Michelle Pugh - LL.B with Criminology
The integration of practical activities, such as moots, negotiations, interviewing and advocacy have been fantastic and prepared us a lot better for the realities of a career in law, rather than just focussing on the theory and classroom based lectures.
”Michelle Studied LL.B (Hons) with Criminology, and won The Alpheus John Robotham Prize (For Exceptional Contribution to University Life)
The best three years of my life!
Studying Law at the University of Derby has been the best three years of my life! I have made friends who will always be there; learnt lessons which will prove valuable to me within my chosen career and had the bet experience I could have wished for along the way!
Helping me along my career path
A degree in Law can help with many career paths, but I have always wanted to go into the legal profession eventually. As it stands, it has become a lot more difficult to break into this career as the competition increases, but with the skills and knowledge I have gained I am optimistic that an opportunity will come.
Practical learning
The integration of practical activities, such as moots, negotiations, interviewing and advocacy have been fantastic and prepared us a lot better for the realities of a career in law, rather than just focussing on the theory and classroom based lectures.
Fantastic facilities and resources
The use of a courtroom throughout the degree course is fantastic, along with a well-stocked library and law reports - everything we needed, and more.
A supportive team
The lecturers are fantastic and also become friends along the journey. The encouragement you receive throughout the course is exceptional.
Getting involved
If you are willing to learn and be pushed that little bit extra, there are always opportunities available to get involved and develop, both personally and academically.
I was involved within the Law Society in all three years of my degree. Being the Events Secretary in my second year was the most challenging but also very rewarding, as we organised events such as the annual Law Ball, a trip to London and various other educational and social outings. Also, initiating and co-editing the yearbook was difficult to balance around the demand of third year, but enjoyable and worthwhile.
Growing as a person
The main highlight for me is the huge improvement in my confidence. I started the degree as quite a shy, modest teenager and have developed my skills and self-belief to now be confident that I am capable of adapting into any role required and putting in every effort to ensure it is as successful as possible.
From placement to career
I am currently working at Derby Citizens Advice and Law Centre - a job which has developed from the placement I completed whilst at university in my final year. My role is a Money Advice Caseworker, meaning I maintain a caseload of clients requiring debt advice and assistance, conduct interviews with them and complete the work required to help improve their situation. My degree has definitely benefitted me in this role, since the ability to negotiate is crucial, as well as being able to write concisely and clearly. Also, there are many laws and guidelines surrounding this area, so I am able to put the theory into practice and can observe the laws in society and how they affect people in different ways.
Recommending Derby
I cannot recommend Derby enough. Derby has provided me with the experience on which I can build and generate a successful career. I have been encouraged to believe in myself and that nothing is ever out of reach - if you want something enough, keep trying and you will get there.
Winning an award
I am delighted to be given this award and honoured that the hard work and commitment we have given has been recognised. Being part of the Law Society was a large part of my university experience and also taught me a lot about myself in addition to organisational and people skills. Completing the yearbook was challenging, but definitely worth it in the end and we were extremely pleased with the result and the feedback we received. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this, and to be acknowledged beyond my own enjoyment is unexpected yet greatly appreciated
