Rebecca Shaw LLB

Rebecca Shaw is from Weymouth in Dorset and is a year 2 LLB student. Alongside her studies, Rebecca is doing some voluntary work at Southampton Crown Court as a witness service volunteer.

One of the reasons that I’m so passionate about criminal law and know extra bits and pieces that I can use in my volunteering is because of the Law School and how much I have learnt in my time there so far.

I studied Law at A level and really enjoyed it, and I thought that a degree in the subject would lead to a wide variety of employment opportunities should I decide that a legal career wasn’t for me.

Criminal Law is the area that has grabbed my attention the most; I find it really interesting and exciting, and the criminal case law never ceases to amaze me. My interest was further developed by a brilliant criminal law lecturer.

This year, I applied to become a witness service volunteer, the role involves providing individuals  who are going to be witnesses in court with support on the day of the trial. Giving evidence is something that can be very daunting, and anxiety levels are often high, especially if the witness was also the victim of the crime.

My role requires me to be a calm, steady and impartial person who is not there to judge the witness, but is there for them to talk to about how they are feeling. I also explain the trial process to them and to answer questions about anything they are unsure about. I first heard about the opportunity from an email sent from the university. One of the reasons that I’m so passionate about criminal law and know extra bits and pieces that I can use in my volunteering is because of the Law School and how much I have learnt in my time there so far.

I aspire to continue along the legal career path once I have my degree, and to become a successful solicitor. I am not sure which area of the Law I would like to specialise in just yet, as although I do find the criminal aspect fascinating, there are a plethora of different aspects that I am yet to study.