Sophia Russell

LLB, 2024, South College

My Durham degree, and all the opportunities facilitated by the Law School, were crucial to my success in obtaining pupillage. The student-led approach to teaching, where students are pushed to read for themselves, critically analyse, question everything, and think outside of the box placed me in a strong position when applying for highly competitive jobs. Indeed, the structure of small-scale regular tutorials was particularly helpful in preparing me for interview settings, where taking and defending a position on the law in front of an expert audience was key. Beyond these academic advantages were extensive non-academic opportunities such as mooting, mock trials, volunteering in the local courts, and regular networking events. Not only did these help demonstrate my interest in a career at the Bar, they formatively developed my confidence and competence in dealing with the law in a more practical fashion.

The career support facilitated by Durham Law School was enormous, with student-led societies (supported and often funded by the Law School) providing invaluable insight into career options. Having swiftly realised I was interested in a career at the Bar, as opposed to training as a solicitor, I was able to attend numerous careers talks by esteemed practitioners and application sessions.

Beyond this, I was partnered with a Barrister mentor for each year of my degree who assisted with my career related questions and applications; a benefit unmatched by many other top Law Schools. Durham Law School further has the benefit of many of its professors being, or having previously been, practitioners. With many actively engaged with supporting students for the purposes of employment, be it through providing career advice, references, or more general support, the opportunities to learn from the best, both academically and in terms of career advice, is limitless. I am now a Bar course student, having secured pupillage with Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB) Chambers. Come and visit Durham Law School on one of the University’s Open Days! By seeing the fantastic facilities and meeting current students you truly get the best feel of just how special Durham Law School is!