Progress to Postgrad: Elizabeth
Posted on: 4 November 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024
Elizabeth graduated with a BA Politics degree in 2024 and is now undertaking a Bar Course / LLM at Northumbria University.
How did you hear about your course?
Having decided to become a barrister and being fortunate enough to secure pupillage in my final year at the University of Liverpool, I decided to apply to Northumbria University, as I knew they offered 5 full scholarships for the bar course each year. I was very lucky to secure one of those scholarships and a scholarship from Inner Temple to finance the course.
Coincidentally, 3 of the 5 Northumbria Bar Scholarship recipients this year are University of Liverpool alumni!
How did you get to where you are now?
To obtain scholarships and pupillage, I said yes to lots of opportunities at the University of Liverpool to enrich my CV. I participated in mooting, including the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, which served to enhance my advocacy skills. I volunteered in Liverpool Law Clinic on the SEND project for all three years of my degree which gave me invaluable client-facing experience. I did a number of mini-pupillages, which I believe is an essential prerequisite to pursuing a career at the bar. I’ve also worked many, many jobs which helped to develop my transferable skills - from McDonald’s to the Civil Service!
Your favourite experience?
Finishing it! Jokes aside, the bar course is tough, but (provided I pass) it will open the door to an exciting and stimulating career, which I hope will provide enormous reward.
The most challenging part of your journey?
The most challenging part of my graduate journey has been leaving behind my support network at the University of Liverpool. I would not be in the position I am today were it not for the support of the staff and my peers at UoL. I cannot thank the members of faculty (you know who you are!) for investing so much time and effort into me - and supplying excellent references!
What's your #1 piece of advice for future grads?
Build relationships. It is a sad truth that often it’s “who you know, not what you know”, but in 2025, that doesn’t mean that if you don’t have connections you can’t succeed - I had no legal connections whatsoever!
What I have always done is try my hardest to build my network. I was always enthusiastic and engaged in seminars. Through doing so, I built a rapport with my lecturers, which opened the door to opportunities, such as the Jessup. The Jessup opened other doors, to mini-pupillage, for example, during which I tried to build relationships with barristers and to make a positive first impression. Be punctual, be polite and be remembered for good things! Then when you apply for pupillage or any other opportunities, they may well invite you to interview and subsequently make you an offer!
Graduate+
Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve!
Graduate+
Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve!
Graduate Outcomes Survey
The Graduate Outcomes survey exists to improve the experience of future students. All graduates are asked to share their perspectives 15 months after they finish their course, to build a national picture that UK universities and colleges use to innovate their services. League tables, Prospects and The Complete University Guide use our Graduate Outcomes data to help students make decisions about their future.
Keywords: Graduate, Class of 2024, progress to postgraduate, Case Studies.