Left to right:

Steven Richards, (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills), University of Exeter (Bsc Chemistry & Law 1999 and BA Law 2000)

Aidan Crook, Lawyer, Department of Work and Pensions

Natalie Cox, Research Officer, Fast Stream, Family Justice Research, Access to Justice Analytical Services, BA (Hons) Law and Society and PGCert Socio-Legal Research (Exeter)

Andrew Hood, Head of International and EU law at the Attorney General’s Office and Legal Adviser to the Prime Minister's Office (University of Exeter, 1998)

Sophie Quinton-Carter, Pupil Barrister, CPS, (LLB (European) Maîtrise, 2012)

An insight in to Law Careers in Government

A different take on a career in the law was presented to students in February at an event involving representatives from several government departments, the Ministry of Justice and Crown Prosecution Service.

Working for the government and joining the Government Legal Service can be a rewarding job for lawyers who want to make a difference in society - a strong message that came through from the discussion panel. We heard from lawyers who worked for the Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. They explained their day-to-day work and how law and policy really come together providing a rich and varied working environment.

Alumna Sophie Quinton-Carter (LLB (European) Maîtrise, 2012) is a Pupil Barrister at the Crown Prosecution Service. Her advice to students wishing to follow a similar path was to be open minded about gaining other work experience outside of law. This is especially valued by the Bar, including the CPS.

Insights into research careers with the Ministry of Justice were given by Natalie Cox. Natalie applied through the Civil Service Fast Stream to gain her position. Her career journey highlighted that there are careers within the legal world where being a qualified solicitor or barrister is not required, but excellent research and analytical skills are a must.

Finally, we were delighted to welcome Andrew Hood back to the University of Exeter. Andrew started his government law career in the FCO and is currently Head of International and EU Law at the Attorney General's Office. Andrew talked to current students about his career path and choices, and about how valuable he found his experience of working for the EU. His inspiring messages were appreciated by students who attended this event.

One student commented; "It was a hugely informative event and as someone who is not certain of their career choice yet (but knows that corporate life is not for me!), I was particularly grateful. It was really inspiring to find out about the panel members' careers, I found it particularly helpful because I just can't get that insight from anywhere else."

Students had the opportunity to network with the panel members at a drinks reception after the discussion.

Date: 23 March 2015