Arran Cameron

LLB, 2026, St Cuthbert’s Society

I am delighted to have secured a training contract with Mayer Brown LLP.

Durham gave me the opportunity to surround myself with genuinely ambitious students, particularly those with professional experience who provided valuable mentoring. The culture of peer mentorship provided the advantage of career insights and application feedback.

Access to lecturers who had previously worked as City lawyers gave me an invaluable opportunity to explore different career paths and hear first-hand insights into practice. The breadth of professional backgrounds represented among the faculty (ex-parliament and barrister) exposed me to a genuinely diverse range of legal perspectives, which ultimately confirmed my motivation to pursue corporate law.

The academic rigour at Durham has prepared me for more than just exams. It has strengthened my skills for the application process and laid the foundations for success as a trainee.

The Durham Careers Service was an excellent source of support, particularly having access to a dedicated law careers officer. They offer tailored advice on CVs and applications, and thorough interview preparation. Consistent mock interviews and immediate feedback made a real difference in my application process.

The Law School’s employability course played a similar role, helping students make the most of career opportunities from the very start of their degree rather than leaving it until final year. The early head start is one of the most valuable aspects of studying law at Durham.

Most important to me, Durham’s range of law-related societies gave me the chance to develop new skills and connect directly with law firms. I can safely say I would not be in this position without them. I served in positions of responsibility in both the Durham Law Society and the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA), and would highly recommend getting involved.

My advice to anyone starting out would be to treat Durham as a chance to grow before stepping into the professional world: have fun, take every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Find your people. Friendships, mentorships and other connections provide opportunities and support throughout the three years. Building both a personal and professional network is important to success not just at Durham, but in life.