Alumni

Sarah Farish

I began my legal education at St. Josephs Sixth Form in Hebburn before attending Northumbria University to study on the MLaw Exempting. I was a member and Vice President of the MARS Society during my time at university which allowed me to make a difference as I helped my peers develop their skills, whilst developing my own.

What are you doing now?

I am currently working for Short Richardson & Forth as a Professional Support Lawyer aiding across the departments. I draft documents, prepare cases and undertake research projects. I also have a role in social media and marketing as I draft articles and bulletins on new updates and case decisions. I am going to began my training contract at Short Richardson & Forth in February 2017.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I wanted to study at Northumbria University due to its reputation and the amazing opportunity that the Student Law Office allows in the final year of the course. Alongside this, the MLaw course allows for a lot of choice when it comes to choosing modules in both 3rd and 4th year.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria was a brilliant experience with a mixture of lectures and seminars. This allowed me to get an overview of a topic before allowing time to garner an understanding through further discussions in seminars.

How connected was your course with industry?

The Law School had a large number of guest lecturers both about the topic that was being studied at the time but also about wider career prospects. The Student Law Office allows students to get involved in live work and helps them understand the processes of a regular solicitor's office as well as the court system. I was a member of a civil litigation firm and I ran my own case for a semester. This allowed me to improve my client care and organisation which I then used during my work placements and vacation schemes.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course was the time I spent in the Student Law Office. This practical experience, which was bolstered by my knowledge and understanding from my legal education, showed me that I wanted to enter into the legal profession even more.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

I attended university to learn more about the legal justice system and the surrounding careers. The knowledge, understanding and practical guidance that I gained from my four years at Northumbria allowed me to jump straight in when at work placements. I was able to understand the expectations that would be placed on me and to understand that the legal profession is not just the law but a business.

Which skills/ knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

The practical skills that I gained through the last two years of my degree are the ones I utilise the most. I learnt that knowing the law is not the most important aspect but rather the interpretation it and the ability to relay this to the client.