A law graduate from Warrington who uses social media to help other trainee lawyers has been acknowledged with a £2,000 scholarship from Edge Hill University.
Ellis Kindred, who graduated with an LLB (Hons) Law degree with First Class Honours, received a University Scholarship for her outstanding work representing the ethos of the institution.
Her blog El’s legal Life: blogging my journey to a Law career gives her personal insights into the demanding and exciting world of a law student preparing to enter the profession.
She is also a student vlogger for LawCareers.Net, one of the main careers sites used by law students across the country.
In addition to her online activities Ellis is very active on campus, making a significant contribution to student life as Vice President of the Student Law Society, organising events and linking with employers.
During her time as a student Ellis volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau one day per week, supporting vulnerable and often emotional clients with sensitive issues such as debt, housing disputes, family issues, immigration and other consumer issues.
Edge Hill Careers Adviser Emma Bonati, who nominated Ellis for the award, said: “Ellis has worked tirelessly throughout her degree to make a significant contribution to her fellow LLB students.
“Arranging events such as Question Time evenings required her to build networks and communicate with a range of solicitors, barristers and other legal professionals.
“Her professional manner has engaged employers not previously associated with the University, who have since taken part in subsequent student-facing activities, including representatives from the Inner Temple in London and a Manchester based barrister.”
After her degree ceremony Ellis met one of her heroes, Lady Hale, President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, who received an Honorary Doctorate that day.
Speaking after the graduation ceremony Ellis said: “I’m so shocked, I couldn’t believe it when I got the scholarship. I’ll put it towards the £14,000 Bar examination fees.
“To have Lady Brenda Hale at the ceremony was amazing. She’s my hero and not just for the fact she’s a woman in law but because she’s so inspirational to me for all the firsts she’s had in her career.”
She added: “I’ve absolutely loved my time at Edge Hill, every single minute of it. The staff in the department have been so supportive, it’s been like a little family and I’ll really miss that.”
Ellis will now take a year out to work as a paralegal in a law firm before taking the Bar on her career path to becoming a Barrister specialising in Family Law.
The Edge Hill University Scholarship celebrates students who help to raise the profile of Edge Hill in a positive way through their exceptional contribution to the University.
