Isabel McCann
‘I was first attracted to Kaplan due to its policy of usually only admitting people with a 2.1, which means it is interested in training people for legal careers, not just “bums on seats”. When I saw Kaplan also offered a scholarship and bursary programme for all courses, I was even more impressed! Being awarded a full fee scholarship means a great deal; other than the obvious financial benefits, it has given me confidence that I can go on to have a successful career due to the rigorous academic requirements of the scholarship programme.
‘My aim is to be a barrister at a good Chambers in London, as this role combines intellectual rigour and debate with a results and a deadline orientated environment. I find the combination very attractive.’
Isabel is starting her GDL in September 2010. She is a scholarship recipient and has an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Cambridge.
Jessica Standley
‘I became involved with Kaplan’s Pro Bono Programme right from the start of the course by signing up to the pro bono committee. The committee members were tasked with running the pro bono activities offered at Kaplan and enabled us to network with some of Kaplan’s partner firms. We also got the opportunity to develop our own pro bono schemes and the law school was on hand to help us with this.
‘I also got involved with the Kaplan Legal Advice Centre, which was a fantastic opportunity to put my new legal skills into practice. Under supervision, we interviewed the clients, researched their problem and then provided them with a letter of advice. The good thing was that there were a whole range of problems that we had to deal with; employment, claims in court and landlord and tenant. The whole experience was excellent in allowing me to develop skills in real life situations and to feel much more prepared for my training contract.
Jessica completed the Kaplan Law School LPC with a Distinction in July 2010. She gained a Training Contract with Russell Jones & Walker during the academic year. She has a LLB (Hons) from Nottingham Trent University.
John Burns
‘Having studied the GDL at a different provider, I found Kaplan’s approach to teaching refreshing. The biggest difference is the level of personal contact that tutors afford their students. They are all approachable and on hand to help should you have not “got” a particularly difficult concept in class. Also, the fact that Kaplan has a smaller campus means that you end up knowing most of the people on the course really well, which helps you get through what can be a tough course.
‘With regards to my training contract at Bird & Bird, you get to meet all the other people from your intake and work with them before your training contact starts. The value in Bridge To Practice comes from getting used to working with your peers in a setting similar to the one encountered whilst training.’
John completed the Kaplan Law School LPC with a distinction in July 2010. He has an undergraduate degree in Modern History & Politics from St. Anne’s College, Oxford.
Michael Smart
‘After signing up to Kaplan’s Pro Bono Programme, I became the co-ordinator for the Thames Magistrates’ Court programme. This is quite an amazing activity where we, as students, are able to represent people in court on council tax matters. We actually get to represent people before a district judge and try to keep them out of prison!
‘I also took part in Amicus at the beginning of the year with some other Kaplan students. We got sent off for two weekends of training (which Kaplan paid for) that allowed us to become caseworkers. It is a great opportunity to get involved in a charity that allows students to assist with preventing executions on death row in the US and one I would recommend. Both experiences were extremely valuable in developing me as a person, whilst also bolstering my CV.
‘Michael completed the Kaplan Law School GDL in July 2010 with a Commendation and is starting the LPC in September 2010. He secured a Training Contract with Nabarro LLP during the academic year. He studied Politics at Loughborough University.
Neeva Bhattacharjee
‘Kaplan’s exceptional Careers Service really sets the school apart from others. As well as personal advice, students at Kaplan are given many opportunities to meet graduate recruiters: over the course of the year I attended several workshops delivered by law firms including some which helped prepare me for assessment days. The Careers Service is also innovative; I attended a very useful workshop entitled ‘Communicating with Confidence and Impact’.
‘I have now obtained a training contract with Trowers & Hamlins; a firm that I really wanted to work for. I had applied to the firm before starting the GDL and didn’t even get through the initial application stage, yet with guidance from the Careers Service I got through to the end of the recruitment process successfully’.
Neeva completed the Kaplan Law School GDL with a Distinction in July 2010. She gained a Training Contract with Trowers & Hamlins LLP during her GDL year. She will begin the LPC at Kaplan Law School as a sponsored student in September 2010.
Back to the Why Choose Kaplan Law School? page.