Students cross-examine legal experts at Collyer’s

Collyer’s Law department welcomed a host of legal professionals, including several former Collyer’s students, to speak to the current generation about pursuing a career in the law.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Aug 2015, 10:54 BST
Alice Bartlett, Anastasios Vourexakis , Helen Mayer-Dean, Danielle Owen, Louise Turner, Stephen Carr and Sandra Malins SUS-150728-095330001Alice Bartlett, Anastasios Vourexakis , Helen Mayer-Dean, Danielle Owen, Louise Turner, Stephen Carr and Sandra Malins SUS-150728-095330001
Alice Bartlett, Anastasios Vourexakis , Helen Mayer-Dean, Danielle Owen, Louise Turner, Stephen Carr and Sandra Malins SUS-150728-095330001

The experts also took part in lively question and answer sessions with the students about careers in this field. The day of talks formed part of the college’s ‘Planning Your Future’ programme of employability activities, which helps to prepare students for their A-level study, progression onto degrees and pursuing job opportunities.

The first experts to speak were Stephen Carr, a solicitor with Hart Scales and Hodges Solicitors in Dorking, and Alice Bartlett, formerly of Collyer’s, who is currently studying Law (LLB) at Surrey University.

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They gave the students first hand advice and guidance about pursuing the LLB route.

After Law teacher Sarah Hawen’s insightful session on ‘Writing a Law Personal Statement’ the students enjoyed a fascinating lecture on Becoming a Legal Apprentice/Legal Executive.

This was presented by Ex-Collyer’s student Danielle Owen (Legal Apprentice at Thomas Eggar Solicitors) and Louise Turner (FCILEx) who is the Regional Development Officer of Southern Counties for CILEx and a Criminal Law Practitioner.

Head of Mercer’s House and Subject Leader for Law, Helen Mayer Dean spoke about careers outside of the ‘professions’ and was delighted to introduce DI Russ Shepherd and Police Sergeant Mandy Symes, Adur and Worthing NPT, who then gave the students a fascinating presentation about working in the police force.

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After a well-deserved lunch break, old Collyerian, Anastasios Vourexakis (MP Support Officer at the Houses of Parliament) spoke about law and politics.

Anastasios said: “Collyer’s was wonderful for me and it’s certainly exciting to be back as I loved my time here. It’s also so promising to see so many students enthusiastic about the legal profession.”

The final lecture focussed on law opportunities and was presented by another ex-Collyer’s student, Matt Fincham.

Law student Lara Evans said: “It was really eye-opening! I wasn’t thinking about the university route, but after today’s presentations it is certainly an option I would consider. I thought DI Shepherd was fantastic, humorous but very informative!”

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Helen Mayer-Dean said: “Thank you so much to all of our superb experts for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and speak to us today. It has been a wonderful opportunity for our students and will help them with their future progression.

“Their enthusiasm and passion for their work is infectious and truly inspiring for us all. I’d also like to thank Sarah Hawen and Sandra Malins for helping make today possible.”

Collyer’s Law student Amelia Smith said: “Thank you to the Law department for putting together the day, it was very informative and helpful with a range of different speakers.

“It made us aware of the different opportunities available and gave us an insightful look into a career in law. It was particularly helpful to learn about the process to becoming a solicitor.”

Report and picture contributed by Collyer’s.

Related topics:Students