This July, students, Deborah Okanlawon, Lucy Wall, Sanaz Saf Shekan and Sumain Bi, are graduating with first class LLB Law degrees and clear pathways into the industry.
Sumain Bi has been awarded the prestigious , to cover 拢5,000 towards her SQE (Solicitor鈥檚 Qualifying Examination) fees, while enabling her to further build on the core skills and competences she鈥檚 learnt throughout her undergraduate degree as she progresses into the early stages of her legal career. Sumain is the first person in her family to go to university and is already slated to be an industry trailblazer.
Sumain, who graduates with a first class degree and at one point juggled two jobs alongside her studies, commented: 鈥淭his is an incredibly proud moment for me, graduating with a first class degree as well as a scholarship to continue on my career trajectory. Originating from a working class ethnic minority background and being a first generation university student is an achievement in itself, but attaining a first is the icing on the cake.鈥�
On being awarded her scholarship from BPP, Sumain added: 鈥淚 feel so privileged to have been awarded BPP鈥檚 Bridge the Gap scholarship, after being told I was the most deserving, in recognition of all of my hard work. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, as it aids me to being that one step closer to a career as a successful Solicitor.鈥�
Fellow LLB Law student, Sanaz Saf Shekan, also graduates with a first class degree and has received the Aya Hachem Memorial Prize for Best Civic Contribution. This is due to Sanaz鈥檚 outstanding achievements during her time at the University, as well as the considerable level of time she has spent volunteering at the University鈥檚 SILKs Law Clinic, supporting on both housing and family law cases.
The Aya Hachem Memorial Prize is a monetary award of 拢500 and was named in memory of much-loved student Aya, who was accidentally and tragically killed in a drive by shooting in May 2020. Aya was part way through her Law course at the University of Salford at the time and wanted to become a Lawyer.
Sanaz commented: 鈥淚t鈥檚 an absolute honour to have been chosen to receive such an impressive award 鈥� it鈥檚 a real proud moment for me. Being able to develop my skills in the dynamic, friendly and supportive environment Salford Business School provides has been instrumental in my success at university.鈥�
In addition, Deborah Okanlawon graduates with a first class degree and a training contract with global law firm, , after doing her placement year with where she continued to work part-time for the remainder of her studies.
Deborah, who is also the first person in her family to go to University, said: 鈥淕raduating with a first class degree is something I鈥檓 incredibly proud of and I鈥檓 now well on my way to becoming the Commercial Lawyer I鈥檇 set my sights on years ago.
鈥淔or me, my next focus is the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) which I will start this coming September and then upon completion, I will begin my training contract with commercial law firm, DLA Piper 鈥� something I鈥檝e been working towards since first year. I don鈥檛 have any connections or family members currently working in the legal field, so this is a huge achievement that I鈥檓 proud of.鈥�
Lucy Wall, who was also President of the University鈥檚 law society, Level Up Law, has hopes of becoming a Paralegal, specialising in either employment, family or housing law. Throughout her degree, Lucy has been documenting her journey into the sector via social media after launching her dedicated Instagram account, , which has amassed a strong following of other budding Lawyers.
Alongside her studies, society work and volunteering at the University鈥檚 own law clinic, , Lucy has completed bouts of work experience at various organisations, including with Prosperity Law LLP, Maya Solicitors and the Crown Prosecution Service.
On inspiring other aspiring Lawyers, Lucy commented: 鈥淚鈥檓 the first person in my immediate family to go to university so, if you are also a first-generation university student with no previous contacts and connections in the industry like me, create your own opportunities by putting yourself forward for committee roles and work experience. Also, focus on networking and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to establish yourself not only as a student, but as a future Lawyer.鈥�
Louise Hall, Senior Lecturer in Law (Practice) and Solicitor, as well as SILKS Lead at Salford Business School, concluded: 鈥淭hese students are nothing short of amazing. To see the unwavering dedication and commitment each of them has put into not only their studies, but volunteering, placements/work experience, networking and extracurricular activities to help further their careers alongside obtaining their degrees really is inspirational.鈥�
For more updates from the University of Salford, visit: .听