Law student named University of Chichester’s top scholar
AN ASPIRING lawyer has been named the University of Chichester’s law student of the year – despite having only applied for a place on the degree at the last minute.
Undergraduate Elisa Green, who enrolled onto the course through clearing last August, was given the accolade for her high marks and hard work.
The 19-year-old said the award, presented by UK solicitors George Ide LLP, was a validation for her efforts and added that law education should be made more accessible for young people.
Elisa said: “I’m incredibly thankful to have found the University’s course and I’m grateful to have received the award, which has motivated and reassured me further that my hard work is paying off. I believe that law should be taught in all schools and as a GCSE, and I wish I could have studied the law earlier but my school didn’t give me the option.”
It was only by chance that Elisa enrolled at Chichester. Having initially decided to stay at college, it was a last change of heart that encouraged her to join the University.
Her tutor Dr Amy Elkington, who oversees the LLB (Hons) Law degree, said: “Elisa is an example that great lawyers are made by their hard work and devotion to the profession. This award is testament to her dedication across the last year, despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus.
“Elisa applied through clearing and, in her first semester, was achieving average grades. But she then made a spreadsheet of her feedback and implemented this in the second semester, and she now has the highest overall mark in her cohort.”
The University’s three-year LLB (Hons) Law degree is accredited by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and Bar Standards Board to prepare students for a career in the legal profession.
Congratulating Elisa for her award, George Ide LLP partner Paul Lewis spoke about the importance of supporting and developing the next generation of lawyers from a range of backgrounds.
He said: “If the legal profession is to develop and reflect society generally then we must support those entering the profession from all backgrounds, not just the traditional ones. The profession must be approachable and relatable, and casting the net wide across society generally and drawing from all backgrounds is in our view the way to achieve this.”
Find out more at www.chi.ac.uk/humanities/undergraduate/llb-law.
For more on the opportunities offered by law firm George Ide LLP to students and newly-qualified lawyers go to www.georgeide.co.uk.
