Northumbria student returns from once in a lifetime opportunity at New York law clinic

A fourth year law student at Northumbria University, Newcastle, has just returned from New York having undertaken a placement within a well-established university and law clinic. 

Fiona Wharram, studying M Law (Exempting) Hons, spent 6 weeks in New York studying at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law and spent time in the Mediation clinic, which was sponsored by Irwin Mitchell and further supported by the Faculty’s Travel Awards scheme.

The placement was made possible with the help of a £1,000 Travel Scholarship from Northumbria Law School, which was generously match-funded through sponsorship by Newcastle-based law firm Irwin Mitchell.

During her placement Fiona spent time in the Mediation clinic at CUNY, taking part in a range of activities. Among the many highlights she was able to visit both Brooklyn and Queens Small Claims Court on a weekly basis and see qualified mediators in action, including Professor Blaustone, the head of the Mediation clinic, mediate a federal case at the Southern District Court of New York.

Fiona said: “Observing an extremely well respected mediator handle a high profile case was inspirational and incredibly insightful. I’m extremely grateful to the CUNY School of Law – and indeed to Irwin Mitchell and Northumbria for the opportunity. The experience has been life changing. I had the chance to live in New York City for 6 weeks and spend time at CUNY immersing myself in the American legal system. But my time in New York has also reignited my passion for a career in law”

Fiona’s work placement scholarship depended on achieving a high enough grade from the Student Law Office module studied in year 3. She added: “I would strongly recommend future students to prioritise and try their best in this important module. It can lead to securing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which will set you apart from many other students.

“I feel honoured to have been the only student from my year to have been given this scholarship and would strongly encourage students to do well in the Student Law Office to have the chance of being awarded this placement.”

For more information on studying M Law (Exempting) hons visit https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/llb-hons-m-law-exempting-ft-uufmle1/