Oliver Saunders LLB European Legal Studies 2015

The quality of teaching and the option for a year abroad in Europe were two big draws for me to the University of Southampton. With a solid reputation as a Russell Group University and a lively student community it felt like an easy choice.

I enjoyed the challenge and stimulation of seminars. I’ve come to know a number of the staff really well through the course and their enormous experience in their field has always inspired me.

The fresher reps were really helpful in the first few weeks and there were a huge number of events, both night and day, to get to know other students. Halls of residence JCRs also arranged several socials to help us get to know our halls neighbours.

I was able to spend a year studying in the city of Leuven near Brussels. I was taught by the towering intellects of Europe’s top judges and got to experience the famous beer-drinking traditions of the Belgians.

I co-founded a social enterprise with friends that managed to secure investment from the University Sustainability programme and is now up and running. I’ve also been fortunate enough to manage the Law School’s Mooting Society as its president. With my dedicated committee, we helped to develop students’ advocacy and confidence in public speaking – skills essential in the profession – which was a very rewarding experience.

Law is an intellectually stimulating discipline that has not ceased to challenge and surprise me in equal measure. My writing, advocacy and time-management skills have certainly improved considerably since my first year. The Law School includes Mooting as part of the curriculum in the first year which can then be pursued further as an extra-curricular activity. It was something that I found out I really enjoyed and I never could have imagined that I would later be a finalist in the University finals held in London’s Supreme Court. The Law School staff were very supportive!

In final year we were given the opportunity to take an accredited non-law module. As someone with entrepreneurial interests I took the Social Enterprise course which consists of a practical, hands-on group project. You get to build your social business idea with a group of your peers and pitch it to investors. By studying a non-law module I was able to gain a more rounded skillset that helped me to stand out to employers.

The Law School runs a clinic to provide free legal advice. Students have the chance to get involved with this and work with an experienced barrister, who volunteers his time to work with the clinic and provide excellent advice. Having volunteered myself with this worthwhile project really enhanced my practical legal skills.

I enjoyed the challenge and stimulation of seminars. I’ve come to know a number of the staff really well through the course and their enormous experience in their field has always inspired me. In seminars, students are often encouraged to articulate their views, having read about the topic, which can lead to stimulating discussions.

The Law School’s dedicated and friendly careers advisor, Jan Steele, works tirelessly to promote the school among employers to create new opportunities. The Law fair that she organises attracts both top city firms as well as leading regional practices. There is also an invaluable careers fortnight for second years that enables students to attend talks by law firms, barristers and many others.