How studying law can better yourself and better society

Law LLB graduate Eve Salter discusses her learning experience at LJMU and how she’s been able to make a real impact through her work with the Legal Advice Centre.

Not only has Eve recently completed her studies but she’s also managed to secure a coveted scholarship for the next stage of her education, as well as giving back to the community along the way. She caught up with us to talk more about why she would recommend studying at LJMU’s School of Law:

“I have loved every minute of my time at LJMU studying for my Law LLB. From the very beginning, it’s been a fantastic learning experience with an amazing group of staff and tutors who couldn’t have been more supportive. It’s also given me the chance to get hands-on experience helping others, even as I study.”

Expanding on this, Eve explains how she’s been able to make a positive difference while studying for her degree, thanks to her involvement with the Legal Advice Centre:

“In my third year I became involved with the Legal Advice Centre – a law clinic that allows us to connect with organisations across the UK and globally, striving to empower communities to understand and enforce their own rights. I applied because I was keen to enhance my view of legal practice. As a student it can be difficult to gain legal experience, so it was great that the centre could provide LJMU students with real opportunities to sit with solicitors and watch as they give advice to clients.

“In addition, it made for a great networking platform for both students and professionals to connect. The Legal Advice Centre allowed me to meet with many other Law students both past and present, and I was even able to speak with a judge. Being a part of this area of the School of Law has definitely helped me to improve my communication skills and allowed me to meet with a diverse group of people. It also made me realise just how much having a career in law can make a difference to other people’s lives.”

Clinical Legal Education Programme Leader Rachel Stalker set up the national award-winning Legal Advice Centre in 2014. Rachel says:

“For law students, seeing how the law works in everyday life is essential for understanding the law they learn in the classroom. The law is a tool to use in the real world. At the same time, Legal Aid has been reduced substantially, and whilst two-thirds of people in the UK had a legal problem in the last four years, a third of them did nothing about it and of the ones who did – only a quarter got advice from a solicitor. Free legal advice services are therefore an important aspect of the University’s civic commitment to its local community. From next semester every law student will have the opportunity to work in the LAC as part of their studies.”

In addition to her involvement with the Legal Advice Centre, Eve also impressed when it comes to her academic achievements, recently receiving the offer of a highly coveted scholarship:

“I have been lucky enough to secure a major award, namely the Benefactors Scholarship and the Blackstone Entrance Exhibition from The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. I am due to commence the LLM Legal Practice (Bar) at BPP Manchester in September, which I’m really excited about!

“This scholarship will allow me to study the LLM Legal Practice (Bar) in September with some financial aid. It will also massively enhance my CV for future applications, including pupillage. The Inns of Court are very respected bodies, therefore an award from them speaks volumes to future potential employers about my capabilities. Ultimately it will take me one massive step forward in my future career goal to become a barrister.”

When it comes to advice for anyone thinking of applying for the Law LLB at LJMU, Eve had this to say:

“To anyone thinking of studying the Law LLB, I would highly recommend doing it with Liverpool John Moores University. In addition to such a high standard of teaching, the tutors really do care. They want you to succeed and they will do everything in their power to help you, as they did with me. This includes putting on extra sessions, providing networking events and mock interviews, anything that will help to expand you as an individual and your CV. I have absolutely loved my time at LJMU and would one hundred percent do it all over again!”

If Eve’s achievements and work with the Legal Advice Centre have inspired you to consider a legal career, take a look at LJMU’s School of Law and explore the many learning opportunities available with us today.