This is a guest blog by BU graduate Paul Linsdell.

Paul Linsdell credits BU for shaping his career in the legal profession. He completed the LLB (Hons) Law and postgraduate Legal Practice Course
at BU and is now a Senior Solicitor, specialising in family law, in Stowe Family Law’s Winchester office.

“Having studied and enjoyed law at A-level I wanted to pursue a career in law. I was attracted to the LLB at Bournemouth because of the business emphasis and the work placement element. The placement struck me as an excellent opportunity to find out what area of law might best suit me and I also thought it would help me to establish connections in the legal sector. I was right on both counts! The course was delivered in a personal way and due to the approachability of the teaching staff I felt well supported at every stage. I was fortunate to secure a work placement in Southampton at a well-known and established firm of solicitors, who ultimately went on to train me. I formed lasting relationships as a result of my work placement whilst gaining valuable insights into what it is really like to work as a solicitor.”

Now working for Stowe Family Law, Paul specialises in divorce and other areas of family law. When it comes to offering advice to other aspiring solicitors, Paul said: “Whichever area of law you aspire to, the competition for training contracts grows by the year. I would urge hopeful lawyers to take part in a placement year if at all possible. If a placement is not possible, then voluntary work experience is an absolute must. By creating your own network you will increase potential
opportunities and your CV will more likely catch the eye of recruiters. Believe it or not, firms do not place as much weight on purely academic achievements and will consider candidates more closely if their CV demonstrates experience over and above that of pure academics.