Maynooth University Department of Law is showcased as part of the success Matheson is having integrating real-world experience in Irish universities. The firm has announced that, building on its initial post-launch success, the Matheson Virtual Experience Programme (VEP) has now been integrated into student modules and coursework in a number of third-level colleges including NUI Galway (NUIG); University of Limerick (UL) and Maynooth University (MU). Through these integrations, over 200 students are currently completing the programme which will account for between 5% and 50% of their final grade, depending on the university.
Maynooth Law is pioneering Law & Technology in the LLB with a suite of compulsory modules across the first three years of the degree. The Matheson VEP is included for the first year LW121 modules, which involves over 50 students. Other programmes included are Linklaters, for LW121 in Semester 2, and Clifford Chance for LW321. In the Maynooth Law and Technology LW121 module the Matheson programme represents 50% of the final grade in semester 1. In total the Maynooth Law and Technology modules currently have over 300 students working their way through the various law firm virtual experience programmes and is the largest concentration of students in Ireland.
Dr David Cowan, Associate Lecturer in Law, National University of Ireland Maynooth said “The virtual experience programme is critical to our modules as a whole and have many benefits both practical and intellectual. Students gain real insight into the work lawyers do and gives them a better idea of the areas of law that really interest them, and even to decide whether they want to use their law degree to become a lawyer or pursue other career paths. The first years do the Matheson programme because it sets the tone for the three-year cycle of our compulsory Law & Technology modules by really hitting the two needs law firms have, which is for students to learn to communicate the law in the digital age and to understand the impact of technology on the law and the legal profession."
Nicola White, Director of Learning and Development at Matheson said “Matheson’s Virtual Experience Programme is designed to help bridge the gap between formal legal education and legal practice in a way that’s innovative and inclusive for all students. In association with Forage, and to build on its initial success, we identified a unique opportunity to strengthen our relationships with universities across the country and further cement our position as the law firm of choice for law students.”
The Matheson Virtual Experience Programme, developed in association with legal technology firm Forage, gives participants practical legal work experience. Each participant completes a variety of tasks during which they gain legal analytical skills, develop a knowledge of the legal industry and learn essential legal communications, research and drafting skills.
Ms White said, “By integrating the VEP into students’ coursework and including it as part of one of their modules, we have combined people, processes and technology to provide a customised digital experience for hundreds of students across Ireland. The benefits to the students are evident. In an increasingly digitalised world, it is an excellent way to bring job preparedness into their academic curriculum allowing them to gain practical experience, whilst also improving their career prospects.”
Ashlie Collins, Global Account Director, Forage said "As our first client in Ireland, Matheson has always been a super important and special client to Forage. The team is incredibly forward-thinking and is always working on new and innovative ways to push the boundaries in the early talent space - as they acknowledge the importance of true open access to the legal profession! Matheson continues to come to us with fresh ideas to engage with early talent in ways that optimise our technology and the Forage platform. It is an amazing partnership, and we look forward to continuing to support the team in achieving their market-leading strategies for years to come!"