Ready to step into a real-life courtroom and learn about careers in law? We took 19 students to the University of Hertfordshire to learn more about studying law, and took part in an immersive mock trial.
Urban Synergy's CEO, Leila Thomas, Head of Programmes Dianne Johnson, NBCPA’s District Crown Prosecutor Nathan Miebai and Associate Professor and Law Admissions Tutor at the University of Hertfordshire, Dr. Bukola Faturoti, co-hosted the event.
National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA)
The NBCPA is a staff network at Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) championing race equality and diversity in the CPS & criminal justice system. For more information on careers at the CPS follow this link.
Studying Law at Herts
The day began with an introduction from Dr. Bukola Faturoti who delivered a comprehensive talk on life as a law undergraduate at the University of Hertfordshire. Students heard about the realities of studying law – from lectures, seminars, and mock trials to independent research and assessments.
The session explored the different areas of law you can study, how teaching is delivered, including case studies and practical workshops, placements, internships, and career support available to law students.
Mock trial
Our 19 mentees from South London sixth forms and secondary schools also took part in a mock trial. The university has a mock courtroom for teaching students in a realistic way, it’s sometimes used as a set for TV programmes! Students were allocated different roles to play, whether as part of the Prosecution or the Defence team, and were coached by real Crown Prosecutors.
Impact
Following the event, we asked students to give us feedback. Many of the students are considering careers in law:
- 100% Students rated the event 5/5
- 100% of the students said they learned about a career paths they were not aware of before
- 100% feel more confident about their future
- 100% are more motivated about their education
- 75% were not aware of NBCPA before attending the event
- 83% can see themselves studying at University of Hertfordshire
Feedback
"Helped me to gain a better insight into the different legal careers and a better understanding of what actually happens and what professionals do in their day-to-day job"
"I enjoyed the planning stage of the mock trial the most! Although I was the first speaker of the case, so mostly worked alone; the senior prosecution members spoke with me and gave me tips and advice regarding how to open the case and provided lots of encouragement. Also, as we were split into two groups, there was a sense of togetherness when we were working on the case, and other individuals were thinking of questions to ask the defendant team"
"This work experience helped me develop confidence in public speaking and practice legal skills through the questioning of witnesses and adapting quickly. It also gave me a career insight into what studying law involves and the diverse career routes it can lead to"
"I would like to thank all the Crown Prosecution Service Staff for all their help throughout the day, for being so encouraging and a joy to meet and work with. Also, I would like to thank Nathan, our esteemed judge. Dr Bukola, who engagingly taught us in important life lessons"
