Current student Teagan Williams joined us in 2019 to study the LLB (Hons) Law in Legal Practice and Skills programme at ULaw Birmingham campus. We caught up with Teagan to discuss life as an online student and how experiences gained through our Employability Team will help her in the future.
By Cara Fielder. Published 26 March 2021. Last updated 9 August 2022.
I chose to study at ULaw because it is one of the few universities to offer the solicitor apprenticeship scheme, which was the programme I wanted to do. It offered more support and pro bono opportunities than other universities. One day I’d like to sit the bar exam and become a criminal barrister.
Programme and Student Lead Elizabeth Ajagbe has been very supportive and influential this year. She sends weekly emails and updates, checking in on the online students. She also is very supportive with deadlines and ensuring we have a good work/life balance.
The Employability newsletter is very beneficial as it updates me about all the workshops and programmes the University have on offer. It’s allowed me to attend workshops about homelessness and education law, subjects I wouldn’t have come across during my placement. This will ultimately help me choose which area of law I want to practice once I finish my apprenticeship. I have also attended the BAME panel event, which gave me an insight into life as a BAME lawyer.
I have also recently been selected to be a BAME advocate. This is something I’m massively looking forward to being a part of and becoming a friendly face for other BAME students to come to and confide in.
My time at ULaw has exposed me to others that work in the same profession and have similar career goals. We have a WhatsApp group chat and a weekly Zoom catch up call which adds a social aspect for us as online students. We would normally meet other online students face to face during Summer School. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, it was cancelled this year. Nevertheless, we’ve continued to support one another through these Zoom calls, which are informal and allow us to form friendships.
After graduation, I will continue to take part in pro bono activities as ULaw has stressed how much of an impact volunteering a few hours of your time can have on the community.
My advice to new ULaw students is to enjoy the experience and get stuck in. Get involved in as many social groups, workshops and extra-curricular activities as you can without overwhelming yourself.
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