Jodie Buck

Please tell us a bit about yourself, your background etc?

• I am originally from Preston.
• I want to pursue a career as a solicitor.
• I studied Law, Psychology and Drama at college, and I am now studying Law at university.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I applied to study law as I am extremely interested in the subject area, and wanted a degree which would provide good career prospects. I love the city of Leeds; the shopping is great as is the night life. I really liked the feel to the university and the fact that it is all on campus appealed to me. It is also a reputable Russell Group university. I also wanted to stay in the North.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

I am passionate about law as it is a subject that affects every single one of us in our daily lives. I am interested in areas of law such as family law (i.e. divorce) and health care law (i.e. clinical negligence and personal injury). I want to go into these areas as I can imagine that it is an extremely rewarding career and I would enjoy being a position to help those people going through a difficult time.

 
What do you think of your course so far – what aspects of the course have you enjoyed the most or are looking forward to the most?

My course is very interesting and very difficult at times. There are some subjects that are quite complex and dry, and then others that are very exciting and interesting. I have enjoyed studying subjects such as Family Law, Health Care Law and Criminal Law.

What would you say about the learning facilities in the School and at the University in general?

The learning facilities at Leeds are very good, the libraries are excellent, and there are many workshops and opportunities to help with educational development.

Tell us about your current placement:

I had an eight week internship at Irwin Mitchell solicitors in Leeds. It was advertised to law students. It was part of the Pamela Walsh Peaker Scholarship. I had to complete an application and then attend an interview. I was in the Contentious Wills and Probate, and Family departments.               

I assisted in the many tasks of the solicitors and trainees, for example, I drafted letters (i.e. instructions to counsel and letters of claim), attended client meetings, researched various areas of the law and attended meetings.

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

• There are a lot of activities that students can take part in.
• I am part of the Law Society netball team.
• I am a Student Manager on the University of Leeds Justice Project which works with prisoners who are protesting their innocence; with the aim of submitting their case to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
• I am a member of ‘Homed’, a charity which helps homeless people, by visiting hostels and making food for the residents.
• I am a member of the Anti Death Penalty Society in which I attend talks with death row inmates who have had their convictions overturned. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

I would encourage them to do so; it is a very reputable university and the course is very enjoyable. The staff are helpful and there are always opportunities to go and see the tutors if you have any questions.

What do you plan to do once you’ve finished your course?

I plan to find a training contract to become a solicitor in the North.