< Back to News
Ampersand News
Career advice offered to law students by Ampersand QC
2nd April 2009
Ampersand's Maria Maguire QC provided one of the keynote addresses as Aberdeen University Law Society hosted a careers evening along with the Solicitor General, Frank Mulholland QC.
The initiative, designed to enable law students to help themselves overcome the employment difficulties posed by the economic downturn, was held at the King's College Conference Centre.
The opening address was given by Maria Maguire QC, who told students that there have been economic downturns during her 22-year career and that a busy practice at the Bar has been possible throughout.
Maria said that not all aspects of the legal industry are suffering from a downturn. She was happy to report that she finds the Bar to be busy for both senior and junior counsel at the moment and remarked that, "there will always be a need for specialist litigators".
She added: "Excellence attracts excellence and those students who wish to become advocates should aim to excel and be the best."
On the issue of reduced opportunities for law graduates in the current climate, Mr Mulholland advised: "Don't give up. If you are rejected, pick yourself up, dust yourself down and continue. Stoicism is needed to succeed in the law."
As well as the two keynote speakers, the audience of students and legal professionals were on alternative opportunities available to graduates in law, and on interview skills and what helps a student stand out at the application stage.
The Law Society of Scotland and partners from a number of legal firms, both local and national, met with students at a wine reception following the conclusion of the formal talks to offer guidance and answer questions.
Ryan Whelan, president of the Aberdeen University Law Society, and organiser of the event, said: "The main objective was to provide a forum within which students could receive advice from practitioners on remaining, or becoming, an attractive candidate during the recession.
"The event was a tremendous success and for that we owe a debt of gratitude to the speakers and law firm attendees.
"Their willingness to provide such constructive, frank and helpful advice has been greatly appreciated by the students."
ShareThis
