Carly Dodds - LL.B
Carly studied LL.B (Hons) at Derby and won both The Sweet and Maxwell Prize for Best Stage 3 LL.B Student and The Law Triathlon in 2008.
I'm so pleased
I'm delighted to have achieved a first class honours degree, and to have won these awards.
I had an amazing experience
I gained confidence and I found that the support and style of teaching helped me to develop myself beyond my own expectations. The lecturers were always willing to help and the course was purposefully challenging in order to help us gain essential skills.
I'm currently studying my Legal Practice Course in London and when I tell the other students about the practical hands on experience I gained through modules such as Skills and the Clinical Elective, they can't believe that was offered at undergraduate level.
The course gave me so many opportunities
I was encouraged to get work experience in firms and law centres, which meant I could assess if I wanted to be a solicitor, which is hard to do from lectures alone. I also had the opportunity to take part in legal competitions, including the Derby and District Law Society Legal Triathlon. This was a day of analysing factual scenarios and undertaking an interview, a negotiation and a moot.
Each of the students that took part was paired with trainees and the competition was judged by partners and members of the Law Society, as well as Derby University lecturers. It was a tough and nerve wracking day but the pressure made it exciting and worthwhile. At the end of the day after a couple of congratulatory drinks, the winners were announced.
I won 'best mooter' and 'best partnership' and I was thrilled to be awarded the prizes and a total of £650, which paid for me to go to New York!!!
An academically stimulating course
In my third year I chose optional modules including International Trade Law, International Human Rights, Legal Theory and a Clinical Elective, which allowed me to volunteer with Derby Citizens Advice and Law Centre as part of the course. The interesting subjects and the fact that the LL.B at Derby had developed my understanding and appreciation of law meant that I excelled and I was absolutely thrilled with my final grade, which was the highest degree in my graduating class.
Studying at Derby gave me a solid foundation
I don't think I would've gained such achievements or experience had I not studied at Derby and I thoroughly enjoyed my years there. They were a great grounding to a future career in law and my time there was invaluable. I would recommend everyone to study at Derby and to aim to be the best!
