Graduate Stories

Megan Bailey, LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology

In 2019, I commenced my Law with Criminology degree at the University of Suffolk.  My degree journey was quite a unique experience, partly due to covid and hybrid learning, but also as my twin sister, Molly, was studying the same degree alongside me at UOS! We graduated in 2022, with both of us achieving First Class degrees.    

I really liked that the University of Suffolk was smaller than other Universities, as the lectures and seminars felt more personal.  Throughout my degree, there were also different opportunities to expand my knowledge, from assisting in mock trials to helping with the establishment of the Legal Advice Centre, and subsequently volunteering in it in my final year.  These experiences helped me to develop not only in confidence but in my legal skills, which will help me in my future career as a solicitor.  I am so grateful for every opportunity at UOS and the support from the lecturers!

After completing my degree, I applied for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) with Barbri, to begin the next stage to becoming a solicitor.  Alongside my SQE studies, I am now working as the Legal Assistant at the University of Suffolk’s Legal Advice Centre.  I am really enjoying all the experiences and insight I am gaining there and are so grateful for the team for being so welcoming!

Molly Bailey, LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology 

I started my Law with Criminology degree in 2019 at the University of Suffolk. My University experience was incredibly different to most students, as my identical twin sister, Megan, also attended UOS and studied Law with Criminology. 

In my final year, I helped to set up the University of Suffolks Legal Advice Centre, which provides advice in family law and business law. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity as it allowed me to interview clients, research the specific issues, and compose a letter of advice to the client. After a mixture of in person and online studying due to covid, I completed my degree in 2022, achieving a first class pass.   

After completing my degree, I was offered a job at Ellisons Solicitors in August 2022, as a full time paralegal in their Commercial Property department. Since starting at Ellisons, I have been exposed to a variety of different areas within commercial property, including social housing and lease work. I have loved working at Ellisons so far and am incredibly lucky to be part of such a welcoming and supportive team. I hope to progress my career within the company and the department and gain more knowledge with the different aspects of commercial property.    

Alongside my job, I am also studying for my SQE exams, and have just completed the SQE 1 exams. Whilst I have found the SQE challenging, I am incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support from my family and friends.    

I have also received support from Ellisons and my colleagues whilst preparing for the SQE 1 exams. My work in the commercial property department has proved to be extremely beneficial with my SQE studies, providing me with practical knowledge that is transferable to the theoretical questions asked.