Emilia took part in the Pathways to Law programme in 2022. She’s now studying for a degree in Law at Newcastle University. Read on to find out more about Emilia’s experience on her Pathways programme and how it has impacted her law journey!

Tell us a bit about your background

I am originally Polish, and my parents moved to the UK when I was a young child. With no family connections in the legal profession, I’ve worked hard to independently secure a range of legal experiences. During my gap year, I worked as the sole Jury Officer at my local Crown Court for six months, which gave me invaluable insight into the justice system. I’ve also completed a judge marshalling placement and gained experience in commercial law firms. Alongside this, I worked part-time in retail for two years while studying at sixth form, which helped me develop strong communication, time management, and people skills.

Please tell us what studies / activities you’re currently engaged in.

I am currently a first-year LLB Law student at Newcastle University, preparing for my end-of-year exams in May while actively balancing involvement in several societies, including the Law Society, Bar Society, Yoga Society, and Ski Society. Alongside my academic and extracurricular commitments, I recently completed a valuable judge marshalling placement during the Easter break, gaining first-hand insight into court proceedings and judicial decision-making. This experience has complemented my legal studies and strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in the legal profession.

What does a typical day look like for you with your course?

A typical day for me as a Law student involves preparing for and attending seminars and lectures, where we explore key legal topics and case law in detail. Outside of scheduled teaching, I spend time completing further reading and consolidating my notes to stay on top of the course content. Alongside my studies, I hold a position in the award-winning Street Law Ambassador scheme, which I secured through a formal application process. This role allows me to engage with the local community by raising awareness of important legal issues in an accessible way. I also make time for social events with friends, getting involved in society activities, and prioritising my health and fitness through regular exercise and activities like yoga. Maintaining a healthy balance between academic work, social life, and wellbeing is really important to me and helps me stay motivated and focused throughout the year.

What do you remember about your time on your Sutton Trust programme?

I found out about the Sutton Trust as I was trying to find some legal work experience as a Year 12 student which is often quite difficult to come across. I remember my time on the Sutton Trust programme really clearly — it was such a valuable and eye-opening experience. It gave me a much better understanding of university life and what to expect, which really encouraged me to apply to university with confidence. The programme provided really helpful advice on how to write a strong personal statement, which made a big difference when it came to applying. It also strengthened my interest in the legal profession, as I had the chance to learn more about different career paths in law and what studying the subject would be like.

Did you know what you wanted to do for a career before university? Did your Sutton Trust programme (or anyone you met through it), help shape that decision?

I was always interested in a career in law, but before the Sutton Trust programme, I wasn’t completely certain if university was the right path for me. The programme really helped to shape that decision by giving me a clearer picture of what university life would be like and the opportunities it could open up, especially within the legal profession. Meeting current students and hearing about their experiences made it feel much more achievable, and the guidance on applications and personal statements gave me the confidence to take that next step. It definitely played a big part in confirming that university was the right choice for me.

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