Students

A Message from Hadrian Tulk, the 2010-11 President of the Brunel Law Society

Ruth

Graduated with a First Class Honours degree after a four year thin-sandwich degree in Law and was made a Princess Royal Scholar at Inner Temple for 2005

I have probably got more than I ever could have possibly dreamed from my four years at Brunel. I left college after A levels wanting to do a modern history degree after having considered careers in everything from banking to graphic design. However after being told there was not a lot you could do with an in-depth knowledge of modern dictatorships I chose a degree at Brunel solely because of its reputation for its four year thin sandwich course.

I undertook two extremely diverse placements, the first at Matrix Chambers where I worked as a legal information assistant with famous barristers like Anthony Jennings QC, Ben Emmerson QC and of course Cherie Booth QC whom I was lucky enough to spend a week in the House of Lords with. Having decided on a career at the criminal Bar I undertook a second placement at Powell, Spencer and Partners Solicitors. After swanning around central London for six months Kiburn High Road was a little bit of a culture shock but gave me a great grounding for a career in crime. I attended prisons to interview clients, took witness statements and assisted counsel at criminal and family hearings, all things I would have never dreamed I would have the confidence to do.

Aside from the workplacement scheme the tutors at Brunel have given me the confidence to use the skills I obtained on these placements to improve university life for students. I have sat as a departmental representative at staff and student meetings for 3 years and this year set up the Brunel Mooting team who this year reached the semi-final of the Weekly Law Reports Moot. I am also a part time advisor at the Citizen's Advice Bureau where I act as a volunteer.

Reading this back I do wonder where I get the time to study, but there is a great support network of tutors at Brunel that works very much on the philosophy that you get back what you put in.

Although a four year course seems like a daunting prospect, especially when your friends are graduating after three years and moving on to their careers I believe I would not have access to half of the experiences I have had completing a four year course nor made the professional contact I have in such a short space of time. I have recently been made a Princess Royal Scholar at Inner Temple for 2005 which means I will get my law school fees funded for my BVC year. I believe if I had taken a three-year course I would not have had the confidence to apply for this award nor have had the experience necessary to impress a panel of five well respected barristers. I also feel if I had not have come to Brunel I would still be none the wiser as to what career I would like to go into and certainly not be the confident, educated and happy person I am, although I might have had understood dictatorships a little better.

Sandeep

A first year law student who received the prestigious Stephenson Harwood award for her outstanding A level results.

Brunel has the right environment for helping students to perform to their full potential. Being an intellectually stimulating subject, Law requires you to commit yourself to the concepts of the legal system, and analyse the rules governing the society we live in. There are many functions and societies that law students can get involved with, such as mooting against other universities or taking part in five-a-side football againt lecturers!

My experience at Brunel has been positive - the warm friendly atmosphere removes any fear that a new student may have. The opportunities here are endless, and the high employment rate after graduation says it all.

The Stephenson Harwood award has opened a lot of new avenues to me. I've been selected to attend meetings and take part in representing the youth of Slough with our local MP. Suggestions will be put forward to the Russell Commission on how we can becmore more ivolved with the Community

Graduating this year after a 4 year thin-sandwich degree and ready for a career at the Bar

My decision to read law at Brunel, as opposed to other potential alternatives, was due to the fact that the four year thin-sandwich course offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain vital legal experience and potentially further opportunities, as well as the highly commendable reputation the law department has.

 

From the outset I have known that I want to pursue a career in criminal law. I was fortunate to be offered the position of legal clerk at Saunders Solicitors LLP (formerly Saunders & Co.), whom are one of the highly recommended criminal law firms in the country in the Legal 500 and boast a range of high profile cases, such as the successful appeal of Norfolk farmer Tony Martin and the Torso in the Thames. Despite the reputation of the firm, everybody was friendly and approachable, and always willing to assist with any queries, which has been imperative in developing my skills. I was effectively exposed outstanding criminal law minds on a daily basis, which could only have been to my benefit. I enjoyed working at Saunders Solicitors LLP during my first placement so much so that I have never really left. I continued working part-time during my studies, and thereafter returned during my second placement, and am still on the payroll!

The placement has been vital in my career development. I have worked on many high profile cases, including assisting in the preparation of and attending on a murder trial, working on contracted VHCC cases, as well as having personally represented a client at the Family Division before a District Judge. Furthermore, I have regularly attended many courts that I would never have dreamt of attending, such as the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice. Additionally, via Saunders Solicitors LLP, I have been able to gain experience at the Bar, via mini-pupillages at 10-11 Gray’s Inn Square and at Hollis Whiteman Chambers, which was offered to me by Sir David Calvert-Smith, QC (former DPP), with whom I worked with on a death by dangerous driving case. I have also been privileged to work with and learn from many leading counsel, including Trevor Burke, QC and Henry Blaxland, QC.

Although I was unsure about a four year degree, I feel my decision is fully vindicated. I have gained experience few others of my age would have achieved. Further, I have made friends and contacts in the legal world which I believe has left me best equipped to succeed in the criminal law. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who wishes to practice the law.