In deciding where to study law I was conscious that my university experience would be shaped both by the quality of the teaching available but equally by the experiences available outside of the lecture theatre. It took only minimal research to discover the high regard in which law at Exeter is held. To get a real view of what studying at Exeter would be like I attended an Open Day and was impressed by the positive experiences of the students that I met. With both the quality of lifestyle and quality of teaching confirmed I was confident that choosing to study at Exeter would be a good decision. Read Michael's full profile.
Michael Dando, LLB
Place of work: Burges Salmon LLP
The highlight of my degree was my fourth year studying at the Université de Rennes I, France. I very much enjoyed learning more about the functions and workings of the EU whilst in Rennes, and this may be the direction in which I choose to work in the future. For the moment, however, I will be putting my linguistic skills into practice working as a French teacher in a challenging inner-London school through the ‘Teach First’ programme. This is a two year scheme from which I will gain a PGCE and Masters degree in Educational Leadership whilst keeping my options open. Read Ross’ full profile.
Ross Tranter, LLB European (French) / Maîtrise en Droit (Master 1)
Studying a PGCE and Masters degree in Educational Leadership while teaching French in an inner-London school
At the time I graduated (1985) there was still a heavy bias in the larger law firms to Oxbridge graduates. However, the fact I was dually qualified in both English and French law gave me an edge on other applicants and I secured a number of offers of training contracts. I spent a few years with a London firm including a stint in their Paris office and following the professional exams I arranged to spend an internship at a leading US firm based in New York. Read Alice's full profile.
Alice Hutchings, LLB European (French) / Maîtrise en Droit (Master 1)
Place of work: Michelmores LLP
I wholeheartedly recommend the LLB European (Magister) programme. I found it to be challenging and intellectually stimulating, but also a lot of fun. Most importantly, it gave me a strong foundation in English and German law, which has served me well during my training contract in a Magic Circle firm and my subsequent work in cross-border legal services.
Heiner Mommsen, LLB European (German) / Magister, graduated 2007
Place of work: Currently Trainee at Allen & Overy LLP, then from September 2010 European in-house counsel to an international charity group
I was Publicity Officer and Obiter Dicta editor in the Bracton Law Society. These positions provided me with a great opportunity to integrate with all year groups and to build relationships with local and national law firms. I felt this benefitted me in a number of ways. As an individual it helped me to develop certain core skills such as communication and organisation. I feel that my roles on the committee helped me to gain work following graduation including my training contract; I believe, it indicated my ability to manage my time, work as a team player, and show I had more to offer than simply my law degree. Read Lucy's full profile.
Lucy Mesley, LLB
Place of work: Michelmores LLP
I was able put to use the skills acquired during the programme in the demanding and cutting-edge working environment provided by international organisations such as the legal services of the European Commission in Brussels and the legal affairs department of the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg where I have undertaken traineeships. Read Solon's full profile.
Solon Christou, LLB European (French) / Maîtrise en Droit (Master 1)
Place of work: trading organisation in Cyprus operating in retail trade and various other industries
The quality of teaching, enthusiasm of the lecturers, and excellent library facilities in the School of Law all stand out. The opportunity to study in Aix-en-Provence, France, left a lasting impression; it was a fantastic year studying French law and being immersed in French culture. Read Andrew's full profile.
Andrew Feather, LLB with European Study
Place of work: Michelmores LLP
The LLB European (French) / Maîtrise (Master 1) at Exeter is much more than a ‘Law with…’ course, as the in depth study of two distinct legal systems requires versatility and rigour. I would therefore without hesitation recommend it to any individual who enjoys a challenge and whose ambitions generate the determination to follow this rewarding course to its conclusion. Read Thomas’ full profile.
Thomas Strange, LLB European (French) / Maîtrise en Droit (Master 1)
Undertaking Master 2 Professionnel - "Droit Européen" at the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne
I certainly recall with much fondness my time studying law at Exeter. I graduated in 1990 and my experiences prepared me well for my subsequent career as a corporate lawyer and partner of a major City law firm before the move to politics. Read James' full profile.
James Brokenshire, LLB
Place of work: The Conservative Party
The quality and reputation of the LLB (European) degree awarded by the University of Exeter assisted me in my application for a postgraduate double-degree in International management. In 2007, I graduated from the Kent Business School’s Franco-British ‘Transmanche’ programme with an MSc in International Management (Consulting) from the University of Kent and a Masters in Strategy and Business Organisation from the Université du Littoral (France). Read James’ full profile.
James Turpin, LLB European (French) / Maîtrise en Droit (Master 1)
Place of work: Centre for Employment, Competitiveness and Growth, Kent Business School
I aim to be a member of the CID within three years. Whilst this may seem a rather obscure choice of career for someone with a degree in Law, I have no doubt that my degree will be a great help, as it means that I will go into the Police with a good grounding in Criminal Law and an understanding of how the English Legal System works. My whole experience at Exeter has given me the chance to explore different career options and has allowed me to decide what it is I want to do. Read Louise's full profile.
Louise Hawkins, LLB
Planning a career in the Police Force
I found that the course is very highly thought of by employers, especially those who do multi-jurisdictional work. For them, the fact that you have had experience of the law of two vastly different jurisdictions is hugely impressive. For non-native French speakers, it also demonstrates an intellectual ability to cope with often difficult concepts and to communicate them effectively in a foreign language.
James Davies, LLB European (French) / Maîtrise en Droit (Master 1)
Studying for the Bar Vocational Course, Pupillage at Enterprise Chambers in London, LLM place accepted for 2010 at University College London
I completed the LLB European (German) course in 2005. I currently work as a barrister at 12 King’s Bench Walk specialising in personal injury and clinical negligence. Whilst my field of work does not require me to use my knowledge of German law, my fluency in German has been invaluable to my career. I was recently asked to assist on a multi-million pound case involving a German claimant who could not speak English due to German skills language. Read Alex's full profile
Alex Carington, LLB European (German) / Magister
Place of work: 12 King’s Bench Walk
For me, the LLB/Magister programme was an intense, engaging programme that was as rewarding as it was challenging. Getting to grips with one legal system is tough enough, but the great advantage of studying two contrasting systems was that it taught me to approach each problem from more than one perspective – always a useful skill for a lawyer. Read Jimmy's full profile
Jimmy Barber, LLB European (German) / Magister
Place of work: Currently Pupil Barrister: approaching the end of his year reading for the BCL at Oxford. Commencing pupillage in October 2010 at Crown Office Chambers, London
I cannot endorse more highly the Law School’s LLB European programme. The programme is academically rigorous but the skills and experience gained from working with two different legal systems and studying abroad will prove invaluable to your future careers. LLB European students are offered unique opportunities at both Exeter and Saarbrucken to participate in debates and competitions such as the VIS Moot. Such activities are invaluable opportunities for students to further develop their argumentation and analytical skills. Read Oliver's full profile
Oliver Bacon, LLB European (German) / Magister
Place of work: Allen & Overy LLP
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the LLB European (Magister) programme. Whilst studying two completely different legal systems in two different languages at the same time is undoubtedly challenging, I also found it immensely rewarding. This is particularly true of my year abroad, where I had (and took) the chance to greatly improve my languge skills, further develop my knowledge of German law and get involved in an international moot. This in turn led to various exciting opportunities in terms of internships and work experience, which I hope will help me in my further career.
Alexander Monro, LLB European (German) / Magister
Place of Work: Internship in the Dispute Resolution division of the Frankfurt office of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, starting BPTC September 2011.
