Sixth form student Angeli spent a week at a specialist criminal law firm, O’Keefe Solicitors, in London, gaining first-hand experience of the legal profession and the work involved in criminal defence.
During the placement, she read and analysed Crown Court criminal cases and assisted with applications prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The experience gave Angeli an insight into the pace and demands of working in law and helped confirm her interest in pursuing a career in the profession.
The firm was impressed by Angeli’s contribution throughout the week, particularly her professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.
In feedback following the placement, a representative from O’Keefe Solicitors said: “It was a pleasure to have Angeli with us. I’m pleased to say that she did very well throughout her placement. She settled in quickly, showed a genuine interest in the work and approached each task with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
“She conducted herself well throughout the week and it was clear that she had a genuine interest in pursuing a career in law.”
The placement also gave Angeli the opportunity to reflect on the type of working environment that suited her. She said the experience confirmed that she enjoyed challenging and demanding work.
She said: “I learnt that working in a mature, organised environment benefits my health and mindset, and that law is a busy, high-pressure environment which I thrive in. I enjoy challenging and demanding environments, and I also learnt about multiple areas of law including essay structure, criminal cases and criminal defence.”
Jo Lawrence, Head of Sixth Form at Shireland CBSO Academy, commented: “Work experience gives students the chance to see what a career is actually like, rather than relying on what they have read or been told about it. It can challenge their expectations, confirm an interest or sometimes show them that a particular path is not for them.
“For our sixth form students, these experiences sit alongside their academic studies and give them a chance to develop their confidence, independence and understanding of the workplace. We want to support our students in accessing opportunities that are relevant to their interests and give them a clearer sense of what they might want to do next.”
For the Academy, opportunities such as Angeli’s placement complement the sixth form provision by giving students the chance to explore their interests in a professional setting and gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths.
For more information about Shireland CBSO Academy Sixth Form, visit the Academy website.
