Students pitch to legal eagles from range of North West law firms
Some of the county’s most experienced law professionals have been sharing their expertise with the next generation at a special event organised by University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
UCLan’s annual Careers Jamming Session (cJAM) event, where students learn from the best in the business and pitch to win work placements, brought in 30 industry representatives from practises based throughout the North West including Birchall Blackburn Law, BLM, Curtis Law, Napthens LLP and Watson Ramsbottom.
In total, 50 placement opportunities were offered on the day, including with Forbes Solicitors, Fylde Law, Plexus Law and Stephensons Solicitors LLP.
Richard McDowell, a Partner at Napthens LLP and Eimear McCann, Head of the Northern Hub for F-Lex Legal, were just some of the speakers who shared their career journeys and offered advice to the students.
Richard said: “You need to make the most of your academic journey as you will reap what you sow in terms of the hard work you put in now. Be able to listen, pay close attention to detail and be prepared to learn from your colleagues throughout your career. Once you get your foot in the door of a firm who knows where it will take you. Anything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it."
Eimear said: “Working in the law can change people’s lives and that’s what made me pursue a career in this field. Think about what energises you and makes you get out of bed in the morning, what area of law do you love? Don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there and trying something new. If it doesn’t work out, it will only make you more resilient.”
"cJAM Law is a great addition to the Law School’s comprehensive employability calendar of events, which allow students to develop and build their knowledge of career pathways, relevant career skills and professional network."
It’s the fifth time UCLan has hosted cJAM, which this year will spread across four separate events covering journalism, media, performance and law. In total 91 people attended the law gathering.
Third year law student 41-year-old Fiona Hope attended cJAM Law. She said: “All of the speakers were inspiring and their advice has made me realise that success isn’t just about academic achievement, it’s about the whole package; what you can offer as a person and what you’re passionate about.”
Simon Price, Principal Lecturer and Lancashire Law School Lead for Employability commented: “cJAM Law is a great addition to the Law School’s comprehensive employability calendar of events, which allow students to develop and build their knowledge of career pathways, relevant career skills and professional network. I am looking forward to cJAM Law 2019 already.”
A video and photographs from the event at UCLan’s Media Factory are available to view. People can also look up #UCLancJAM on Twitter.
