The alumni panelists talked about legal careers at times of economic uncertainty
On Thursday 24 June, Lucy Law students had the chance to network with alumni and friends who have experience in the legal profession. The event provided an excellent opportunity for alumni to share their insights into navigating the early stages of a career in law.
Hosted by Law Directors of Studies, Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and Emily Gordon, and organised by Lucy’s Development team, the event also presented a great opportunity for Lucy’s global community to celebrate the end of the academic year together.
Marie-Claire and Emily gave attendees a brief overview as to what exciting segments the event had in store, before introducing the Lucy alumni panellists:
Ifeoma Taiwo is a Lawyer for the UK Government Legal Department. As part of the litigation team, she conducts litigation on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Ifeoma also manages a large caseload of judicial review cases and advises on a broad range of immigration matters.
Myfanwy Probyn was a solicitor in the country's leading family law team, where she worked primarily on complex financial disputes and private law matters affecting children. She is now the researcher and administrator of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health where she supports MPs and Peers to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender equality issues in developing countries.
Andrea Trozzo is an Articling Student at Dolden Wallace Folick LLP. Throughout law school, Andrea was an active member of the historic Cambridge Union debating society and worked pro bono for the UNHCR Geneva. Prior to attending law school, Andrea completed a Bachelor of Business Administration, specialising in Responsible Business, at the Schulich School of Business at York University.
Alice Hubbard is a student member of Middle Temple currently undertaking the BPTC at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy. She will be called to the bar in March 2022 with a view to commencing pupillage in Autumn 2022. She is currently interviewing for a prosecutorial position with the CPS.
Corlijn Reijgwart is studying for an LLM and will join Covington & Burling over the summer as an intern. She intends to qualify as a Belgian lawyer.
The theme of the panel discussion was ‘Embarking or developing a legal career at times of economic uncertainty’. The panellists discussed how they felt before graduating during the 2008 financial crash and during the pandemic, what personal attitudes or techniques helped them move forward into the job market, and what signs of economic recovery today’s Law graduates could look out for.
Ifeoma Taiwo said:
“Being part of the event bought back a lot of memories. It was a lovely event and were it possible I would have told my younger self in 2009 not to worry. That the journey to achieving our goals can be unpredictable but to trust the process and have faith because the journey is every bit as vital as the destination.”
Each panellist brought their own experiences to the event, giving attendees a beneficial – and realistic – insight into careers in law and the expectations one should have when entering this sector.
Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger said:
“In these times of global change and economic uncertainty, a world-class law degree and strong support networks of Lucy friends and fellow-alumni, can make all the difference for our new law graduates as they advance in their careers. It was brilliant to see Lucy graduates from 2008/2009, who each found their own paths through the financial crisis of those times, sharing ideas, insights and inspiration with our recent Lucy lawyers in this special event."
To give attendees the chance to network and to discuss the panel, they were split into Zoom breakout rooms, with each group containing a good mix of students, alumni and friends. The hosts and panellists also joined attendees within these groups.
Andrea Trozzo said:
“Seeing a group of global alumni, who also graduated in challenging circumstances, come together to encourage the next generation shows the strength of the Lucy community, and the support these graduates will continue to receive as they overcome any obstacles sent their way.”
To find a list of all upcoming events, visit the Lucy Cavendish College events page.