Why did you choose Bristol for your studies?
There are several reasons why I chose Bristol for my studies, one of which was because of the fantastic reputation of the Law School. When visiting on the open day, I was very impressed by the lecturers and facilities, as well as the pro bono and social activities on offer. The city itself is beautiful with so much to see and do; I fell in love with it immediately!
What areas of Law did you decide to pursue while studying and why?
Some of the areas of Law I decided to pursue were Family Law, Medical Law and Reproduction Law, Ethics & Policy. I also wrote my Final Year Research Project on whether the law should permit patients with body dysmorphic disorder to have cosmetic surgery. I chose to study these topics having thoroughly enjoyed my Religious Studies and Sociology A Levels which looked at various ethical and legal matters such as the family unit, abortion and euthanasia.
What has been inspirational during your time at the Law clinic?
I recently finished work on a case in which my client had been receiving Employment Support Allowance (ESA) alongside his permitted work. A court decision had been made that he was earning above the permitted wage so was ineligible for ESA, and that an overpayment had therefore occurred. This meant that my client would have to pay back the overpayment, which amounted to nearly £7000. The Law Clinic took his case to the benefits Tribunal whereby I acted as his legal representative. Here I argued that the money should not be recoverable, and fortunately won the appeal! I’d seen how much stress the situation was causing my client, so was very pleased and relieved for him. I found it incredibly rewarding to know that my work will have a positive impact on his life; it has inspired me further to pursue a career in Law.
What has been the most challenging aspect of working in the Law clinic?
Whilst the Law Clinic would love and aim to solve everyone’s legal issues, in some circumstances, there is only so much we can do to help as there are rules and procedures in place that we must follow. For some clients however, particularly those in desperate situations, they are unwilling to accept this. I would say that this is the most challenging aspect of working in the Law Clinic.
How has the experience helped you in terms of preparing for the workplace?
The experience I have gained throughout my time in the Law Clinic has been invaluable in preparing me for the work place. My legal knowledge and skills have greatly improved and as a result, my confidence in my legal abilities has grown enormously. I have found that my work in the Law Clinic stands out when applying for jobs and certainly played a part towards my success in securing a role in the Claims Handling team at RPC.
What are your plans for the future, do you have any long-term goals?
Gaining practical legal experience through the Law Clinic has solidified my decision to pursue a career in Law. In the future, I therefore hope to secure a training contract and become a fully-fledged solicitor!
What advice would you give to students starting out at Bristol?
I believe that University is about developing yourself as a person. Therefore, I would advise making the most of all the opportunities that come your way, whether that be through your degree, extra-curricular activities, friends and so on. The years fly by, so enjoy it while you can!