Lilly
Sharma

Why did you choose NTU and Nottingham Law School?

I attended an NTU open day as the University is city centre based, making it accessible and close to home for me. During the open day I felt welcomed. I spoke to current students about their experience as a student and as a Nottingham Law School student and could not picture myself anywhere else. NTU provided an opportunity to study the LLM Barristers Training Course which I was also interested at pursing. So, the University felt like a great long term institution to be part of.

Why did you choose postgraduate study at NTU?

NLS has a great reputation amongst legal practitioners in the city and around the UK. This, alongside of my positive experience as an undergraduate student, influenced my choice in coming back to study at postgraduate level. I also received an alumni discount on course fees which helped.

What inspired you to study law?

I studied BTEC Applied Law at College after being turned down for A Level Psychology due to not achieving the required GCSE results. I overheard the law tutor discussing what is covered in the course and I found it interesting. I really enjoyed it. My law tutor at the time spoke about his experience as a Police Representative and Solicitor. I then visited the Crown Court with college and was in awe at the idea of being a Barrister. During the course we also covered the case of R v Ahluwalia and I being a south Asian female myself understood the Barriers and difficulties that surrounded the case. I wanted to use my understanding and experiences of being a south Asian female to assist women of Asian heritage in violent relationships.

What do you enjoy about your course?

I enjoyed being able to select all modules I would study for the final year of my Law LLB. I particularly found Sexuality and the Law interesting. This module covered legislation around sexual offences and opportunities to discuss the flaws of the law. The module also aided my ability to mentor young adults with the Safer Living Foundation, supporting their rehabilitation.

The LLM Barristers Training Course is a difficult course. The course tutors are always willing to give feedback and assist you during your growth. They are interested in your background and plans for the future which helps when wanting to enter a career this prestigious. My favourite experience, was being given the opportunity to examine students acting as witnesses in the NLS mock courtrooms. The room gives a very realistic experience.

Furthermore, as I opted to complete the LLM in addition to this professional qualification I was able to volunteer for NLS Legal. NLS Legal is an award-winning teaching law firm based within NTU. I assisted experienced Paralegals with both criminal and family law matters providing me real casework experience that is valuable to my future prospects.

What marks out of 10 would you give for course facilities and why?

A 10. The mock courtrooms really give a realistic experience to questioning witnesses for us students. It is less daunting when you visit a courtroom, you know small details of where everyone should sit and what to expect. Bar students also have a private library room to use away from other students. This was helpful when you wanted to get your head down to concentrate on seminar preparation and revision.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

You should join a University that invests in your future.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Accessible, progressive, modern

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

The Pudding Pantry! My line manager introduced me to it on my first day – it is a small business with amazing brunch items and delicious homemade desserts.

What do you think Nottingham Law School has given you above and beyond a qualification?

Courage and confidence!

As I graduated in 2020, I was unsure if I was ready for postgraduate study so, I applied for NTU’s Graduate Development Programme. This was a programme aimed at providing industry experience alongside employability skills.

I was successfully appointed to the role and worked within NTU’s Governance and Legal Services team as a Compliance Officer for a year. This role provided me with an introduction to working and a foundation of workplace skills to transfer to both legal and non-legal careers.

Towards the end of the role, I saw the role of Consent Programme Coordinator advertised based within Student Support Services. I applied as I had thoroughly enjoyed being a staff member at NTU and the role was responsible for a sexual violence prevention project - something I was interested in.

It is all thanks to the courage and confidence I gained from both undergraduate and postgraduate experience that I can work in a career I am passionate about.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share?

Pursuing a career at the Bar is not easy. If anyone is worried about it or is worried about the Pupillage experience I would like to let them know they are not alone. If there is something I have learnt so far– it is that you can still pursue a career you are interested in and that makes a difference.

My friends would say I am realistic and prepared – even if I have my heart set on something, I am always ready for the plan to change – I think it is the best way to protect myself.