A University of Central Lancashire law student has secured a place on a prestigious scheme designed to help aspiring barristers progress towards a career at the Bar.
Lennie Sakala is the sixth student in four years from the University to be offered a spot on the Middle Temple Access to the Bar Awards scheme, which provides two weeks of work experience for up to 30 undergraduates from throughout the UK.
It is specifically for students who are amongst the first in their families to go to university and are from backgrounds that traditionally would not consider a career as a barrister.
Lennie, who is in the second year of her LLB (Hons) Law degree, will spend one week shadowing a judge in court, known as marshalling, and the other week in Chambers with a barrister.
“This is such a big opportunity for me. It will place me right at the heart of Chambers where I can learn from experienced barristers and judges.”– Law student Lennia Sakala
“This is such a big opportunity for me,” she said. “It will place me right at the heart of Chambers where I can learn from experienced barristers and judges.”
The 20-year-old, who has a keen interest in human rights and family law, was inspired by her grandmother who was a magistrate in Malawi, West Africa, to study law at University.
She said: “Hearing about the impact my grandma had on court in Malawi inspired me to make a change of my own and to pursue a career in law. I knew early on in my studies that I wanted to become a barrister because it allows you to directly advocate for others. I want to be able to make a difference to people and be a voice for those in need.
“My family are really excited for me and know what a difference being part of this scheme can make to my future career.”
I knew early on in my studies that I wanted to become a barrister because it allows you to directly advocate for others. I want to be able to make a difference to people and be a voice for those in need.– Law student Lennia Sakala
Alongside her studies, Lennie also volunteers at the University of Central Lancashire’s Law Clinic, which provides free legal advice for people in the local community and allows students to gain vital real-life experience under the supervision of qualified solicitors.
“I’ve been volunteering for a few months and I have already noticed a difference”, said Lennie. “It’s not only cemented my commitment to helping others, but I feel more confident and resilient.”
Darran Chapple, Senior Lecturer in Law, added: “We’re very proud of Lennie. She works hard not only academically, but at the Law Clinic where she is growing in skills and confidence.
“I’ve seen from previous students who have taken part in the scheme what a huge difference it makes to their future careers and I’m sure this will also prove to be a great platform for Lennie.”
Lennie will take part in the Middle Temple Access to the Bar Awards scheme in early July.