Sophie Kear

My name is Sophie Kear, and I studied Law LLB at the University of Chester from 2022 to 2025.

I chose Chester as it is not too far from home, but a nice distance that I can learn to grow as an individual. Chester is a city I have grown up around,d and so I can familiarise myself and I felt comforted being somewhere I knew. Chester Law School was also one of the best-rated in the North West.

The parts I enjoyed most about my course would be a tie between meeting great like-minded individuals who I will forever be friends with, as well as the incredible lecturers who are all so friendly and make the experience truly special.

For those wanting a career in law, I advise going to as many workplaces as possible, either in the area of your preference, or if you are not sure yet, ensuring you have experience in multiple areas and work out a process of elimination so by your final year, you have knowledge of what you want to do. I couldn’t have been where I am today without work placements!

Post degree, I have begun work as a private client paralegal at Price Slater Gawne Solicitors in their Chester office by the town hall. Working in private client (wealth protection) involves dealing with wills, probate and estate administration, lasting power of attorney, trusts and more- my usual day-to-day ensures keeping files up to date, calling and emailing clients and services like HMRC, drafting client care documents, billing for matters and time recording.

My time at Chester definitely helped prepare me for the mannerisms and skills required for practical office work by engaging in pro bono and advocacy projects across my three years. The valuable skills you learn and don’t notice you have covered all underpin the day-to-day life working in law- without the skills learnt behind the mainframe of the degree, I wouldn’t have got to where I am now!

I find the transition from University to working life a mix, on the one hand, easier as I am much more practically minded than essays, but adapting to a full 9-5 definitely took its time! It is very useful to me to have previously worked in the same job with this firm, as I had done a placement with Price Slater Gawne and returned after completing my final year of my degree.

I took part in as many opportunities which were thrown at me! I completed over 100 volunteering hours across pro bono activities like the Chester community law project, the Chester legal advice clinic, within the student law society, as a student ambassador and a part of the mooting team. I highly recommend getting involved as these activities are what make you stand out to employers and give you the experience to shine in your future career!