International law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has announced it will sponsor the Student Hub at Queen’s University Belfast’s new School of Law as part of a five-year partnership deal.

The announcement was made at an event at the University attended by Northern Ireland’s new Economy Minister Simon Hamilton.

Queen’s new School of Law will open in September following a £15 million refurbishment of the university’s former Library Tower.

The new Student Hub, sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills, will be a 600m2 space providing social and informal group study space, with an estimated 3,500 footfall per day through its café and study area.

As part of the sponsorship relationship, the firm will work with Queen’s to deliver a tailored and innovative programme of activities specifically designed for Queen’s students, beginning this Autumn.

Professor Sally Wheeler, head of the School of Law at Queen’s, said: “As a leading international University, with one of the top Schools of Law in the UK, Queen’s is committed to working with the foremost employers to ensure its students have access to the kinds of opportunities which help them to reach their full potential.

“This new aspect of our long-standing partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills builds on our already existing strong links, and our alumni presence, and will further enhance the technical and legal knowledge our students acquire, ensuring they are best-equipped to take up their role in society.”

Lisa McLaughlin, director of UK, US & EMEA operations of the firm’s Alternative Legal Services business and leader of the firm’s Belfast office, added: “Herbert Smith Freehills and Queen’s already work closely together in a number of ways, for example on the annual Queen’s Law School visit to London, recruitment roadshows and various student-led activities, such as sponsorship of the Queen’s Mooting Society.

“We also have a strong Queen’s alumni network in both the firm’s Belfast and London offices. As a Queen’s alumna myself, I am very proud to be launching our new partnership and am excited about the opportunities it presents for the firm, the University and – most importantly – future generations of law students at Queen’s.”