Current ULaw student Amy Fitzmaurice is studying the LLB at our Bloomsbury campus in London and plans to continue with her studies to reach her ambition of becoming a barrister. We caught up with Amy to discover how the Employability Service has supported her so far and how she’s made new friends during her studies.
By Cara Fielder. Published 11 September 2019. Last updated 31 January 2022.
I chose to study at The University of Law as, when I visited them on their Open Day, I felt so welcomed and realised how supportive the networks were going to be. I also loved the fact that everyone studying here was also interested in law, which provided a community that I wanted to be a part of. The University’s amazing reputation and notable alumni was another massive factor in joining. After graduating, I plan to take the BPTC along with the LLM and qualify as a barrister, specialising in property law.
The legal field can be extremely intimidating and competitive, especially to people like myself, who have no connections in the legal world. I was very scared of rejection. I also assumed I may have to change to fit in within the legal world and that I wouldn’t be accepted as myself. Speaking with my tutor, Theresa Grant and teacher Stuart Roberts, their supportive words encouraged me to believe in myself and not to be scared to put myself out there. The confidence they gave me encouraged me to achieve various forms of work experience, including shadowing two female judges in a landmark employment law case. This then gave me the courage to finally apply for a mini-pupillage at the leading property law set – Tanfield Chambers, which I successfully obtained.
I regularly use ULaw’s Employability Service to ensure my CV is up to date and to gain tips on how to write the perfect application. They are so helpful and friendly, and are experts on legal recruitment, which helps when you are unsure what routes you should take. Most recently, the Employability Service shortlisted my application for a vacation scheme with the BBC, which I was successful in getting. I would not have had that opportunity without the Employability Service.
The opportunities that the Employability Service provide, including pro bono activities and regular workshops and networking events, have definitely helped me to prepare for the working world. I attended a pro bono Amnesty International Workshop and was given the opportunity to write to the Chairman of the Investigative Committee in Russia, to stop the torture of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This allows you to feel like you are making a real difference, even as a law student.
Attending a university, where every student has similar goals and interests, means you can make so many friends and everyone motivates each other, which you cannot experience anywhere else.
ULaw has given me the confidence and belief that I am entering into the right career. The skills that they have given me regarding legal research, interview techniques and organisation skills will stay with me throughout my legal career.
Also, the friendships that I have made will be for life and we have already agreed to meet up regularly after graduation at the local café for a coffee. My best friend, who I met on the first day of university, bonded over our love of coffee, which you need a lot of, especially for the early morning lectures.
My advice to new students would be to always ask for help if you need it, because every member of staff is willing to help and will give you the best advice they can. Also ensure you take advantage of the connections that ULaw provides. In my first year I was invited to attend a networking event, which I was very nervous about, as I am not a confident person however, the CEO of Allianz Insurance was there and I ended up speaking to him about my aspirations and he gave me lots of useful advice.
Discover more about how our Employability Service can support your ambition.
