BBP University Law School is offering its students a dedicated module on 'small talk' and 'networking' It has been widely reported with the media expressing surprise that it is needed. 

It is almost as if journalists, and their readers, haven't realised law is a business.

Would The Times or the BBC's flagship Today programme give the same story space if the graduate intake at a bank, a drug manufacturer, or publishing company offered the same coaching?

Law is a business in the same way as a bank, drug company or newspaper. And the lawyers they employ are expected to win work accordingly. An understanding of the law is simply not enough. 

Law schools - and educators more widely - are often accused of failing to prepare graduates for the workplace. BBP University Law School should be applauded for its efforts. 

Law schools should go further, including modules that help young professionals build a personal brand, on marketing, and developing new business.