This week started off with an exciting opportunity to attend Legal Cheek's Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair, hosted in partnership with The University of Law. Throughout the week, I participated in numerous workshops that covered a range of legal areas such as 'Real Estate', 'Disputes', and 'Private Equity'. These sessions were incredibly insightful, providing me with a glimpse into how multiple firms operate and what I can expect from specific areas.

Myself and Phoebe Cawthorne had the pleasure of shadowing Celine Kart at Leeds Combined Court today. Following our previous trip to Leeds Combined Court’s public gallery, Celine reached out and offered her advice and support as we start to explore the aspiring legal roles we hope to pursue.

On Tuesday the 19th of March, I marshalled District Judge Brian Whitehead at Sheffield Combined Courts. Witnessing a day of property repossession, from social housing, private renting, and mortgage, was an incredible opportunity to see how the courts deal with such issues. As a student with a keen interest in property law and experience in property management, this experience was invaluable and provided an added understanding. The ability to see all types of property repossession was also incredibly insightful and gave the opportunity to understand that these issues can happen to anyone, despite their social status. 

I had the privilege of presenting sessions on discrimination in the workplace to year 12 students at Thomas Rotherham College. As part of this year's Street Law programme, myself and other students attended local colleges or sixth forms to inform A Level law students on discrimination and free speech issues that are present in a workplace environment.

On Tuesday, February 20th, I shadowed District Judge Tomas Mitchell at Manchester Magistrates Court. Observing proceedings in Court 5, Judge Mitchell's humble demeanour struck me as he brought his reassuring authority to each case we encountered throughout the day.

It was a pleasure to be apart of the Clinical Negligence team over a 4 week period. The team were nothing short of welcoming, encouraging, supportive mentors that guided me through every step of a clinical negligence claim. From the amazing head of department to the lovely legal assistants, each and every one of them have shared their expertise and taught me more than I could have imaginedThis opportunity has enabled me to develop on skills such as; - Analysis & Evaluation,- Understanding Legislation,- Organisation and Management,- Written & Oral Communication, and- Critical Thinking.

Over a week period I had the opportunity to learn and engage with the Property and Land team at the Bristol offices. I experienced client calls, the management of cases and most importantly to daily life of a solicitor.‌The week also consisted of workshops and meetings to develop transferable skills that are vital in any career. ‌Having this opportunity, opened doors and drove my determination to pursue a career in legal profession. I am grateful to have experienced the way in which this firm works and enjoyed every aspect of their work experience programme. 

I was apart of Eversheds Sutherland’s Unlocked Programme April 2022. This programme gave me a further insight into possible routes and opportunities I could pursue in the legal sector. It removed the barriers to the stereotypical route and allowed me to engage with multiple speakers, higher education students and professionals who were able to educate me on the variety of routes I would be able to take. This included the variation between legal departments for companies and law firms that worked with multiple clients, the apprenticeship route in comparison to the university route and roles such as paralegals and how they are a stepping stone. Through being apart of this program I was able to understand what the next step for me was, but most importantly what is the best suited for me. Additionally, this programme was also beneficial for my confidence, public speaking and communication skills. Engaging with other students and professionals on a formal and informal level gave me the reassurance that I shouldn’t be worried about connecting and networking.