Helen Williams

What is your name and what did you study?

My name is Helen Williams and I studied Law (LLB) at the University of Chester.

Why did you choose Chester?

I was drawn to Chester because of its beautiful city setting and the University’s strong academic reputation. It felt like a welcoming and supportive environment and an ideal place to study law.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

I really enjoyed the way the lectures were delivered, especially in modules like Medical and Criminal Law, which were highly interactive and engaging. I also appreciated the opportunity to get involved in extracurricular activities such as the Pro Bono programme, which gave me valuable practical experience.

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career in law?

Take every opportunity to gain practical experience early on—whether that’s through mooting, volunteering, paid work through the University or university-led projects. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and build relationships with your lecturers and professionals in the field. Law is a demanding but rewarding career and developing strong communication and time management skills will help immensely.

What graduate role have you commenced? What area(s) of law are you working in and what does this entail day-to-day?

I was fortunate to be offered a role at the same firm where I completed my work experience during my second year. We specialise in Wills, Probate, and Lifetime Planning. My day-to-day work includes drafting letters and wills from dictation, as well as witnessing client wills. It's a role that requires precision, empathy, and excellent organisational skills all of which come naturally to me.

How did your time at Chester prepare you for your current role?

My time at Chester gave me a strong foundation in legal knowledge as well as hands-on experience through Pro Bono work and other extracurricular activities. The skills I developed, such as legal writing, critical thinking, and public speaking, have all been essential in my transition to practice.

How are you finding the transition from university to working life?

As a parent of two children, the end of university has allowed me to increase my working hours and take on more responsibility in work. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but my experience managing both during university has prepared me well for this next stage.

Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies, or internships while studying?

Yes, I was actively involved in several activities. I participated in Pro Bono work for the Families Group and served as Project Manager in my final year. I also co-hosted a podcast with my Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), aimed at supporting student parents with advice and guidance on a range of topics. In addition, I was appointed National Representative of the Cheshire and North Wales Junior Lawyers Division. I regularly attended the Cheshire and North Wales Law Society dinners, which were not only enjoyable but also a great opportunity to network with professionals in the field.