Law firm blogs about their successful Northumbria graduate

Judith Buckland studied LLB, Law at Northumbria University and has since gone on to become a successful Solicitor at Woolley & Co Solicitors. In a recent blog they quizzed her on her time at the university and how it helped her progress in her career as well as asking her for some helpful tips for any current students looking at going into Law.

Take a look below:

1. What made you decide to study Law?

I was a mature student and had already been working in the law for 4 years before starting my degree. I did 3 years part time whilst working and then a final year and LPC full time.

2. Why did you choose Northumbria University?

I was living in Durham at the time and I transferred from Bristol (where I did 3 years) to Northumbria for my final year and for LPC

3. What was the best part of your time at the University?

Being able to concentrate full time on study.

4. Did you have a favourite tutor or mentor here that inspired you?

Tina Bond. She really helped to develop my interest in family law especially

5. How did you get your first job?

After university I did some locum work for a firm who then offered me a job.  I was exempt from training contract in light of the fact that I was already a FILEX and had been working in the law for a number of years.

6. What advice would you give to students looking to secure their first job?

Ensure you get Work experience at every opportunity during university vacations! Try and to apply for training contracts as soon as possible.

7. What interview tips would you give current students?

  I’d tell them not to be too full of yourself because you’ve just secured a great degree! You’ve got a lot to learn at this stage so just be yourself and show your enthusiasm and willingness to learn and the jobs will come.

8. What entry routes would you recommend? How important is experience to becoming a Lawyer?

Very important!  As much as University is crucial to the job, you only really start to learn the ins and outs of the job once you work in a practice.  Take every opportunity to get as much experience as you can.  If that means working as a paralegal/assistant to start off with, I’d recommend doing so.  Training contracts are often offered to people doing those jobs so it’s a great route in to the industry

9. What’s your current role and what does it involve?

I’m a senior specialist family law solicitor with national firm Woolley & Co, Solicitors.  I work on a broad range of family law cases with a particular emphasis on complex children, financial and international cases.

10. What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight so far has to be being involved in a case which went to the House of Lords on the issue of parental responsibility for a non-biological mother in a same sex partnership.

11. How has a qualification in law helped you achieve your ambitions?

I was very driven in achieving this having come to the decision some time after leaving school that I wanted to become a solicitor.  The qualification was vital to do so.  It has enabled me to  pursue a long and interesting career as a lawyer.

12. Tell us one interesting fact about you that people might not know

It was me who put the Fairy Liquid into the fountain at HMS Tamar in Hong Kong in 1985.