Leeds Law School graduate Tamara Freyone took what she describes as a ‘life-changing decision’ in 2018, when she transferred to the undergraduate law degree at Leeds Beckett. She’d spent her first year on a different course, but felt it didn’t truly align with her passions and interests. She was supported by the university to switch to Law School in her second year, and has since gone on to complete the vocational course associated with training to become a solicitor. 

She is soon to embark on a training contract at Gibraltar’s leading international law firm. This is Tamara’s story:

“I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

My initial decision to study law was drawn from my desire to help people, particularly those who find themselves in difficult situations. I chose to pursue law because I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I also have a strong passion for social justice and civil liberties and found law to be a field that offers diverse career paths and intellectual challenges, which keeps you engaged and excited about the industry. 

Initially, I was enrolled in a course that didn't align with my passion and I wanted to find a course that resonated with me as a person, which is why I asked for support at LBU. The university provided me with the resources and guidance I needed to make a smooth transition into law, and the stresses of a course change became much more manageable.

“I realised that law was the right path for me in my Family Law class.”

During one of our classes, my tutor introduced the topic of parental alienation, which I had not heard of before, from a legal perspective, at least. As I learned about the devastating impact that this can have on children's lives, I felt a strong emotional pull to understand why it is sometimes tolerated in family courts. This experience ignited a passion within me to explore the legal system with the intention of potentially working with vulnerable individuals and families in the future.

“Explore a course that aligns with your interests.”

If you're feeling unsure about your current course, my advice would be to explore other options that align better with your interests. You can start by researching different courses on the LBU website, reading student testimonials, and reaching out to current students to learn about their experiences. It's also important to consider the different career paths related with each course to see if they line up with your goals. 

Once you have a better understanding of the course, I recommend contacting the course leader to discuss your options and get any questions answered. Remember, it's never too late to make a change and pursue a path that truly suits you.

“The guidance, support and dedication from my tutors left a lasting impression on me.”

I cherish many aspects of my experience at Leeds Law School, from the incredible people I met to the lifelong friendships I formed. LBU played a significant role in shaping both my personal and professional life.

The guidance, support, and encouragement I received from my tutors really stood out. They always went above and beyond to help me strive for excellence, and this level of dedication from my tutors left a lasting impression. Additionally, our course regularly arranged enjoyable activities such as quiz nights, which really added to the overall positive and friendly experience at the university!

“My law degree has given me a diverse skill set to progress in my career.”

It includes analytical thinking, problem solving, research, advocacy and writing skills. These have each proven to be highly transferable and applicable in a variety of industries. Specifically, they have been useful in my roles in the financial services sector, having worked both in Fund Administration and now, as an AML Regulatory Officer. The skills and knowledge I acquired during my law degree have been important in enabling me to progress in my career. 

“I am now working towards qualifying as a solicitor.”

Having been offered a training contract at a law firm, I will now be working towards qualifying as a solicitor by completing my seats within different practice areas. This will give me a chance to gain hands-on experience and understand how the legal system functions in practice. The training contract will provide me with all the necessary skills and knowledge to progress in my profession, with the ultimate goal being to specialise in a particular practice area in the future. I am most excited about the opportunity for personal and professional development that comes with being a trainee solicitor.

“If you're considering a law degree at LBU, my advice would be to connect with current or past students who can share their experiences.”

They can offer you valuable insights and advice. It's also important to carefully review the course details and take a look at the range of electives that the university offers. Research different legal areas that you think will be of interest to you and try to attend any open days the university arranges as this will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the course and will connect you with the right people. 

“Come out of your comfort zone.”

To make the most of your law degree, try to find a supportive group of friends and make sure to come out of your comfort zone - volunteer as a course representative, join societies, sign up to mooting competitions or go and observe some court cases with your peers. Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the journey and have fun along the way!