Sumaiya Bushra

What is your name, and what did you study?

Sumaiya Bushra, I studied Law LLB, starting with the foundation year to build my legal knowledge. 

Why did you choose Chester?

Chester was close to home, it was a good commuting distance as I didn't want to leave home, and I am glad I chose Chester. I love every aspect of Chester. 

What did you enjoy most about your course?

Having that 1:1 attention from the lecturer helps in understanding the subjects and having attentive lectures. My modules have to be Criminal at level 5 and Evidence at level 7. 

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

Stay resilient, committed, and get involved as much as you can beyond the classroom. Studying law can be intense, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Take every opportunity to gain practical experience by volunteering within your community, taking part in initiatives like the Cheshire Community Law Project (CCLP), legal clinics, and mooting (mock trials). These experiences not only build your confidence but also give you a real sense of what working in law is like.

Try to attend as many career fairs and networking events as possible—even if you have to go alone. You’ll always meet like-minded people, and those connections can be really valuable. Most importantly, use your time effectively. Balance your studies with real-world experience and take care of your wellbeing along the way. Law is challenging, but with the right mindset and support, it's a journey worth taking.

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

I will be taking a year out to gain further experience in the legal field before I start the SQE to qualify as a solicitor.

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

My experience at the University of Chester gave me ample opportunities to develop practical skills alongside my academic pursuits. Studying Law gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, legal analysis and structured argumentation skills. These skills have prepared me well to begin my working career in Law. My experiences beyond academics, as a Student Voice Rep and later Student Voice Partner, gave me an opportunity to work collaboratively, listen actively, and these skills taught me how to advocate effectively for my peers in the course. I have also engaged in pro bono work alongside my studies. Helping individuals in need has been a rewarding experience. Moreover, it has deepened my understanding of access to justice and strengthened my client facing and problem solving abilities. Overall, my time at the University of Chester has not just equipped me with legal knowledge, it has also instilled confidence, an excellent skill set and a strong sense of purpose in me.