successful career.

The annual Legal Fair, held on campus, allows you access to a wide variety of law firms and other legal employers to present your CV and gain advice on applying for jobs and training contracts.

The Commercial Awareness Certificate is offered as part of the Employability & Skills Initiative. Commercial awareness is an essential skill that allows all lawyers to better understand and thrive within any business environment. This certificate incorporates a series of workshops designed for those who are interested in developing the skill of legal commercial awareness, both for the benefit of academic study and to assist in gaining employment.