Legal eagle already flying high thanks to support from the University

Born and raised in Northampton, George Wright, who is studying the four-year Law LLB course at the University of Northampton, has already landed a job with leading local law firm, Shoosmiths, before he’s even finished his first year at University.

The 21-year-old credits the University for helping him clinch the job at the law firm. George said: “The first year of my course has been a well-rounded introduction to the Law, and has touched on criminal and corporate law, law in Society and legal skills, so far. I’m really enjoying criminal law, so that might become my specialism in the future.”

George first met his future employer at an on-campus carers fair, which was organised by the University’s Changemaker Hub team, who support students to get valuable work and volunteering experiences and develop the necessary skills and qualities that employers look for.

George continued: “As part of my course we have great industry connections, and work experience opportunities and guest lectures. The careers fair was another great opportunity to network with industry, I’m fast learning to take every opportunity university life throws at me, you never know who you’ll meet or what connection you’ll be able to make.

“The careers fair was a great opportunity to be able to talk to the law firms on campus about what I was studying on the course, how this would translate into working in law and what my future career might look like.

“Through this opportunity, I found out Shoosmiths were recruiting, and that the roles were flexible, meaning I could fit it around my studies. I was encouraged to apply and now I’m working for Shoosmiths.”

George believes the opportunity to work alongside his studies will provide invaluable experience as he looks to forge a career in law. Talking about balancing work and study, George said: “I’ve been working as a Case Handler now for a couple of months, and I’m learning so much, which will stand me in great stead when I look for my first full time job.

“Although juggling working alongside my studies has been challenging at times, like when I’ve had assignment due, or when there’s been a big student event, doing this has been extremely valuable. It has also been invaluable to be able to talk to colleagues about things I’m studying to broaden my understanding of what I’m learning, and apply this to real life scenarios.”

Law is an extremely competitive industry to work in, and George believes that the skills he’s developing working and studying will give him the edge when it comes to landing a graduate training contract after he graduates.