“I had always wanted to become a lawyer.”

A friend recommended Leeds Beckett University to me and spoke highly of her experience on the law degree. I was impressed by the School’s legal connections and practical learning opportunities, alongside legal academic study.  I joined Leeds Beckett as an undergraduate student in September 2020.

“I knew I wanted to become a solicitor and discovered that the MLaw was the best option for me.”

During my third and final year of undergraduate studies in Law, I knew I wanted to become a solicitor and would need to do either the Legal Practice Course or SQE to do so.  I was a little apprehensive about further study because of the lack of government funding for postgraduate courses. I have worked part-time throughout my degree, and I knew I would have to keep doing this when I studied the LPC. After attending information sessions and speaking with helpful lecturers, I was told about Leeds Beckett’s MLaw route, and I felt this was the best option for me. 

The MLaw lets me do the LPC without the requirement to complete a separate master’s and provides the same funding as undergraduate students get – including the maintenance loan. I come from a low-income background, so being able to access the maintenance loan has helped me greatly in terms of financial security. The MLaw provides much better access to a professional course for people from the same socio-economic background as me.

“The MLaw can only be completed on a full-time basis.”

The MLaw does have some conditions that students should understand before selecting it. The MLaw can only be completed on a full-time basis, unlike the separate LPC, which has the option of a part-time route. You also can’t graduate from your LLB after completing the third year; you graduate after your fourth year. I sacrificed my LLB graduation to be able to complete this fourth year, so I will graduate in July 2024. 

For some students, this is not an option - but for many students like me, who come from a low-income background, this is the only option. I am so glad I had this chance and I will have double the amount to celebrate in July 2024!

“The lecturers at Leeds Law School are the most supportive there are.”

Even though the lecturers explain how much is expected of you for this professional course, I was still overwhelmed in the transition from LLB Law to MLaw. You are effectively doing at least triple the workload, in university approximately 18 hours a week, all whilst completing exams. 

The LPC year tests you both physically and mentally – I have had to be prepared, disciplined and organised. The lecturers in Leeds Law School are hands-down the most supportive, informative and approachable there are. Having been with Leeds Law School since September 2020, the quality has never faltered.

I have had some of the same lecturers throughout my time here and that consistency has allowed me to achieve a great relationship with them and pushed me to achieve the best results I have ever achieved academically.

“Get good work experience in the legal sector, no matter what.”

In summer 2021, I got a job working in the business services department of Stowe Family Law LLP as a post-room assistant. Even though this was an admin position at first, seeing how a firm operates was a great insight into the legal world, and I’m so thankful I applied for it as the opportunities have been brilliant since. In September 2023, I started working as a paralegal with the same firm, Stowe Family Law LLP, and this has been so helpful on a practical level with the LPC and will no doubt be helpful for my future legal career. Working in different departments within the firm has really helped with my personal and career growth. 

I want to get a training contract following the completion of my MLaw in May, so that my dream career becomes a reality. Leeds Law School has not only helped me with career advice and legal knowledge, but has also helped my confidence grow significantly.

“Studying at Leeds Law School has been nothing short of brilliant.” 

It really shows you when you have passionate lecturers who want to help you achieve your goals that nothing is impossible! The Law School’s Law Clinic (with a special mention to Law Clinic Solicitor Emma Henderson) gives a brilliant insight into the legal world in Leeds, and how legal aid is affecting so many areas of law. I also took part in the professional mentoring programme in my first year and got great advice from a trainee solicitor.

The MLaw is a very demanding course and you will have to make sacrifices to make it work, but just work hard and be consistent and it will be worth it: it’s brilliant!

*Please note: The route to qualification as a solicitor has changed and new students are required to qualify via the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) unless they satisfy the Solicitors Regulation Authority transitional arrangements. Current (2023/24) Leeds Law School level 6 (third year) LLB students are eligible to study via the LPC or the SQE and so can take advantage of the MLaw Law and Legal Practice in September 2024 by completing a form to transfer onto the course now (email law@leedsbeckett.ac.uk for information). 

Leeds Law School will soon be launching a new MLaw – Law and Professional Legal Practice (subject to approval) to assist students in their preparation for SQE. This will be available for new students joining us in September 2024 and current level 4 and level 5 students to transfer onto at the end of level 6 (subject to meeting the transfer requirements). For more information, come along to the Postgraduate Open Evening on Wednesday 17 April, or look out for an information session in the Law School soon.