A world class Law degree
Having moved to Canada at a young age, there was always an inclination to eventually move back to the United Kingdom—where the majority of family resides. After graduating with a degree in Political Science and Journalism from a leading Canadian institution, I began exploring options of where I wanted to study law.
I always knew I wanted to study law. In fact, my high school yearbook profile says, “ambition: lawyer.” So I guess I always wanted to be a lawyer!
Why did I want to study law in the UK?
Being a dual citizen, law school in England was an advantageous option. My love of politics, economics and current events, along with the fact I had lived in other countries led to an international mind-set and an eagerness to work and study in a cross-jurisdictional environment.
I knew that if I wanted to work in an international business/commercial law setting I needed an English law degree. This is where the University of Southampton and Norton Rose Fulbright comes in.
Why did I choose the University of Southampton?
Firstly, its reputation. The is university is a top 100 institution in the world and being part of the prestigious Russell Group makes it extremely attractive. The university also provides a two-year graduate accelerated programme which has a Canadian focus and is tailored specifically for Canadian students. It is also very accommodating to international students. Southampton offers the benefits of being by the coast but also the convenience of being so close to London and its international airports. The city also has a great open common and is close to the New Forest.
What does the law school offer?
Southampton does an excellent job working with local firms but also has great ties with top city and global legal practices like Norton Rose Fulbright. The university holds law fairs, employability weeks and skills workshops; all of which prepares you for a career in law.
What did I do outside of academics at Southampton?
Whilst at Southampton I played for the Law football team, namely ‘Law Galaxy’. In my second year I was captain and was responsible for organising matches, training and social events.
One of the best things about the University is that it offers an abundance of clubs and sports teams for all types of people so get involved.
My Route to the Training Contract with Norton Rose Fulbright
The University of Southampton provided me with a backbone of core legal skills. Working for a top city law firm is not for everyone. Some people prefer to work in a regional setting and establishing that early on will really help which firms you target and envision working at.
I knew that I wanted to work for a global legal practice with an international presence. I met Caroline Lindner, the Trainee Recruitment Manager at one of the Southampton law fairs in November. After attending an Open day I kept in contact with her throughout the process.
Norton Rose Fulbright was always my first option. With 5 offices in Canada and over 50 worldwide, the practice is truly international.
After graduating in June 2014, I went to the Middle East where I lived in Dubai for just over a month working as a legal intern for the airline Emirates. After that I worked as a legal intern for Spectris Plc in Egham, which is a FTSE 250 company. Both these internships followed up from the core skills I established at Southampton and put me in good standing for my training contract interviews.
In August I had my assessment day with Norton Rose Fulbright and was lucky enough to be offered a training contract with the practice that I wanted to join from day one. I am currently attending the Legal Practice Course at BPP University in London and will be joining the Norton Rose Fulbright in March.
My University Southampton Experience in a Nutshell?
Rewarding. In addition to the education I received, I was fortunate to have a great group of friends in my year, many of which remain friends today. If you are Canadian and looking for a world class law degree, look no further than Southampton. Everything you need is here.
- Samuel