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Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
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Nicky - 
Solicitor

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

Employment Lawyer

Typical day

Employment litigation and advice to government.

What do I enjoy about my job?

It is intellectually challenging.

Challenging aspects

Time pressures, requirements and constraints of working within a big organisation.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

It's interesting, challenging, and therefore rewarding.
It's a profession.
It's working in the public sector, so I feel like I am contributing to society.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Written and oral communication.
People skills.
Research.

Training I receive as part of my job

Continuing Professional Development - a minimum of 16 hours a year.
Additional courses and seminars available in a variety of aspects.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

Post Qualification Experience: 7 years.

Trainee Solicitor - 2 years in private practise.

Went back to university: Graduate Diploma in Law (1 year full time) Legal Practise Course (1 year full time).

Worked in industry for 3 years - project management in manufacturing and engineering company (not at all related to my degree, nor did I need one to do it.)

Travelled for a year.

Where do I see myself in the future?

Senior Government Lawyer.


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

You have to be exceptionally persistent. You have to look for ways to stand out from the rest. You have to take every opportunity you get and make the most of it.

Other comments

My undergraduate degree, in Social and Political Studies, whilst interesting, was not directly related to becoming a solicitor, although I now work at the heart of UK politics, so maybe it was always my destiny!


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Last updated: 05 Apr 2017