How LSBU helped Trent build his confidence and find his path in law
Trent knew he wanted to become a lawyer before university, but he wasn’t sure which area of law was right for him. At LSBU, he explored different areas of the profession while building his confidence through legal clinics, mooting, competitions and other opportunities.
Those experiences helped Trent stand out to employers and ultimately led to an internship exclusively available to LSBU students, which became a full-time role before he had even graduated. Today, he works as a regulated immigration adviser, supporting homeless clients with their legal cases.
Did you always know you wanted to become a lawyer?
I knew before starting university that I wanted to become a lawyer. I’d completed work experience with chambers and really enjoyed working with people, but I wasn’t sure which area of law I wanted to pursue. Studying different modules at LSBU gave me the chance to explore a wide range of legal areas and gradually work out which ones I could see myself working in.
How did you make the most of your time at LSBU?
While exploring different areas of law, I also got involved in everything I could outside of lectures and seminars. I joined the LSBU Legal Advice Clinic, Business Legal Advice Clinic and LSBU Bar and Mooting Society. I also worked as a Student Ambassador, entered competitions and took part in a range of other activities. Each experience put me in front of different people and challenged me to develop new skills. When I look back, I realised I became much more confident speaking to people than I was when I started my degree.
What opportunities did LSBU give you to build your confidence?
As my confidence grew, I found myself taking on opportunities I probably wouldn’t have considered at the start of university. I directed a mooting competition in the Supreme Court, appeared on BBC London News to give my thoughts on the upcoming election, and presented to partners and recruiters at some of the world’s most prestigious law firms.
These experiences taught me how to communicate confidently, think on my feet, and present myself professionally - skills that have been invaluable in my career.
How did your LSBU experience help you start your career?
The skills and experiences I gained at LSBU helped me stand out when applying for an internship that was offered exclusively to LSBU students. The internship led to a full-time position before I had even graduated.
I now work as a regulated immigration adviser in the Rough Sleeping Team at Refugee and Migrant Justice. I manage my own caseload, representing homeless clients in applications and appeals for permission to stay in the UK.
Alongside this, I advocate for legal reforms and teach charities and local government how they can support homeless people with their legal issues.
I’ve also used the experience I’ve gained outside of work to organise convoys of donations and volunteers to refugee camps.
What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in law?
Explore as many areas of law as you can and challenge your assumptions about what you think you’ll enjoy. Standing out from a crowd of graduates can be difficult, so look for opportunities that give you experiences you can talk about and skills you can demonstrate to employers. Getting involved in unique experiences can help you develop those skills, build your confidence and show employers what you can bring to the profession.