Students to tackle brief at 7m Birmingham school

The first law school to be built in the UK for 11 years - the College of Law's Birmingham branch - opens its doors to more than 300 students next week.It will be officially opened in November by solicitor Digby Jones, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry and formerly a partner in a Birmingham law firm.The 45,000 sq ft branch cost 7 million and took a year to acquire and develop.

The facilities include prayer rooms for men and women.Leading Birmingham firm Wragge & Co has endowed the school with funds and helpers for its pro bono unit.

Twenty Wragges solicitors will supervise pairs of students.

Neil Rose