College of Law set for 2009 Manchester launch

The newest arm of the education provider will open its doors to students in September 2009 and will run both the Legal Practice Course and Graduate Diploma in Law.

The branch will run alongside the College's existing northwest branch in Chester and adds to a network that includes regional outposts in Guildford, York and Birmingham as well as London.

College of Law chief executive Nigel Savage (pictured) commented: "The northwest is the UK's California - it is worth £106bn, a 10th of the UK economy and larger than several European countries.

"With a regional centre in Chester and the investment in Manchester, we are now perfectly positioned to contribute to its continued success."

Addleshaw Goddard senior partner Paul Lee added: "This is a most exciting time for the Manchester legal community, staking its claim as the leading centre for legal activity outside of London."

The news comes after the College in February signed an agreement with 11 law firms based in the Midlands to share a structured training programme for junior property lawyers.

The project is the latest in a series of multi-firm training initiatives and sees advisers including Wragge & Co, Shoosmiths, Cobbetts and Martineau Johnson taking part in the Birmingham-based programme.

Legal Week Student