College of Law 2023 graduate opportunities

• Name: Max Moore
• Role: Trainee Solicitor, Denton Wilde Sapte LLP
• University: University of Durham
• Degree: History and Politics

The College experience:
There are lots of benefits to studying at the College – location, reputation, convenience and a friendly atmosphere. What stood out for me were the way my knowledge of the law progressed and the moments when the penny dropped.

The courses:
The GDL was an excellent run through of the seven heads of law. It was approached professionally, demanded application and was ultimately very rewarding. When it came to the LPC, being able to do a specifically-tailored corporate course certainly helped me develop my corporate skills and persuaded me that it was the right route. On a practical level, the i-Tutorials, quality of teaching and comprehensive study materials were all excellent.

Preparation for practice:
What I experienced at the College definitely prepared me for the life of a corporate solicitor, from the tuition, to the atmosphere, to the encouragement I received. I was primed to become a thrusting city lawyer and hopefully I’ve followed that through so far. If you want to become a corporate lawyer, it makes sense to get as much work experience as you can to develop your commercial awareness skills, and the corporate route LPC is a business-orientated course that certainly does this.

Securing a training contract:
When I first arrived at the College I hadn’t had any legal work experience at all. The careers team really helped me turn my existing CV into a legal CV. They advised me on how I could get work experience in the time available and which firms to target. Both the careers consultants and the College’s database of previous candidates’ experience were very helpful in securing my training contract.

The job:
I’ve spent the first six months of my training contract working in the corporate department and the last two months in banking. It’s fairly challenging and can be long hours and stressful sometimes, but it is pretty rewarding. I think to get on in the world of corporate law you’ve got to be a deal-orientated sort of person who enjoys the buzz and adrenaline rush of closing a deal.

• Name: Danielle Feely
• Role: Trainee Barrister (Pupil), 4 Breams Building
• University: University of Edinburgh
• Degree: Mathematics

The College experience:
I enjoyed both the GDL and BVC at The College of Law, especially the mooting competitions organised by the College and my Inn of Court, Middle Temple. As for the actual courses, I really benefited from the advocacy exercises and mock trials.

The courses:
The structure of both the GDL and BVC provided me with an excellent grounding for the next stage of training. The GDL instilled in me the need to be fully prepared for class exercises, which is crucial on the BVC and during pupillage. On the BVC, court visits are compulsory and getting experience of the Magistrates’ Court is invaluable for any prospective barrister.

Preparation for practice:
The emphasis the College places on legal research and other drafting exercises has been vital for practice, as the skills gained are the basis of every case. Even if law is not the career you want to follow, the skills are extremely transferable as a basis for many others.

Work experience during study:
I did mini pupillages at various chambers, including an assessed mini pupillage with my chambers, which undoubtedly helped me. In addition, I worked part-time at the Citizens Advice Bureau and for solicitors’ firms, which showed dedication to a legal career and the ability to deal with people from all walks of life.

Securing pupillage:
I began applying for pupillage in the autumn of the BVC, which was relatively late compared to most people. Initially I applied to a number of sets practising in pure crime, but without success. When I completed my BVC, I began working as a paralegal at a Magic Circle criminal firm and continued my pupillage applications. After two rounds of interviews, I began my pupillage at 4 Breams Buildings in April 2008.

The job:
The Criminal Bar is a fun place to be, with something new happening each day and new people to meet. The work can be challenging and difficult at times, but getting results and carrying a case to its conclusion is a constant thrill.