Why did you choose to study law in the first place?
 
I think it stems from my early childhood. I always loved watching the news and debating with my family and friends on topics which were on the periphery of law.

But, ultimately, my current endeavours of pursuing a career at the Bar originate from studying A-Level Law at my sixth form. It was during my studies, which mainly focused on criminal and tort law, that I developed a real passion for the law. I enjoyed hearing about the cases and their individual facts; learning the legal principles at play and the reasoning behind them. But what I loved was applying what I learned to problems and thinking of solutions. That is why I decided I wanted to study law and become a lawyer, as I wanted to help people with their own problems and find solutions.

What have you found most inspiring during your time at the University of Bristol?

What has truly inspired me during my time at the University of Bristol is the people. My fellow students are intellectually brilliant, driven and above all else have a level of compassion that has made my time at Bristol the most enjoyable of my life so far. My tutors and lecturers are equally inspiring, sitting at the top of their respective fields of legal specialism. As a Bristol student you will often find that your teachers will have literally written the book on your subject. Finally, the Bristol alumni community has been greatly influential in my decision to pursue a career at the Bar. Seeing former students excel in their own careers allowed me to realise that my aspirations were possible (so long as I put in the hard work!).  
 
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced whilst studying?

The biggest challenge was balancing my academic studies with my extra-curricular responsibilities. For example, this year I have proudly served the award-winning University of Bristol Bar Society as Vice-President.

In this role I have assisted the President in ensuring that the Bar Society lives up to its mission, that of supporting its members in seeking a career at the Bar, through a comprehensive range of events and competitions. These include our weekly specialist practice area talks, advocacy competitions and most importantly our annual networking dinner.

In balancing such an important role with my academic studies I had to learn to manage my time effectively. In my case I did this through writing out a list on my phone at the beginning of the week of all the things I needed to do and when. I have no doubt this skill will serve me well in my future career, as barristers, who are normally self-employed, have to learn to effectively manage their diary and cases.

Congratulations on being awarded the Advocacy Scholarship with BPP! – where do you see yourself once you have completed the Bar Professional Training Course and what are your future ambitions?

Thank you. As many will know, the Bar Professional Training Course is notoriously expensive. Thus, the recognition given to me by my future law school, BPP, in the form of their Advocacy Scholarship is humbling, as it aids me financially in realising my dream of becoming a barrister. I also must take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple for their own generosity, in the form of their prestigious Exhibition and Duke of Edinburgh Scholarships they have additionally awarded me.

My aim, after I successfully complete the bar course, is to continue in my pursuit of a career at the Bar through obtaining a pupillage at a set of chambers, where I would hope to obtain tenancy (become a junior barrister). At the time of writing this I have a final round pupillage interview coming up in just over a week, so fingers crossed!  

Finally, looking back, if you could give yourself one piece of advice what would that be?

Patience is a great virtue. Often you may feel like your work and efforts have gone unrewarded and unnoticed, particularly when you are struggling to juggle your academics, extra-curricular activities and job applications. However, if experience has taught me anything, it is that hard work will always be rewarded if you wait long enough.

So work hard and be patient. Opportunities could be lurking round the corner.