Charlie Ellam is an MLaw: Law and Professional Legal Practice student, currently in his fourth year. In this blog, he talks through his decision to study at Leeds Beckett and how he has found his experience so far.

Course: MLaw: Law and Professional Legal Practice

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to study law at Leeds Beckett? 

I was born and currently live in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. I come from a working-class family and have a twin brother and an older sister.  

I have many interests, including law, history, socialising with friends, driving, travelling and hiking. I would consider myself to be a very driven and sociable person. 

I became interested in law while a student at New College Pontefract and once I was introduced to law as a subject, I immediately felt that this was something I wanted a career in. 

The reason why I chose to do law at Leeds Beckett Law School was because of its location and that it is ranked in the top 15 for law in the country. 

How have you found your course so far? What have been the highlights?

Initially I found the course easy to understand, I think this was because I had studied law at A level and the initial content was familiar to me. However, as time went on, I found the course to get a little more challenging as the workload became more than I expected. It is a huge step up from being an A Level student, but the course is very interesting and engaging. 

So far, the highlights of my course have been having the opportunity to work in groups with other members of my class.

What support have you received during your time at Leeds Law School?

Leeds Law School has provided a great deal of support throughout my studies. The library provides free databases and books to use, which has proved to be a big help when it comes to the assessments. The lecturers have also been a huge support in providing help and guidance for academic matters and supporting me with personal issues too. 

The University also provides good social support when it comes to students with disabilities. 

Are there any extra-curricular/career opportunities that you have got involved with?

Since I have started University, I have been involved with the Professional Mentoring Scheme. The scheme put me in touch with a barrister who mentored me through the summer between my first and second year. Whist studying in my third year, I also took part in the Street Law project which allowed me to work in a group with fellow students and teach law to college students. 

What would you say to people considering studying your course at Leeds Beckett?

I would encourage people considering a law degree to apply and I am sure they will find it as interesting and engaging as I have. The workload may seem a lot at first, but as the course progresses it becomes more and more manageable. 

If you have any difficulties to not suffer in silence as the lecturers are always there to support you in every way they can. Everyone on this course is in the same boat as you, so don't be afraid to talk things through with your fellow classmates. 

If you want to become a solicitor, then the MLAW is the one to choose as not only does it provide you with the academic knowledge, it also provides you with the practical skills needed to work in legal practice.