International law firm sponsors student Team Development Programme
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson is sponsoring the University of Southampton Law School’s Team Development Programme.
The programme, which has been running for 20 years, takes place at the start of the academic year, and is the first opportunity new students have to meet informally and develop a range of skills that will help them in their future studies.
Joanne Smallwood, Graduate Recruitment Specialist at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, said: “To be a successful commercial lawyer you need to understand the importance of teamwork.
“Whether with clients, colleagues or suppliers; building relationships is a part of our culture and a skill set we look for in future trainees.
“This is why Womble Bond Dickinson are proud to support Southampton Law School in the Team Building and Challenge Induction Programme.”
During the programme, students participate in a number of practical activities which emphasise the benefits of an effective learning group and the need for strong team working skills. The activities also help to recognise the importance of problem solving, organisational and planning skills.
The students also meet lecturers and the second-year student who will act as their PASS (Peer Assisted Study Support) mentor during their first year.
Afterwards, students carry forward their team skills into their LLB programme through the Womble Bond Dickinson Challenge. This challenge involves each group researching, preparing and delivering a presentation on a specific legal topic and culminates in an evening reception in which students can network with legal professionals from Womble Bond Dickinson.
Throughout the many years the programme has been running, the feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive and theynot only benefit from developing key skills but also welcome the opportunity to get to know fellow students and future friends.
Professor Brenda Hannigan, Head of Southampton Law School, said: “The Law School is very grateful to Womble Bond Dickinson for their generous sponsorship of the year 1 LLB Induction Programme and Team Building Challenge event.
“They are an outstanding national and international firm with many of our alumni amongst their ranks. As a significant legal presence in Southampton City and region, we greatly welcome their engagement with our first year LLB students – tomorrow’s lawyers.”