Sheffield Hallam University said the initiative is the first to incorporate work experience into every year of the law degree.

Professor Elizabeth Smart, head of law, set the firm up with the help of two solicitors, Sally Mallinson-Ayres and Rebecca Draper, who will work full time for the firm.

Students will take a six-week course in ethics and induction training and in their second and third years their subjects will include public legal education, practice policy, research and law in practice.

Ms Smart said: “By placing our students at the centre of a live client clinical environment we are creating a unique learning opportunity that’s reflective of real-life practice. Legal education is nothing without a strong dose of commercial acumen.”

The firm was licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority last month and the university has now converted one of its buildings into an office with a reception, interview rooms, call centre, back-office and lecture room.

SHU Law opens its doors on 27 February.