"As an international student at Sussex, I decided a good way to immerse myself in a new culture would be by volunteering within the local community. With assistance from ‘Project V’ – the Students’ Union Community Volunteering Scheme – I began working at St. Luke’s Advice Services.
St. Luke’s is a charity providing a safe environment for people to discuss their personal issues such as welfare benefits, debt, budgeting and matrimonial breakdown. We provide advice and guidance to equip them with the tools to improve their situation. The work is challenging and rewarding at the same time, knowing that I may be able to have a positive effect on an individual’s life. I also volunteer at Brighton Housing Trust where I do anything from Debt Relief Orders and reviewing cases, to helping clients fill out disability forms.
Volunteering compliments my university studies; it provides me with first-hand experience, allowing me to put into practice all the different things I’ve learnt through my Law course so far. My problem solving skills are improving, as is my ability to adapt quickly to a variety of situations and deal with people from all walks of life. I’m sure my experience will be highly beneficial for my future career as a solicitor, but I also get a great sense of fulfillment from it."
Marisa Valle
LLB in Law
"At the end of my first year I took a summer internship at an office of the legal charity the Personal Support Unit (www.thepsu.org), based in the Birmingham Civil Justice Centre. The PSU’s main goal is to provide practical and emotional support for people who are facing civil court proceedings without legal representation.
As an intern I took part in advising and assisting clients within the court. From filling out forms to talking clients through legal procedures, my internship was diverse and touched on many different areas of law including Bankruptcy, Family and Housing. The highlight for me was assisting a client with filling out a very complicated court order form and then sitting with them at the tribunal.
This was an amazing experience which allowed me to develop my interviewing and communication skills, gain practical office experience and develop a strong insight into the everyday processes within the civil court system. These are all invaluable skills which will be useful to me in my future career. After leaving university I am hoping for a career which allows me to spend time directly assisting and advising clients.
The University of Sussex fosters a culture that makes people want to get involved with projects like this, which has certainly influenced my career motivations. Volunteering is something I would encourage anyone to get involved with; it is rewarding, helps foster a sense of community and it looks great on your CV."
Jermel Anderson
"Alongside my studies I volunteer as a Gateway Assessor for the Citizens Advice Bureau which has been an amazing and interesting experience that has complemented my degree well.
In my role I assess clients needs to identify the most appropriate course of action in the fastest time possible. I occasionally draft letters or call companies on their behalf to help resolve an issue, and whilst my role is not to personally ‘advise’ clients, it gives me a real sense of satisfaction being able to help in some way, especially those less able to help themselves.
Many people contact the CAB with issues relating to legal matters such as Crime, Family, Trusts and Land law, and seeing the law work in this context allows me to gain further knowledge and understanding around areas of law that I study in my degree.
I love working for the CAB and with the public, it has boosted my confidence and I get to give something back to the community. It has helped me develop my communication, problem solving and analytical skills - skills that will be vital for a future career in Law."
Rebecca Day