My 5 key learnings as a Leeds Law School student

Doug Tomlinson is in his final year of the LLB Law course at Leeds Law School, soon to graduate in summer 2022.

He came to university with an ambition that he wanted to work in law one day, but he was unsure exactly which area of law and the many roles that might be open to him with a law degree. He is now set on becoming a criminal lawyer.

Doug reflects on his three years at Leeds Beckett so far and shares his top five learnings to make the most of the experience.

1) Play sport while studying your law degree

As a keen hockey player, I was impressed by the sporting facilities at Leeds Beckett and how sport orientated the university is; that played a big part in my decision to come here. The sports facilities are mainly on Headingley campus, which is handy as I live in Headingley so it’s so easy for me to play in my hockey team, working with a coach who trains high-level athletes. There’s also a top-of-the-range gym, swimming pool and running track, so you’re all set up here if you’re into sports, like me.

Whilst I ultimately came to Leeds Law School to get a law degree, playing hockey has also been a huge part of my university experience.

2) Do the advocacy module

I can’t recommend the advocacy module enough. I’ve been able to take part in mooting competitions against other law schools and participate in mock court trials where I’ve learnt to argue points of law and learn how the law should be interpreted, from tutors who are ex-barristers and absolute experts in their field.

Advocacy has been a real high point of the course for me and a breath of fresh air, because it’s a module entirely focused on preparing you for the Bar - but even for people who don’t want to be barristers, the communication skills and confidence you get is invaluable.

You do it over one semester.

3) Don’t pass up the opportunity to get experience at the Law Clinic

I’ve developed so much from this vocational module and gained a huge amount of knowledge and experience for when I start applying for jobs after university. You can sit and read a textbook, but the Law Clinic really teaches you how to deal with clients practically.

I felt out of my comfort zone, but that’s a good thing and the support is there. The Law Clinic is housed in an entire office building in Queen Square in Leeds city centre – it has a reception, meeting rooms, and is a fully functioning, professional pro-bono clinic. You even have to dress as if you would in a solicitors’ office.

Essentially you mimic a solicitor role; you have to be measured, ask the right questions to get the right information from the client, research properly and present information in a simple way. Your tutors teach you how to interview a client, how to research, how to write letters, and then hold a mock client scenario with you, before you see an actual client. I advised six clients at the Clinic, with issues ranging from criminal law to housing disputes, family disputes and employment. There’s a focus on what people can’t get legal aid for.

You have to undertake a thorough legal interview to secure your place on the Law Clinic module but relish the opportunity; it exposes you to a real legal interview experience while you’re still at university.

The Law Clinic confirmed my ambition to practice criminal law.

4) Take part in mini pupillages

I’ve had several opportunities to do mini pupillages at barristers’ chambers during my time at university. Being able to shadow a barrister and watch and learn from them is something I’ll never forget and will take forward into my law career after university. They’ve all been excellent.

5) Get a mentor

I fell on my feet completely with the School’s mentoring scheme. Leeds Law School put me in touch with a criminal barrister working in military law who became my mentor. He helped me develop a list of contacts for after uni, overhauled my CV, and was really thorough in his support. My mentor has given me so much guidance to what I want to do; I can’t recommend the mentoring scheme enough.