I found the experience of the LIFT Black Heritage Insight Week to be truly amazing and incredibly well-organised. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded Black students who are striving for excellence, which was both inspiring and motivating.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the chance to learn more about the firm and gain valuable skills, particularly in areas like interview techniques, as well as improving my CV and cover letter. I left the week feeling uplifted and more confident as a student, equipped with new skills that will benefit me in the future.
The highlight of my week was learning more about aviation liability and insurance, two practice areas that aren't available at my university. Through LIFT I was able to gain an excellent amount of knowledge in this field. I also thoroughly enjoyed connecting with legal professionals, gaining insight into their roles, and receiving invaluable advice.
My biggest takeaway from the week was understanding what I truly value in a firm. I realised that it's not just about the number of offices a firm has or how much they pay, but more about the firm's culture.
I now look for firms that are actively working to improve diversity in the legal profession and have an inclusive culture. Through LIFT, I saw firsthand how Clyde & Co is making significant efforts to become a better firm in terms of diversity, with a focus on having senior members of staff from diverse backgrounds. This experience made me realise how important it is for firms to uplift everyone, and it’s now a key factor I consider when evaluating potential employers.
Written by Sienna Nembhard