Since graduating from LLB (Hons) Law in 2017, Rhianna Greenley has joined the legal profession and works at Nash & Co Solicitors in Plymouth as an Assistant in the Residential Conveyancing Department.
"Having lived in Plymouth my whole life, I have always had strong links with the University. As I knew that I was wishing to stay in Plymouth for my career I really wanted to attend university in the city to ensure that I gain good networking opportunities.
At the beginning of my time at the University I had a great interest in law, however I was unsure of my career path. I applied to attend a legal event named National Law Live, with the help of Plymouth Law School, and this was an eye opener to show me that I did wish to become a solicitor. Having attended various networking events, lectures and gaining practical experience through the Law Clinic, I believe I exhausted the most that I could from the Law School’s employability help and I am glad I did as this has reaffirmed my love of law and keen interest to make a career within it.
I did not realise how many opportunities there were for undergraduates in law. Although I have undertaken a variety of different work experience placements, it would have been more beneficial for me to gain a wider scope of work experience for example in a different city or even a different country! I would have also told myself to get involved with as many networking opportunities as I could.
The University really helped enhance my studies by having good library facilities, for example when I studied law, literature and film the library had all of the films.
The Law Clinic really helped with my studies also, for example I studied family law whilst I was part of the Family Law Clinic, and the information needed to be able to work in the clinic proved very useful when it came to my studies.
I believe the most important skills that I developed were writing, drafting and client facing skills. I found great confidence in being able to draft witness statements during my time in the Medical Law Clinic. It was also fantastic to have the opportunity to be able to experience two types of practical law within the Law Clinic, family and medical."
Connected, relevant and real – providing legal guidance and advice to the public, and valuable experiences to students.
"I believe it has a great impact on employability because the Law Clinic, particularly my time at the Family Law Clinic, was run by students. Therefore, I had to take on the responsibility. In my interview at Nash & Co I was able to state that I can meet with clients, take telephone calls, draft documents and other such tasks because it was something that I had done during my time at the Law Clinic. They were very impressed in my interview that I was able to do so much, and I would not have had these skills had I not been a part of the Law Clinic."
"One of my favourite memories when studying law at the University was being chosen to attend the Supreme Court to watch a real case and then watching four Plymouth students compete in a Moot with President of the Supreme Court Lord Neuberger as the judge.
In addition, I really enjoyed the various law competitions that the UPLS held. I won the Client Interviewing Competition with my partner and this really helped to enhance my client skills.
I also enjoyed my time as a Negotiation Officer for the Law Society (UPLS) as I networked with many legal professionals and this enhanced my reputation within the local legal sphere.
Having University lecturers who have acted or are still active in practice really helped when learning the theory and they gave us a good insight into the struggles that they have faced themselves. Having been thrown into the deep end whilst being a part of the Law Clinic, has really helped me when I have to take phone calls or meet with clients because I already have the foundations necessary in my career in law.
The University has great links with many local organisations and ensures that their students have a variety of different experiences. I believe that the facilities and transport links are also really impressive."
"Since completing my LLB I have managed to get a job in the legal profession, working within conveyancing. I am going to begin the LPC at the University of Law (at Exeter University) whilst working at Nash & Co part time.
The best thing that I have done so far in my career at Nash & Co is being given so much responsibility. I am not just an office junior at Nash & Co, I meet with clients and take pride in helping them to get a successful sale or purchase. I have integrated into the firm and have made many friends from lots of different backgrounds that has really added to my experience and career.
I truly enjoy going to work each day and I think being a part of the Law Clinic has really armed me with the tools to meet clients and draft documents. Had I not had this experience it would have felt very daunting entering a law firm and being given this this much responsibility.
I believe that I am truly lucky working at Nash & Co. I had only approached the firm for work experience, but in the interview I was offered the job and began the next day. It was a real whirlwind.
I believe this is certainly this best opportunity for my circumstance and would not wish for a better outcome."
Our academically challenging, qualifying law degree will prepare you for a career in the legal profession. With strong public and private sector connections, and a clear focus on developing skills in the workplace, we’ll ground you in the fundamentals of law – so you can set your sights high. From national competitions to High Court appeals and community projects – our students win acclaim.
