My name is Amy Dugwell, and I graduated from LLB Law at The University of Manchester in July 2024. After graduating, I went on to complete an LLM Bar Training Course at BPP Manchester to continue my training as a barrister.

My current role and how I got here

As of May 2026, I have accepted a position as a paralegal with MSB Law in Cheshire. This role will involve speaking with clients, providing advice, building their case, and interacting with barristers and solicitors to support legal proceedings. I will also have the opportunity to attend court and make applications before a judge, so I am very excited to progress in this role.

Before accepting this role, I worked as a Front of House Clerk for Family Law in Partnership in London. I started this role shortly after graduating from my LLM programme in October 2025. Alongside this role, I also worked part-time, online, as a Legal Advisor with BPP, providing legal advice for clients around the UK.

How I got into the role

After graduating from The University of Manchester in July 2024, I went on to the bar course to train to be a barrister. There are several routes for the bar course, but I am particularly interested in surrogacy law, so I decided on the master’s route so that I could benefit from postgraduate funding and to tailor my learning to my interests.

While working in London, I knew I wanted to move back up north to continue working in family law, so I began looking for suitable roles. I found my role through a mini pupillage that I completed in Manchester. To qualify as a barrister, you must complete a year of mandatory training in addition to the bar exam. This mandatory training is called a pupillage, in which you complete six months of shadowing a barrister followed by six months of gaining experience with guidance from supervisors. A mini pupillage lasts only a few days and mimics that initial training period, where you can shadow barristers and gain more insight into law.

During this mini pupillage, I spoke to the barristers and told them of my search for a family paralegal role and asked if they knew of any firms. The barristers were very helpful, and they gave me a list of firms that may be looking for paralegals. I sent these firms my CV, and there was one firm, MSB Law, that liked the look of me. They invited me to do an interview, and the day after, I was offered a position.

How my studies have helped me in my role

Throughout my course, I had the opportunity to meet with law practitioners and participate in several extracurricular activities, which boosted my CV. I was president of The University of Manchester Bar and Advocacy Society, which provides opportunities and insight for aspiring barristers. I arranged networking events, presentations, mock trials, and competitions, which I also took part in. Participating in this society helped me develop an understanding of what a career as a barrister might look like.

I also took part in archery, horse riding, and gymnastics, which were helpful in boosting my employability. Employers like to see people that have interests outside of their course, and these activities have given me something interesting to speak about in interviews.

The University of Manchester is also highly reputable and a great academic institution. The most valuable tool I had in university was the support and encouragement I received from my tutors. I had lecturers and seminar leaders that provided encouragement when I had doubts, which made a huge difference in my confidence and motivation during my studies. The reassurance confirmed to me that I was on the right path, which has inspired me throughout the early days of my legal career.

My role and future career aspirations

My long-term ambition is to qualify as a family barrister on the Northern Circuit. This path is quite challenging and competitive, but my experiences so far have only strengthened my determination to pursue advocacy and family law. That is also why I wanted to be a paralegal. For now, I plan to focus on becoming a barrister, although I am open to new experiences and opportunities in the future.

Advice for future students

If you want to be a barrister and you have the determination to do it, persevere! I mentor several students because I know it’s competitive, but it’s possible to get there with the right support. There are legal professionals who want to help you, including judges and barristers. Go out and network and apply for mini pupillages. Be proactive and demonstrate why you would be a good person to work with. If they know a solicitor who is looking for a paralegal, for instance, they might recommend you. Try your best to work hard and stand out.

For offer holders and students, make the most of your time at The University of Manchester. Whether it’s joining societies, attending network events, or just trying something new, there’s always something available if you’re willing to put yourself forward. The University provides an environment where it’s easy to explore new interests, develop your confidence and meet people from a range of backgrounds and disciplines. Through the societies I joined, I was able to develop the skills and experiences that helped me both personally and professionally. Most importantly, enjoy your experience because university is a unique opportunity to grow and learn and to challenge yourself in ways that you may not expect.

I also want to recommend the mental health support at the university. I had a hard time in my second year at university due to personal circumstances, and I found the mental health support they provided was exceptional. I ended up facilitating a mental health support group the following year because of how much it made a difference to me. I really implore anyone who’s struggling to reach out and find these services.

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