Completing a PhD has long been my dream. The study of languages and literature continues to open my mind in many ways, and by pursuing a career in academia I am able to share this knowledge with others.

Coline Blaizeau, 2017 Niklaus-Cartwright PhD Scholar

Pathways to Law

Photo credit: Rob Coombe

Alumni volunteers play a significant role in the Pathways to Law programme - a national project to support high achieving students from non-privileged backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a legal career. This year, 19 sixth form students graduated from the two-year programme at Exeter. Several alumni volunteers have helped deliver Pathways sessions, mentored students, assisted with interview training or given other talks and visits over the last two years and others have helped provide placements for students. Some undergraduate students have also acted as mentors for the programme.

- Rae Ahmed (LLM International Business Law, 2011)

- Laura Autiero (Law with International Study, 2011)

- Natasha Bellinger (2011)

- Louise Edwards (1992)

- James Evans (1993)

- Emma Facey (2006)

- Erika Federis-Cox (2015)

- Andrew Hood (1998)

- Oliver Macrae (2013)

- Rebecca Pike (Exercise and Sport Sciences, 2008)

- Benjamin Thomson (2014)

- Justin Kanji (2016)

(All studied LLB Law at Exeter, unless otherwise specified)

A graduation celebration was held in April for the students, their guests and other supports of the programme including tutors, members of university staff, firms who provided placements, alumni and donors.

Pathways to Law is run by the Sutton Trust and funded by the Legal Education Foundation at 13 UK universities, for sixth formers at state schools and colleges who will be the first generation in their family to attend university. The programme includes academic law classes, client interviewing, work experience, mentoring and introduces students to English legal institutions, in order to raise their aspirations and provide the skills and confidence to pursue a successful legal career.

This year’s Pathways graduates represent Exeter’s 4^th and the national programme’s 10^th group studying in the scheme. The next group of students have already begun their programme which will finish in 2019.