Louis Mancini

Why did you choose Solent?

One of the major factors was the level of student satisfaction that appeared in the reviews and rankings of Solent. I read extensively into the thoughts and reviews of past students to ensure that Solent was the right place for me. Not only was it about the academic side, but it was also based on the excellent location and vibrant student culture in the city.

What was the best thing about your lecturers?

The best thing about the law lecturers at Solent was their willingness and desire to help, no matter what. Every member of staff was willing to go the extra mile to help me understand various areas of law that were tricky to get my head around at first. They were so open and approachable, which made it easy to go to them with any issue.

What about the facilities?

The facilities at Solent are fantastic. The lecture theatres are modern and comfortable, and allow you to make the most of your sessions. The law library is peaceful and extensive, and is an excellent place to work on assignments. Away from law, the sporting facilities are top of the range and allow you to get away from your work when you need to.

Do you feel your studies have prepared you for a career in the profession?

Studying law at Solent certainly prepared me for starting my job as a trainee solicitor. The course was mainly focused on applying the law to solve practical legal problems, as well as how to research legal issues and advise my client. These skills are exactly what I use in my current role and have served me very well. I shall be eternally grateful to the law staff for teaching me these important skills.

What has stuck with you from your time at Solent?

Studying intellectual property law in my second year really got my interest in the area started and it has stuck with me ever since. The unit really brought the law to life, and it even inspired me to do my third-year dissertation in the area of digital piracy. Not only that, but I went on to study intellectual property further and complete my master’s dissertation in the field of intellectual property.

What practical professional opportunities did you get during your studies?

I was lucky enough to secure a week of work experience at Goughs Solicitors at the end of my second year, which proved invaluable – I was able to shadow various solicitors and attend court, and was even tasked with real-life work! I cannot stress how important it is for law students to undertake work experience to further their understanding of the legal world and to ultimately decide whether they want to be a solicitor.

What was life like as a Solent student?

I had the most incredible three years living in Southampton and being a Solent student. I was nervous arriving at university – undoubtedly like many others – but I soon began to enjoy the best three years of my life. Southampton is a big, vibrant city with plenty of amazing things to do and countless opportunities to make friends. I wish I could do it all over again!

What help and support did the University offer?

Solent was fantastic for providing advice and support. The University made enrolment and sorting out student finance exceptionally straightforward, which allowed me to focus on my studies while Solent took care of everything else. It also offered excellent careers advice, in away that allowed us to consider our options and potential next steps.

What have you been up to since graduating?

I am now a trainee solicitor at Goughs Solicitors. I started in September 2019 and spent my first six months working in the private client department, before moving to the commercial department. The biggest challenge when starting out as a trainee solicitor is to use your knowledge in a practical situation. It is daunting when the clients are real and you get tasked with your first piece of work. Studying at Solent prepared me well for this as the course was taught in away that made us apply our legal knowledge to practical scenarios.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

Having my own caseload during my private client seat! This is my personal highlight because it showed that my supervisor thought I was ready to start taking on my own clients and that I had earned her confidence. There is no better feeling than meeting a client for the first time and seeing the matter through to completion.

Any advice?

I would advise trying to get as much work experience as possible for your CV and taking every opportunity – it is not just about your academic results. Potential employers want to know whether you will be a good fit for their firm and their team, and they want to learn about you as a person.