Finlay

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I chose to study the Professional Legal Practice (SQE Pathway) LLM course because, after completing my undergraduate degree in law at Surrey, it felt like the natural and most fitting place to continue my postgraduate studies. No other provider offered the same combination of SQE preparation alongside the practical skills essential for real-life practice. Surrey Law School offers an incredibly supportive environment - its lecturers and staff are not only knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach, but also genuinely invested in their students' success.

I have always really valued the School's strong emphasis on employability, both within the School and across the wider university. Katy and Claire, the programme leaders, go beyond just teaching the course content; they focus on what the qualification can lead to and ensure that we are fully prepared for the practical realities of legal practice.

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

I fell in love with Surrey when I came to see it first in 2018, it was my firm choice for a reason! The campus itself has a great buzz, everything you need is within five minutes, and it is incredibly modern and stylish. The library is equipped with everything a law student, or any student for that matter, could need. There is a mix of quiet spaces and co-working areas to study and to socialise. If you are a sportsperson like myself as a postgrad you can still join sport societies and teams, just like you can as an undergraduate. There is also a multitude of societies you can join, again, just as when you were an undergraduate. One of the best things about the university is the location; you have the Surrey Hills and beautiful walks right on the doorstep, as well as Guildford itself which has a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

When it comes to my course, the first thing that stands out is how hands-on and practical the sessions are. It genuinely feels as though you’re stepping into the role of a solicitor and experiencing what the job is really like. Opportunities such as the Law Clinic allow you to work with real clients and provide advice on genuine legal issues, offering invaluable practical experience. 

Each taught module is also carefully aligned with a specific Solicitors Qualifying Examination 1 (SQE1) topic, meaning you’re not only learning the theory required to pass the exams, but also applying it in a professional, practice-based context. The course also provides direct opportunities to network with lawyers and practitioners, helping you to explore a wide range of potential career paths and build meaningful professional connections.

What are the best things about life here as a postgraduate student?

One of the best things about life here as a postgraduate student is the independence and trust you’re given. Unlike at undergraduate level, you’re not spoon-fed or guided through every step — instead, you’re encouraged to take ownership of your learning and manage your workload in a way that reflects the realities of professional life. This approach has really helped me grow in confidence and develop the self-discipline and time management skills that are essential for legal practice.
 

What are your career plans?

I hope to take the SQE1 in July 2026 and be working as a paralegal or similar whilst waiting to start my training contract with the view to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. I hope to specialise in clinical negligence, court of protection, inquest and public inquires, and technology law. In the long run I hope to make partner or start my own boutique firm.