Ellie Vickers

What is your name and what did you study?

Hello, my name is Ellie Vickers, and I studied Law LLB (Hons) at the University of Chester for 3 years. 

Why did you choose Chester?

Originally, Chester was not my first choice; however, after deciding that I wanted to move away from home whilst studying, I saw that Chester and the course had a lot to offer. The teaching style and layout really appealed to me as well as the class sizes, alongside the assessment styles that enabled a great university life.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

What a tricky question! I enjoyed a lot about the law course at the University of Chester, particularly that it is a course set out to not just teach legal theory, but it allows students to fully immerse themselves in the practical, ethical and client-focused aspects of the profession. The professors were also a key part of my course with their hands-on approach and willingness to dedicate time out of their day to ensure I was able to understand and perform well with the tasks at hand.

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career in law?

Considering a career in law means becoming comfortable with clear reasoning, communication and having a genuine commitment. My one piece of advice would be to gain early exposure, whether this be through shadowing or legal clinics whilst building strong writing and analytical skills that you can transfer into practice after university which is something that the University of Chester offers.

What graduate role have you commenced? what area(s) of law are you working in and what does this entail day – to – day?

I am currently in the process of the interview stage for a paralegal role at a law firm for their criminal department. This entails a fast-paced dynamic that puts you right at the centre of the justice system. The day revolves around preparing legal documents, reviewing evidence, managing case files, and coordinating with Solicitors, Clients, and sometimes the police or Crown Prosecution Services (CPS). Overall, it is a detail-heavy role that features legal research with hands–on involvement in live criminal proceedings.

How are you finding the transition from university to working life?

Overall, it has been a bigger adjustment than I initially thought, despite being overjoyed with moving back home and being back with my friends and family it has been a transition period for me.  This upcoming September will be the first year I’m not enrolled in any academic commitments and so I’m faced with many decisions, such as what direction I want to go in when it comes to using my degree. However, I do know that I want to pursue a path in law and that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed university life at Chester.

Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies, or internships while studying?

Unfortunately, I didn’t take part in any extracurricular activities apart from attending law and career fairs. However, I did do an internship in the summer of my second year at a local law firm back at home for two months, which ignited my excitement for law in practice and allowed me to gain experience which I could add to my CV. To add to this, throughout my studies I also worked a part-time job in the town centre of Chester, which helped to support me through my studies and demonstrates my abilities to juggle multiple commitments when it comes to recruitment opportunities in the future.