From Classroom to Courtroom: Alumna and legal professional inspire future legal minds at St Mary's Sixth Form

For students thinking ahead, and seeking advice on their future pathway, there is nothing more helpful than learning firsthand from either an alumna in the early years of their chosen career, or an experienced professional. Or both.

So, we were delighted to provide such an opportunity by inviting Becky Garner, alumna and trainee solicitor at Fraser Dawbarns and Clare Pilsworth, an experienced family and divorce lawyer for Tees Law, to one of our "Inspire My Future" talks in St Mary's Sixth Form earlier this month.

The session began with Becky Garner sharing her journey into law, which began with a degree in English Literature followed by a law conversion course. Becky highlighted the diverse pathways into the legal profession, encouraging students to recognise that there is no single route to follow. Drawing from her own experience, she spoke about the benefits of rotating through different departments whilst training, something which helped her to identify the areas of law she was most passionate about. Becky discussed the variety offered within her daily work and the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with clients.

Clare Pilsworth opened her talk by reflecting on how routes into law have evolved, particularly through options such as solicitor apprenticeships. Clare underlined the increasing accessibility of law as a career path and the importance of keeping informed about new developments. A key theme in Claire’s talk was the importance of building long-term client relationships and the importance of active listening when meeting with clients. Clare also touched on the broad spectrum of legal disciplines, including niche areas such as equine law!

A busy Q&A allowed students to ask insightful questions on topics such as the difference between a solicitors and barrister, the resilience needed to succeed in legal roles, and the various university and apprenticeship routes available. 

The session also highlighted the significant presence of women within the legal profession, with esteemed figures such as Baroness Hale of Richmond exemplifying the influential role that women play across the sector. The ever-strong female representation within law provided an inspiring note on which to conclude the event.

The Sixth Form "Inspire My Future" talks enable our students to engage directly with professionals from all walks of life, and garner useful advice to help them decide with confidence on their own futures.