I feel that the world is my oyster and I cannot wait to pursue my career as a solicitor

Finding time to build up your CV whilst at University can be a difficult task, but graduating student Chloe Birkett has gone above and beyond throughout the four years of her degree to immerse herself in the world of work, and develop her professional skills.

After receiving her LLB this week, Chloe will be saying goodbye to Leicester. However, thanks to the many opportunities she has grasped during her time here, she says that she’s now ready to take on the world.

Over the course of her time at Leicester, Chloe actively sought considerable work experience with regional and international law firms, in addition to banks and commercial businesses. Alongside working part-time for Leicester Tigers and John Lewis, Chloe is a campus ambassador for international law firm Bird & Bird.

“My role involves promoting the firm, engaging other students and helping them by providing advice on the application process, she explained, “which led to me being offered a place on their competitive Vacation Scheme, in addition to securing a Vacation Scheme at law firm Burges Salmon.”

Chloe is also an advisor at the Legal Advice Clinic, an initiative run by the Pro Bono society and supported by academic staff from the Law School. In this role, she volunteers weekly to help provide legal advice to members of the public regarding housing, contract or employment disputes with the aim of providing them with a solution.

Chloe’s standout achievement this year was reaching the final of the Aspiring Solicitors Commercial Awareness Competition. “I was one of 23 finalists from an original 1500 participants”, she said. “This was hosted at Barclays HQ in London, and sponsored by many large and prestigious law firms. Taking part in the competition enhanced my confidence and opened many opportunities for me.”

As part of her course, Chloe spent a year abroad at Macquarie University, Australia.

“That was the best thing I ever did,” she added, “studying in a new university was fascinating, immersed in Aussie culture, learning about the law and how it has evolved there over the years.

“Not only that, I had the opportunity to travel and explore. I backpacked around most of Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam. I wouldn’t have had this chance if I didn’t go to Leicester.”

In June, Chloe received a student award in celebration of her diligence and achievement.

“I am so excited for graduation to celebrate all my hard work and success,” Chloe added. “There will be a tinge of sadness leaving Leicester behind, however I feel that the world is my oyster and I cannot wait to pursue my career as a solicitor!”

Paul McConnell, Lecturer at Leicester Law School, said: “I have been really impressed by Chloe seizing every opportunity available to her during her time at Leicester. As well as excelling academically, she has undertaken extensive pro bono advice work, engaged fully with the careers opportunities available, enjoyed a year studying abroad in Australia, and assisted me as a student ambassador for Law at Open Days. All of this has really helped her to stand out, and I was thrilled when her hard work paid off and she secured a very well-deserved Training Contract at a top law firm, enabling her to train and qualify as a Solicitor.”

Dr Dawn Watkins, Associate Professor at Leicester Law School and Chloe’s personal tutor, added: “It has been a privilege to be Chloe’s personal tutor since she returned from Australia and whilst I am delighted to see her achieving her career aspirations, I will miss her next year.

“She has demonstrated huge determination to succeed at the same time as maintaining a really positive and pragmatic attitude to life. I am looking forward to hearing about her continued success in the future.”