Victoria Kerly
Like many barristers-to-be, Victoria Louise Kerly had to apply for her pupillage years in advance. But since completing her Bar Vocational Course in 2005, she’s put her time to very good use. Among other things, she’s been working with Death Row inmates in Oklahoma.
It was while studying for her LLM at UWE that Victoria took her course director's advice and decided to take her Bar Vocational Course. She then applied for her pupillage, the next stage in becoming a barrister. But competition for good places is fierce, so although she was successful in getting a pupillage, it wasn't going to start for another three years.
So in the meantime, Victoria has been busy gaining some really valuable experience. As well as working in wealth management, she's been closely involved with Amicus, a charity helping with legal representation for those facing the death penalty in the US.
A conversation-stopper
Victoria says she especially enjoyed working with the inmates on Death Row. "It was such an experience, winning people's trust and giving them hope. And it's a good conversation-stopper when people ask what you've been doing!"
When her work visa expired, Victoria had to return to the UK, but she still works with Amicus, stays in touch with inmates and colleagues in Oklahoma, and hopes to return there some day.
A wealth of experience
Shortly after returning to the UK, Victoria started at Sunday Solutions, a wealth management firm in Bath, where she was soon promoted to the management board. "I dealt with all the legal aspects of a growing company," she explains. "It wasn't as exciting as Oklahoma, maybe, but any hands-on experience is useful, whatever form it takes."
Time for a quick holiday
Victoria expects her pupillage to be intensive and challenging, so she's planning a 'quick jaunt' through Central America this summer. "It's the last chance I'll get to see the outside world for a while, and I don't want to get the travel bug while at the chambers," she laughs.
Legal advice?
Victoria believes a taste of life itself is just as important as study and work experience. "Without the amazing places and people I've encountered outside university and work," she says, "I wouldn't be where I am today. So my advice is - take the time to find out who you really are before taking the plunge into a legal career. UWE gives you a great foundation - the rest is up to you!"
Page last updated 1 November 2011