Tell us a bit about your background please…
I was brought up in Northampton, then moved to Edinburgh at my first opportunity (aged 19) and never looked back, so I consider Scotland my home. After graduating from my first degree, I worked in various roles, mostly in higher education. I did the sensible thing and got a mortgage for a cute flat and settled into a relatively good job.
What inspired you to further your studies?
I’d studied part-time Open University courses while working and realised my educational journey wasn’t yet complete. I’d been wondering about returning to studying full-time, due to the passion I saw daily from students, teachers and academics. I was interested in law because my first degree was in social anthropology and I had a lifelong belief in justice, so I thought I might want to conduct research in socio-legal studies, which looks at how societies set their rules for human behaviour. But I was equally attracted to the idea of completing a professionally accredited qualification in two years, with various exciting and challenging employment routes upon completion. So, I decided to take the plunge and return to university in 2017 to study the Accelerated LLB.
Why did you choose to study Law at Strathclyde?
Two reasons: the reputation of the Law School at Strathclyde (including its renowned Law Clinic), and a personal challenge – moving to Glasgow after 12 years in Edinburgh. I was keen to immerse myself in projects such as the Immigration Unit of the Law Clinic, which helps asylum seekers who are often settled in the Glasgow area. I also liked the idea of getting to know a new city and experience a different side of Scotland. I was lucky enough to find a beautiful flat in the West End of the city, nestled between Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens, and I’ve been enjoying gradually becoming familiar with this vibrant city.
What has been the highlight of your time at Strathclyde/highlight of the course so far?
My highest point was winning an academic prize for the best overall marks (in my class of over 300) for one of my modules last year. I was proud that all my hard work paid off and very happy to get a cheque as proof (it’s nice when it literally pays off too). The ceremony at Barony Hall was presided over by my favourite lecturer (Kenneth Norrie) and the award was given by Lady Rae from the Court of Session, with a chance to chat to them afterwards. This experience encouraged me to continue to apply myself and also apply for the more impressive internships. I was pleased to be recently offered a vacation scheme at a prestigious commercial firm this Summer, which involved a rigorous application process, including psychometric tests and an assessment day.
Have you come across any challenges during your studies, and how have you overcome them?
My main challenge was handling the disappointment of not being selected as a caseworker for the Law Clinic, back in my very first week of the LLB. I’d really wanted to get stuck in straight away, but it was not meant to be, unfortunately. However, this encouraged me to train with the Citizens Advice Bureau instead, which gave me insight into the kind of advice work I might want to do in future. It also gave me a solid background when applying for the Law Clinic this year. Thankfully they let me in (this time!), and I have been involved in several cases this year, including for the Immigration Unit, as planned. This term I have used this experience to get a volunteer position with Miscarriages of Justice Organisation, which is allowing me to live my dream (developed from binge-watching true crime documentaries like Making a Murderer) of working on a bona fide Innocent Project!
What would be your advice for people considering taking this course?
Two years is such a short time and the Accelerated LLB workload is even heavier than you imagine, so my advice is to dedicate yourself to your studies as much as you can. Give up partying for the time being (within reason!), create a cosy and peaceful study space in your house, and invest in technology. Especially if you are working part-time or volunteering, you will need to stay on top of the workload.
Also, start applying for vacation schemes as soon as possible – the deadlines are usually the end of January. Don’t worry about having no idea which area you want to work in yet, as most of the bigger firms cover several areas. I think it’s really important not to become discouraged if you don’t find placements in the areas you prefer. Just apply for every opportunity you can – there are loads out there - as the more experience you gain now, the more attractive you become to future employers. But more importantly, the more you become aware of which areas of work appeal to you, or not.
What do you think of the support available?
There is absolutely no need to feel intimidated by any of the staff here – having studied at both Edinburgh University and Strathclyde, I can definitely report that the lecturers and tutors are much more approachable in Glasgow. The Law Clinic staff are particularly friendly and helpful, and the more you volunteer for them (at the IAC, on projects, and as a caseworker), the more you feel at home in the Hub.
What are your ambitions for the future?
Right now, I’m unsure whether I will do the Diploma in Legal Practice or an LLM next year. It depends how well my vacation scheme goes in June – if I get offered a traineeship at the end of it, I’ll try to get my Diploma fees paid by the firm and complete my Diploma next year. If not, I would be equally happy to do a Masters, with the aim of either getting a traineeship at a later date or conducting doctoral research about the inner workings of the criminal justice system. I have a broad range of interests, which I thought might be a problem to begin with, as I wouldn’t focus on one area. But the more I’ve studied and spoken to people working in law, the more I’ve realised it’s an asset to have skills and experience across a range of fields. It means I can be flexible and grab whichever opportunities are available.