International Law LLB(Hons): After you graduate

"I wanted to be a barrister and chose Kingston because the Law School had a good reputation. Once there, I thoroughly enjoyed the course. One expects a law degree to be academically challenging but, in addition, it was extremely practical.

"Mooting (debating legal argument) and client interviewing took place frequently. These are skills practised by a solicitor or barrister every day of their working life. I also found this aspect of the course really helped when I went to Bar School, where advocacy and interviewing assessments counted towards my overall final grade.

"The highlights of my time at Kingston include going to America for the summer to work at the Public Defender's Office, winning the internal Client-Interviewing Competition and the annual Law Society balls (it wasn't all hard work!).

"I graduated with a 2:1, and this enabled me to get into the Inns of Court School of Law. While there, I obtained pupillage at 29 Bedford Row chambers, which was a mixed civil and family set where I developed a real interest in family law. In 1994 I moved to One Garden Court, a specialist family law chambers, and I have been here ever since.

"The areas of my practice include ancillary relief, residence, contact and care, and adoption. I enjoy the variety of my work. Every case is different and everyone has a different story to tell. I like the contact with clients from all walks of life and the human aspect of family law (rather than acting for corporate entities). Also, life in chambers is extremely sociable.

"The course gave me an excellent start to my legal career and I would certainly recommend the law degree at Kingston to anyone who wishes to enter legal practice."

"There were lots of things I liked about the Law LLB(Hons) at Kingston – the huge choice of modules and, in particular, the practical skills elements such as advice and negotiation, which you really benefit from when you start working.

"I also enjoyed the extra-curricular activities offered, such as mooting (debating legal argument) and negotiation, which enhance your CV and provide you with the opportunity to meet key players in the legal field. Plus, the campus is great and the teaching staff are excellent. They really take an interest in your development, even after you leave.

"After graduating I completed a masters and during this time, I registered with an agency. I was selected for a 3-month position at the CPS which was extended a couple of times and eventually I was recruited into a permanent role. I was extremely fortunate that the CPS has such a flexible approach to working as a result of which I was able to work part time whilst completing the Bar Vocational Course full time. Whilst this was demanding, it worked well and as soon as I finished the BVC I was successful in securing an Associate Prosecutor role. The following year I got pupillage and I am now working as a Senior Crown Prosecutor within the same team.

"A large amount of my time is spent at court, prosecuting a broad range of cases. I really enjoy the advocacy and the interaction with victims and witnesses where I can see the impact of my work, and the difference it makes, particularly in my role as a domestic violence specialist. In the office I am usually preparing cases for court, and also committal for the Crown Court. The work is demanding, but certainly rewarding and I am fortunate to work with a great team of lawyers.

"I feel Law LLB(Hons) is an excellent course and would recommend it to anyone. It opens up lots of opportunities, not just directly in law; the skills you develop are widely valued in the job market.

"It's great to do such a modern course, and that, coupled with the supportive teaching staff and superb facilities, provides an excellent learning experience."