Laura Beddard - LL.B
Laura studied LL.B (Hons), she graduated in 2003 and is now working for Howells Solicitors, currently at Leicester Community Legal Advice Centre.
A practical degree
The LL.B is course that needed a lot of input from me so that I could fulfil my potential and gain a good result. This has also helped to prepare me for full time work.
I found the work on the degree excellent. It was both varied and practical. In fact, I often praise the degree at Derby to my colleagues as the content was so practical and hands on, unlike some other universities.
For example, on the face of it, Public Law can be a dry subject, but the lecturer made the assessment at the end of the course practical, like you were the actual solicitor. This made the "exam" more enjoyable.
Family Law and the Law Relating to Children were approached in the same manner, where we had a court like setting on the assessment. This again was very practical.
I took the Law Clinic module in my final year. This was an excellent opportunity to advise real clients at grass roots level, and it looked great on my CV when applying for further courses and jobs.
Be ready for a challenge
I found all of the practical elements of the course very rewarding and I think that for me this was the best part of the course.
But in doing practical parts of the course, it could also be challenging as you needed to have prepared well. I had to be able to stand up and give a presentation on a specific issue and be prepared to answer questions. This preparation has helped me in my career.
Living and studying in Derby
All of the lecturers in the School of Law were very approachable and friendly throughout the three years.
I stayed in halls of residence for my first year and made some friends who I either lived with, or lived close by who were on the law course. I'm still in close contact with some of them today.
I used the law library in the resource centre quite a lot towards the end of my degree to get assignments completed. The computer systems are very good.
After Derby
When I graduated I took a year off, did some travelling, and worked as a paralegal in a solicitor's office before I decided exactly what I wanted to do with my career.
I then completed the Legal Practice Course and I currently work at Leicester Community Legal Advice Centre as a Trainee Solicitor.
I work in the housing department and have my own case load. I assist people with their homelessness needs, possession proceedings against them, etc.
I would say that Derby has given me life experience, especially in doing Law Clinic as I had the knowledge of seeing how a law centre operates. This has assisted me for the environment I work in today.
Recommending Derby
I would, and often do, recommend Derby to everyone!
I'm originally from Birmingham and came to study in Derby. I now live permanently in Derby and have a family in Derby.
I'm glad that I studied in Derby and I feel that I have had a more hands on experience of the law and how it operates on a day to day basis than some of my other counterparts. That I believe is unique and it is the University of Derby experience!
