Mandeep Lally - LL.B
Mandeep studied LL.B (Hons), she graduated in 2004.
Law at Derby
I decided to study at the University of Derby because it was not only close to home but was covering all areas of the legal system on the LL.B Honours degree.
On the first day at university we were greeted in the law Courtroom by Kevin Bampton and Tony Wragg. I still remember one of the first things Kevin said, that we were the future lawyers and "never, ever, from this point forward assume anything! ... in any situation you must always consider at the facts and the evidence before you to get the truth...".
That one line has helped me get over quite a few hurdles since then!
The first year was quite demanding as there was a lot to take in but it was interesting too. I started to look at the legal system and day to day situations through a different eye.
I loved Contract Law and Tort, Criminal Law and Human Rights. All the lecturers were very supportive through out the three years and were always available to help when I needed it.
One of my favourite experiences was doing the Law Moots. They took place in the Courtroom itself, and were a real insight to what it's like to stand up in court and put forward your argument.
Enjoying student life
Another thing I loved most about Derby University was the hot chocolate with extra cream available from the student coffee café - Blends! Yes, there's nothing like a hot chocolate on a Monday morning 9 am start! It really kick started the week! The Student Union Bar was another great place to hang out at lunch or when we needed to get away from all the studying. What I loved most about the university was the wide range of books and information readily available at the Learning Centre.
I made a lot of good friends who I am still in touch with today and it's good to see how far we have come since our university days.
In the third year I was elected Vice President of the Law Society. It was a great experience. The Law Society ran pub quizzes, a trip to The Old Bailey and we had various guest speakers. I even helped organise the Law Fair that year. This was a great opportunity for me and helpful as it was at the Fair that I managed to pick up some information on further studying in the legal background.
After graduating
On graduation I continued my studies at The College of Law in Birmingham on the Legal Practice Course. In 2005 I was a volunteer at the Derby Law Centre and the following year I was made a Case Worker. I was still studying on the LPC whilst at the Law Centre.
On leaving the Law Centre in 2006, I graduated in 2007 and also got a job as a Legal Secretary at Robinsons Solicitors. I worked there in various departments until 2009 when I left to pursue a career in beauty.
I'd applied for training contracts, but found that I just did not want to continue down this route at this time. The doors aren't fully closed though!
Being a make-up artist is quite a career change, but I felt I needed to try it as it's always been a passion of mine to work within the beauty industry.
I will never forget my experience at Derby University and every experience will be remembered.
The highs and the challenges
Moots and the Courtroom were great. We had most of our lectures in the Courtroom and did moots there too. Moots were a great experience and gave me a real insight to the how it was like being in court as a solicitor or barrister.
Getting my results is another high, and also getting through the exams! Law wasn't the easiest subject, and I combined being at university four and half days a week and working full time too. It was quite a challenge, but the help and support of the lecturers and other staff, and also hot food available when I needed it, was great and helped me really get through it.
My new career
I have recently this year qualified as a make-up artist with The Ash Kumar Beauty Academy, London (the world's leading henna artist). I have also had the opportunity, as a hand picked artist by Mr Ash Kumar, to join his Artist Agency and have worked with Asian Woman Runway, one of the top Asian modelling agencies.
In addition to this I am also in the process of setting up my website and business - Mesmerised Brides & Beauty. I am also a student at the East Midlands College of Health and Beauty and will qualify as a beautician in July this year.
The knowledge I have gained throughout my studies has come in very useful as I'm now starting to run my own business. I possess the knowledge to know what I need to do and how. Although I have commenced a career in the beauty industry, I still have a little hope that I will one day manage to gain a training contract, so I'm keeping my options open!
