Rebecca Quinlan

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I moved to Leeds from Surrey in the South East of England, but I grew up in Essex and Dublin. Having lived in different areas has made me appreciate the values of living in different cities and being able to explore and meet a variety of new people. I have also always enjoyed both art and photography alongside my academic studies and have made the most of living in different cities.

What motivated you to apply for your course at Leeds?

I decided to study Law because of my interest in the legal system and advocacy. I used to visit the local crown and magistrates court and see the progression of court trials, which inspired me to research the subject further. I also enjoy the fact that law encompasses a wide range of topics within one subject, where I am able to apply my knowledge of economics and politics into a legal context. I chose Leeds because of the vibrant atmosphere it has and the fact that the university campus is so close to the city makes it easy to engage with the city life and all that the city has to offer.

What do you think of your course?

I have really enjoyed my course so far; the seminars are very engaging and challenging and the lecturers are all very passionate about the subjects they teach. The fact that all the academic staff are so willing to help with any areas you may not understand means you are able to make the most out of the degree.

How would you describe the help and guidance you've received?

The amount of help and guidance provided by the staff has really encouraged us to be more ambitious than what we would otherwise be. The advice we receive on careers has especially helped with making applications to various programmes and schemes offered by different law firms and chambers far easier.

How would you describe the facilities at the University?

The facilities at University have definitely made my experience far more enjoyable. The libraries all provide both a quiet space to work and collaborative areas to work in groups. The numerous cafés and places to eat provide great social areas to relax between lectures

Since starting at the university have you been granted any scholarships, or won any awards for example?

During this last year at University, I was given the opportunity to compete in a regional mooting competition where I managed to come second. This opportunity allowed me to develop my abilities to research different areas of the law as well as make me a more confident speaker.

Have you been involved in extra-curricular activities?

I have been involved in both the Law Society and the Bar Society, where I was able to participate in both mooting and debating, which has been incredibly enjoyable. Through these societies, I have been able to meet a wide range of people as well as being able to be part of competitions that help improve my skills and confidence. I have also been a member of the Cerebra Pro Bono Research Project, which was very interesting and insightful project to be a part of.