What life looks like after graduating from Leeds Law School

1. How was your experience of completing a course at Leeds Beckett?

I graduated in 2020 with an LLB Law degree from Leeds Law School at Leeds Beckett University. I had a very positive university experience. I particularly enjoyed choosing elective subjects to tailor my interests and enhance my future career prospects.

I was fortunate to have excellent tutors who made themselves available for help and support throughout the three years I attended the university. The course teaches you to work hard, how to handle pressure, and resilience, which you will need in abundance in the industry.

2. How was your journey into finding a job after finishing your degree? What were the challenges?

I was fortunate to secure a legal placement at Bailoran Solicitors through the Law School and, following successful completion of the module, I was retained as a paralegal at the firm. I have found it challenging balancing working whilst studying the LLM Legal Practice Course part time and working in a legal role, especially during the pandemic. The trick is recognising you are burnt out and introducing prevention strategies before it takes hold.

I am now in the process of commencing a new training contract specialising in commercial litigation and commercial debt recovery.

3. What is your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date would be graduating from Law School during a global pandemic!

4. Have you worked with Leeds Law School on mentoring schemes for current students after graduating?

Since graduating, I have delivered talks to Law undergraduates discussing the benefits of undertaking a legal placement, my own experience and the potential challenges which I found to be extremely rewarding not only to represent my firm but help navigate students in the right direction.

5. What was your favourite moment at university?

One moment that comes to mind was when I represented the university as an International Volunteer teaching English in Thailand in 2019.  

Leeds Beckett University offers volunteering abroad opportunities to current students looking to expand their experience and portfolios. Currently, students can volunteer abroad through three programmes: Play Action International, Uganda, ALPHARD EDUCATIONAL CENTRE - Andreea’s Club, Romania, and Think Pacific. Alicia Horrigan volunteered in Thailand through the Volunteer Teacher Thailand programme.

6. Do you have any advice for prospective law students and current students preparing to enter the law field?

The course is very engaging and interesting, but in order to complete it successfully, you need to put in an appropriate level of effort and organisation.

To those currently in a legal education, Leeds is an up-and-coming capital of the North and the second legal hub outside of London. Therefore, I would recommend utilising the opportunities on your doorstep and building up a strong network of contacts to help you progress in your future legal career.

Bring the law to life at Leeds Law School. Using state-of-the-art facilities, we offer a practical, modern approach to a subject that affects all of us. You'll start building your network from day one in a city that's vibrant and full of opportunity. To find out more about our courses, visit our website.