ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT: INDIA WHELPTON TRAINEE SOLICITOR

What years were you at Pipers?

I joined in LIV (Year 7) and left after Sixth Form in 2014

What subjects did you study at A Level?

I studied Religious Studies, Psychology, and Art & Design for A Level

What did you do after you left?

I studied Theology at Durham University, Hatfield College After my undergraduate degree I went on to complete the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. Whilst at Teach First I gained my Postgraduate Diploma in Education from University College London (UCL) I then took a gap year before starting Law School.

What are you doing now?

I am currently a trainee solicitor at Vinson & Elkins, an American Law Firm If you have seen Suits, (the TV show that Meghan Markle is in) my job is a bit like Mike Ross’s! Although without the drama! In short, I help senior lawyers prepare for going to court

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Each case I work on is extremely complex but that makes the job interesting and intellectually stimulating!

Was there any particular inspiration that led you to this career?

At Pipers and Durham University I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do It was not until I was participating in the Teach First Leadership Development Programme (a two year teaching programme) that I realised that I wanted to be a lawyer!

What kind of skills does your job involve?

To be a good lawyer you need good communication skills, analytical skills, people skills, perseverance and creativity.

You didn't choose to study Law as your first degree after leaving school; do you wish you had or do you feel it is just as valid studying other subject areas before going into a career in Law?

There are 11 trainee solicitors at Vinson & Elkins and not one of us studied Law at undergraduate! I think that says enough Study what you enjoy I loved Religious Studies at Pipers so that’s why I went on to study Theology at university.

What advice would you give to any current students thinking about a career in Law?

Start building up your CV now! Work in a cafe, volunteer at a charity shop, do the Duke of Edinburgh awards. All of these things are excellent ways of showing prospective emp you have the skills needed to be a lawyer!