Class of 2024 Spotlight: Laurie’s path from Leeds to DLA Piper
Meet Laurie Telfer, a standout graduate of 2024, ready to embark on his career journey at a global law firm with a presence in over 40 countries.
Hailing from Manchester and graduating from the University of Leeds’ School of Law, Laurie's passion for law was ignited by a landmark UK Supreme Court decision during his first year of college.
I knew I wanted to work in an industry that had a significant impact on society, so this case played a crucial role in my decision to pursue a degree law.
Reflecting on why he chose Leeds to pursue a degree in Law, Laurie fondly recalls the warm welcome from Professor Alistair Mullis, former Head of the Law School. Professor Mullis’ down-to-earth attitude and guidance solidified Laurie’s decision to study at the School of Law.
Beyond academics, Laurie thrived in extracurricular activities such as playing for the law society football team. Reflecting on this experience, he says: “It really helped me connect with other law students during lectures and feel like a part of the law school community post-COVID.”
Another highlight for Laurie was spending a year abroad at the University of Western Australia, where he forged meaningful friendships and broadened his academic horizons beyond Europe.
On 23 July, Laurie will join his peers in celebrating their academic achievements at graduation before commencing his role as a paralegal at DLA Piper at the end of July. He looks forward to contributing to the firm's initiatives in the Contentious, Corporate Transactional, and Real Estate Law team and working in a renowned global firm like DLA Piper.
As Laurie prepares for this exciting chapter, he offers advice to prospective graduates: "Utilise the support of the School's Employability Team and tailor your applications to showcase your unique experiences and skills."
To discover the career paths of other School of Law graduates after graduation, click here.
For more information on how the School of Law can help you prepare for a career in law, criminal justice or another field, please click here.
