Alumna champions social mobility in the legal sector

Law alumna Pearls Eddo shares how founding the Leeds branch of the 93% Club and her time at the University of Leeds shaped her passion for social mobility and a meaningful legal career.

When Pearls Eddo arrived at the University of Leeds to study Law in 2020, she came with a strong sense of purpose.  

Pearl had attended state schools her entire life, so she was keenly aware of the unequal access to opportunities that many young individuals face; an issue further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In 2020, Pearls spotted a callout from the national 93% Club, the first and largest network of state-educated students and professionals in Britain, seeking students interested in establishing new local branches at Universities. Pearls, along with some fellow students, applied and became founding members of the Leeds branch. She took on the role of Education Outreach Officer. 

In this role, Pearls undertook a series of responsibilities aligned with the 93%’s mission of giving state-educated people the same access to powerful connections, knowledge, and opportunities that have historically been reserved for the privately-educated.  

One of the 93% Club Leeds’ most memorable events brought Lady Hale, former President of the Supreme Court and honourary alumna, to campus.  

"The former President of the Supreme Court spoke about her journey from growing up in rural Yorkshire, to becoming a highly respected justice. Attendees were genuinely inspired by her words, which reinforced their aspirations to pursue careers in law," Pearls recalls. 

Beyond graduation 

Pearls’ dedication to social mobility didn’t end with her degree:  

“I’m based at DLA Piper in Leeds, working as a paralegal in the firm’s Legal Delivery Service in the Contentious (Electronic Data Management) team. I have also worked on pro bono matters, namely the Kids In Need of Defence (KIND) clinic, which aims to support families trying to apply for British citizenship.” 

Pearls also serves as a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador within the firm’s Legal Delivery Centre. Recently, she co-led a debating workshop for Year 11 students through The Sutton Trust’s Pathways to Law programme. 

It’s incredibly rewarding to work with young people who might not otherwise consider law as a viable path. I see my role as helping to open doors for others.

Pearls is also looking forward to her next steps: “As for the future, I really want to be a solicitor. I’m interested in employment law and regulatory law and I’ll apply for a training contract. They recruit people two years in advance, so I’m at least four years away from qualifying.” 

Building a career with purpose 

Looking back on her time at Leeds, Pearls credits a combination of academic and extracurricular opportunities for shaping her professional journey. As a recipient of the prestigious Laidlaw Scholarship, she travelled to Mexico City to work on a social enterprise project with indigenous artisans, and spent her Placement year with Disney in London gave her crucial experience in the field. 

“These experiences allowed me to develop a diverse range of skills and attributes that I frequently draw upon,” she says. “I truly believe that attending Leeds provided me with a well-rounded balance of academic and extra-curricular opportunities that may not have been accessible elsewhere.” 

Making the most of university 

Pearls encourages current students to lean into their passions and actively pursue opportunities that develops these interests. Drawing from her experience, she highlights:  

For me, my passion for social mobility, and the idea of giving back, stemmed from my positive experience with Leeds' Reach for Excellence programme, which I credit with giving me the tools necessary to be as prepared for higher education as a first-gen student.

Throughout her time at university, Pearls also worked with the Educational Engagement Team as a Student Ambassador, supporting both daytime and residential events aimed at secondary and A-Level students across West Yorkshire. These activities were designed to encourage young people to consider higher education, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. 

This hands-on experience not only deepened Pearls’ passion for widening participation but also allowed her to show her proactivity and commitment to social mobility when speaking with prospective employers. 

Are you passionate about making a difference? At Leeds, scholarships and outreach programmes are designed to empower students from all backgrounds to succeed. Discover how you can develop your passion – apply for scholarships today.