Guest speakers boost career ambitions for NCC law students

A Level Law students were treated to an exciting month of professional insight as part of a brand-new Careers Month initiative.

The programme, which runs at New City College Havering Sixth Form Campus, is led by Law teacher Gina Gola, and is designed to open Law students’ eyes to the incredible range of university and career pathways available to them.

Over several weeks, students heard from three inspiring speakers. Two were former NCC learners who have since gone on to thrive in the legal world, and the other is a senior university lecturer specialising in human rights and land law.

Each speaker brought their own unique story, expert knowledge and valuable advice, giving students a real taste of what their futures in law could look like.

Learning from an NCC Student of the Year

Former Havering Sixth Form student – and previous New City College Student of the Year – Annie-May O’Neill returned to campus to share her journey from A Level Law to studying for her law degree at the University of Law. Now also serving her community as a local councillor, Annie-May was full of encouragement as she talked students through the realities of university study, career possibilities and the importance of determination.

Her lively Q&A session was packed with honest advice and really motivated the students who were given a clear sense of how to excel at the next stage of their studies.

From classroom to courtroom – a solicitor’s viewpoint

Students also welcomed back former Law, Economics and Geography alumni Jay Johnson, now a solicitor at Birketts. Jay delivered an informative talk on the different routes into the legal profession – from the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to the increasingly popular Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

He offered practical guidance on building the skills law firms are looking for and emphasised the importance of work experience. Jay also shared details of an Insight Day at Birketts, encouraging the students to grab these opportunities whenever they can.

Human rights in focus – former US attorney shares his perspective

Rounding off the presentations was Colin Luoma, a former attorney in the United States who now lectures at Brunel University, London. Colin delivered a fascinating session on Human Rights, giving students an academic perspective on what studying law at university is really like. His talk broadened students’ understanding of how law functions in a global context and he inspired many to explore specialist areas they had never previously considered.

Each speaker gave the students food for thought on what can be achieved after college. From university excellence to professional qualifications and academic careers, students saw first-hand how their A Levels can lead to exciting, ambitious futures.

Law teacher Gina Gola said: “We have worked closely with our careers team to deliver the new Careers Month initiative. They have helped source some great speakers and we were delighted that Annie-May, Jay and Colin were able to come in to college. Their contributions have had a hugely positive impact on our students.”

Start your journey in Law at New City College

If you’re excited by the opportunities a career in law can offer, there has never been a better time to begin your journey at New City College. Apply now for a Law course and come along to our Open Event to explore the subject, meet our expert teachers and discover where your future could take you.

Find out more and apply today!