What did you find most challenging during your time at the Law School?
One of the most challenging things I found during my time at the Law School, was probably at the beginning of my degree. It was a different experience going from one of the higher-achievers at Sixth Form, to then moving into a year of people all achieving similar grades. It was a bit like going from being a big fish in a small pond to a little fish in a big University-sized pond. At the beginning this was slightly challenging to deal with, particularly when adjusting to University life in general, and the jump in academic demand that comes from moving from A-Level to a law degree. However, after making a lovely group of friends, and learning how the degree works and what is demanded of you, everything soon became much easier. I think it was just a shock at the beginning, but that subsided really quickly!
What has been your proudest moment since starting your course?
One of my proudest moments since starting my course, was following the receipt of my third year grades. I finished my first year with a mid-2:2 grade, something that I was absolutely devastated about at the time. However, following two years of really hard work, I finished final year with a high 2:1, something that I’d thought was completely beyond my reach. I am really proud of how much progress I have made academically, and I have been able to prove to my first-year self that I had it in me, it just took a little longer than others to achieve!
What has inspired you most during your time here?
My greatest inspiration during my time at Law School, has come from the Law Clinic. For three years I have been able to work with staff and students that have been completely dedicated to providing free legal advice to those in the local area, which for students runs alongside their degree. It has been fantastic to see such a voluntary commitment from students and witness the amazing impact this has had on many in the community that would have otherwise not been able to afford legal assistance. A particularly inspiring part of this, has been the Clinic’s affiliation with the children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. I have had the incredible pleasure of coordinating this outreach program for the past year, and have been able to witness the significant impact the work of those involved has had amongst the families the program has assisted. The experience has inspired me to try and continue with similar work in the future, whilst also providing good grounding, and an appreciation that only real problems should be treated as such.
How has your experience here helped you prepare for the workplace?
My experience at Bristol has helped me prepare for the workplace in a number of ways. The independence that Bristol has given me academically, reinforced a level of self-motivation and drive, in addition to taking responsibility for my own success and also enjoyment within my work and social life. My experience with the Law School has also assisted preparation for the future, through the significant careers opportunities in place. For someone that did not consider a future career before coming to university, the careers events and services have proven really useful and allowed an understanding of the expectations and demands of the legal sector.
The University Law Clinic has provided the most significant preparation for the workplace during my time at Bristol. Due to the fantastic work the Clinic does, facilitated by the hard work of the Director and his team, I have been able to work for clients and participate and manage outreach projects throughout my three years at Bristol. This has provided me with real experience which cannot help but assist in my hopeful future career as a solicitor. I have been able to receive a form of practical teaching beyond black-letter law, but also had the opportunity to work with others whom I would have probably not met otherwise. The Law Clinic really has played a significant part in my University experience, and has allowed me to develop skills, and have confidence in my own abilities, and thus has helped me prepare for the future.
What are your future aspirations following graduation?
Following graduation I plan to move into a legal role in a commercial firm, with the hope of becoming a commercial solicitor in the future.
What advice would you give to students about to start their journey into Law at Bristol?
I would advise those at the beginning of their journey into Law to be prepared for a challenging, but also fantastic three years. Expect to be challenged academically, but also have the chance to learn from top academics, and have access to extra-curricular activities which add an extra element to your degree, something that seems pretty specific to Law. I wish that I had made more of an effort to get to know my tutors from the beginning, as to be able to go and ask questions is an invaluable opportunity, something I only realised properly in my third year! Make sure you throw yourself into everything from the beginning, both to boost your wider interests beyond just your law degree, but also enjoy the extra social aspect that comes with studying law, the UBLC is so good for both these things! Also, it seems obvious, but make sure you appreciate every moment you have at Bristol. It seems like one moment you are sitting in your first year lectures and having your first trip to the library, and the next preparing for graduation! Ensure you throw yourself into everything you can, but also enjoy your time alongside the hard work.
In addition, this year we have an esteemed public interest lawyer, Bryan Stevenson accepting an honorary degree in Law so we wondered if you had any comments about his work?
It is inspiring to read about the work of Bryan Stevenson. To fight for justice for those that have no one else to turn to, is something really admirable, and Bryan’s work with death-row convictions and those wrongly-convicted is at the most extreme of that assistance. It is comforting to know that there are people like Mr Stevenson fighting against injustice in the world, and that show that everything is worth standing up for if there is a chance or a hope that it may cause some change. It is really exciting to be graduating at the same time as Bryan will be receiving his honorary degree!