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Students gain legal insights at Clifford Chance and Barclays Capital

Students on Birkbeck’s Certificate of Higher Education Legal Methods programme recently spe...

Canary Wharf skyline

Students on Birkbeck’s Certificate of Higher Education Legal Methods programme recently spent a day with lawyers from top law firms Clifford Chance and Barclays Capital in Canary Wharf to learn what it takes to have a career in law. 

The event was designed to motivate and inspire students taking their first steps towards a career in law, and students were given an overview as to what employers look for, before hearing from Clifford Chance staff about their roles and routes to a career in law.  Barclays Capital staff outlined the differences between practising in-house and commercial law, and described how they work with Clifford Chance.  Students were also invited to take part in a tour of the two buildings, gaining an insight into the corporate culture of these prestigious global firms.  

The Certificate in Legal Methods equips students with the basic skills and knowledge needed to do a law degree, and is aimed at people who wish to apply for an undergraduate law degree but who do not have the formal qualifications required.  Successful students can progress to the LLB.

Attendee Alex Singer said: “I learned a lot from the presentations given, the talks with employees and the tour of the trading floor.”

Legal Methods student Adam Woodley added: “The day exceeded my expectations and has made being a commercial solicitor in private practice or in-house seem like a very viable and excellent choice to make as a career. I loved it!”

“Visiting the offices of two large global companies was a great way to inspire our students about their future career plans and personal goals,” said Patrice Buddington, from Birkbeck’s Outreach and Widening Access team.  “Each student came away with positive messages about how to turn their ambitions in the legal profession into reality. 

“It was also clear from all the speakers that a non-traditional academic background can give you a positive edge in today’s competitive employment market and is something large employers do value.”

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