Name: Helen Morse
University: University of Sheffield (year abroad 2014/15 at the University of Vienna)
Graduate: 2016
What made you want to study law?
I always liked a lot of subjects at school, so picking one to carry on and study at University was impossible for me. Law appealed to me because of the variety of areas studied during the degree and how the topics encompass a variety of disciplines – politics, history, economics, international relations, problem solving, as well as the law itself. Also, I knew law was a respected degree. I had completed some work experience in a law firm in year 11, so a career in law was always in the back of my mind, but it was never definite. I knew with a law degree, however, no doors would be closed to me, whatever career I eventually decided to pursue.
You have just spent a year abroad – can you tell me a little bit about why you chose to, what it was like, what you got up to etc?
My degree title specifically is Law (European & International) LLB, so a year abroad was a compulsory part of my course. I chose it because I knew from the start I wanted to study abroad. The opportunity to travel and see more of the world appealed to me, but I was also aware of the edge it might give me when going for job interviews.
The University of Vienna in Austria was my first choice for two reasons. Firstly, the courses the university offered were more practical and very different to what I could study at Sheffield and secondly with Austria bordering so many countries I knew it would be ideal for traveling around Central and Eastern Europe.
Studying and living abroad was an amazing experience and I would encourage anyone with the opportunity to, to seriously consider it.
At the University of Vienna I studied some subjects that have proven really useful for the chosen area of law I eventually want to work in, including Drafting M&A contracts, a Mediation course, Transnational Commercial Law and International Arbitration. A lot of my subjects were taught by practicing lawyers or experts in their field, so it goes without saying the high standard of teaching I received. The level of administrative support from Vienna was not necessarily as extensive as what I receive in the UK, however this only taught me to be less reliant on the assistance of others.
Moving to another country and so far away from home was daunting at first. However, living in a foreign city, with a different language, and being able to meet and mix with a variety of people from around the world has been an invaluable experience. It was made me far more confident and open-minded. I was also lucky enough to do a lot of traveling whilst abroad. In total I visited eight countries as well as exploring more of Austria itself.
What are your plans once you have finished your LLB? Short term? Long term career?
I have secured a training contract with a commercial law firm in Sheffield. Therefore, once I finish my LLB I will complete my LPC and then begin my two years training at the firm. I haven’t thought about long-term too much, except I know I am very determined and always want to push myself, so I am sure partnership is the end goal.
So far has been your favourite module to study and why?
This is a hard question, as the subjects studied as part of your LLB are so varied. However, I would probably say one of my favourites has been Tort Law. It’s an area of law that you can apply to your everyday life or imagine yourself in the situation. I also liked the way public policy was closely linked to this area of law. It made the cases and judgments interesting to study because of course the read letter law was used, but you could also see how public opinion, government policy and economics influenced the judges’ reasoning.
Have you got involved with anything at uni or outside of uni that is law related?
For a year now I have been writing for a free online law journal called Keep Calm Talk Law. The journal is written by both aspiring lawyers and young practicing professionals, and it assumes its readers have little to no prior knowledge of the specific topic. I have to submit one article per month, but I can write on any legal topic or issue that interests me.
I highly value the experience as it has expanded my legal and commercial awareness as well as developing my writing style. It has been useful to bring up in interviews and demonstrates my commitment to a career in law.
Have you been able to get some work experience, vacation schemes etc. – If so what?
I found obtaining legal work experience very hard. In my first year I sent out multiple cover letters and CVs to local law firms but only received one reply months later. I think you just have to accept it is going to be hard, especially if you have no contacts in the sector, but the key is to not give up.
This year, as it is my penultimate, I sent out applications for vacation schemes in order to increase my legal experience and help my bid to land a training contract. After a long application process, several assessment centres and multiple interviews I managed to secure three vacation schemes. The process is long and tough, but if you remain dedicated and focussed it can be done. I would recommend taking time to research each firm you are going to apply to and make sure your application is tailored to them. Generic applications will not impress them or get you very far.
So far what have you most enjoyed about being a law student?
As already hinted through-out my answers I have enjoyed the diversity of my law degree and the opportunities it has offered me. If you enjoy mooting and want to be a barrister a law degree can give you that; if you want to be a solicitor a law degree can give you that; if you enjoy traveling and international relations a law degree can give you that; even if you know you don’t want to go into the law, a law degree is still engaging and useful for any career you may want to pursue.