Millie Routledge

Now in the third year of her LLB Law degree, Millie's journey began with a love of history and a growing interest in politics and legal systems. Studying at the University of Cumbria has allowed her to stay close to home while pursuing a course that matches her future ambitions. Below, she tells us what she’s loved most about her time at university and shares her career plans after graduation.

Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?

I am now in my third year of university studying LLB (Hons) Law. Even when I was applying for universities in sixth form, I still wasn’t completely sure on which career path to take. My favourite subject at school was always history, especially contemporary topics which crossed over into politics and law-making. From there, I became interested in a career related to law, which led me to a Law degree!

Why did you choose the University of Cumbria over other universities?

I am local to Cumbria; I love where I live and how easy it is to get from the coast into the Lake District. I knew I wanted to live in the area following my degree and so when it came to looking at universities and I saw that Cumbria offered a degree in Law, I knew it was right; it gave me the opportunity to get the qualifications I wanted, whilst being able to stay close to home.

If you’ve completed a placement within your degree: how have you found your placement(s)? Where was your placement, and what was it like?

In the third year of the law degree at Cumbria, all students have the option to take on a two-week placement in place of a more theoretical module. I was lucky enough to secure a placement with Brockbanks Solicitors, a local firm who provide a wide range of legal services. My placement was very informative of the actual day-to-day job of a solicitor and showed me how different the theory and teaching of law is from the actual practicalities, but also how well they complement each other.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

One issue I faced, especially at the start of my degree, was the step up from A-Levels to university level work. It was quite a big adjustment, especially going into a Law degree where there was a completely new referencing system and method of research. Similarly, the level of independent research wasn’t something I had encountered before, but I had to remind myself that it was new to everyone on the course, and we were all in the same boat. Once you practise the new systems and begin to understand the expectations, it becomes second nature. I can’t even remember how I used to research or manage my work before my degree!

How have your tutors supported you during your studies?

I can wholeheartedly say one of the best things about studying at the University of Cumbria is the teaching style. The cohorts, especially in my experience, are usually quite small, meaning you’re able to get a very personal education. My lecturers are always willing to go back over topics if someone has struggled to grasp the content. They will talk through assessments in detail to ensure we understand what is being asked, and they give us in-depth feedback which allows us to make considerable improvements in future.

How is university life beyond your studies?

University gives you the opportunity to meet people you would otherwise not cross paths with. I have made some amazing friends who I hope to keep in touch with following the completion of our degrees.

As part of the Law degree course, we’re invited to attend a Law Ball at the end of each academic year, where we’re able to get dressed up and celebrate our achievements. It’s also an opportunity to network with local law firms, which is hugely beneficial for people like me who plan on staying in the area. This has helped me to get work experience in a local firm which then turned into a permanent position!

What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?

Law as a degree can be quite a big adjustment - it is a lot of new terminology, a completely new referencing system, new databases which you will have never seen before etc. My advice would be to just take it slow and know you may not get it all right first try but rest assured there’s a full team of people willing and able to help you.

What advice or guidance do you have for people thinking about applying for university?

One thing that I struggled with when applying to university was the pressure I felt to move away from home to get my degree. As quite a homebody, this just wasn’t for me. My biggest advice would be to not put pressure on yourself to fit what the expectations might be - you have to do what is right for you long-term.

What are your plans for the future, and how is your course preparing you for your potential career?

I knew when I began my law degree that I wanted to go into legal practice, specifically to become a solicitor. The law team at Cumbria have great connections to many local firms, which means we as students have had many networking opportunities and as a result, I was able to secure work experience with a local firm, which then became a permanent position which fit around my studies. Since then, I have secured a training contract with them to complete my Solicitor Qualifying Exams and begin my career in legal practice.

What’s been the highlight of your time at university so far?

I would say the highlight of my time would be the people I have met that I otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths with.