Michelle Kelman

Michelle, from Forres, graduated in 2011 with an LLB in Scots Law.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

I chose to study at the University of Dundee as I knew it is the only place in the UK offering the dual qualifying degree in English and Scots law. I want to go into corporate law so I knew this would be viewed positively by any firm hiring trainees. Furthermore, my brother attended the University for his architecture degree and I often used to come visit and I loved how the campus was all in one area; it feels like the West End of Dundee is just one big student village.

What are your immediate plans after graduation?

I am awaiting on being accepted to do my Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Dundee. After fourth year students can change universities to do their diploma. However I would not consider anywhere else but Dundee. The teaching staff are top quality and the diploma programme is well recommended by its current students.

What are your longer term career plans (if any)?

I plan to pursue a traineeship for 2013. I want to take a year out as I started University at 17 and feel a well deserved break is in order. Eventually I plan to take the California or New York Bar exam.

What information do you think applicants need to know before starting this course?

I think if you struggled to gain your highers at the first sitting this course may not be for you. A lot of people I know were lucky during exams in 5th year and 6th year and did not have to work very hard for the grades. Those who struggled a lot with them however appeared to struggle quite hard throughout the course or left and changed course.

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

Third year was very enjoyable as classes began to mix. Dundee University offers students to study either English or Scottish law, however in first year and second year only a few classes are mixed and tutorials would usually be in the Scots or English stream. But third year gave us the opportunity to mingle a bit more and make more friends from the LLB course.

What was your best university experience and why?

Obviously graduation was the best experience; it was probably one of the best days of my life so far. To see the look on my brother's face as I had my professional photos taken was the proudest moment of my life as I could see how proud I had made him. Failing that, freshers week in first year was amazing. I met so many friends and partied harder than I ever have and probably more than I ever will.

What sports activities or clubs/societies (if any) were you involved with?

I was on the Law Society as a year rep for third and fourth year. This involved planning events in order to fund our annual law ball. I made some lovely friends through this and had a lot of fun at all the different events. I did join the girls football team, but unfortunately had to leave due to a previous footballing injury.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

I would say if you have not already decided what you want to do, or have the opportunity to change your course, then you should do something you love. Not just something you are good at. I was very good at Business Management in school, however Law was something I was always passionate about. After 4 years I feel I made the best choice in choosing to study Law as opposed to a business or accountancy course because I would never have had the same passion for it.