elinor hughes

I spent most of the time of my 10-day Mini Pupillage with a criminal barrister reading through case bundles, taking notes of the witness' evidence to aid the barrister in her questioning and meeting defendants, other barristers and police officers on the case. I was asked to complete an exercise providing my opinion on the key evidential points that could be used against the defendant, these were discussed and incorporated into the barrister's closing speech.

Worked independently within a team of researchers collating information to update and edit an encyclopaedia on law and religion. This required awareness of recent changes in the law, thorough attention to detail in ensuring consistency of style and referencing whilst maintaing communication with other contributors and the editor.

During my work experience placement at the firm I spent some time shadowing an associate who specialises in defending personal injury accident and occupational illness claims. This involved attending client conferences, analysing medical reports and attending civil court to hear a personal injury case. Here I was asked by the associate to take note of witness evidence and provide my legal opinion on the key evidential points. I observed the process of quantum of damages for non-pecuniary loss and carried out a quantifying task for cases yet to be heard which I then presented to the associate.

* Corporate & banking * professional indemnity * real estate.

Spent a week with Judge Sarah Munro QC which enabled me to see the litigation process from a judicial perspective. My time was spent reading the skeleton argument, watching the trial unfold and discussing points of law with the Judge. This experience was particularly insightful as I learned which different styles of advocacy were successful.

* 1st Seat * Commercial Insurance Litigation * 2nd Seat * Secondment to Arcadia Group Ltd * 3rd Seat * Employment * 4th Seat * Corporate

I shadowed the work of the Chief Counsel to the insurance firm where I gained an insight into the role of an in-house lawyer to advise the firm whilst having the needs, reputation and clients of the business in mind. I shadowed work concerning compliance with legislation affecting product design, negotiation of terms for an agreement in Corporate Partnerships and reviewing contracts for services with approved suppliers. I also gained an insight into the work completed by the AXA PPP Healthcare department. Here, I reviewed claims forms: analysing the calculation of quantum of damages, expert medical reports and response forms.

I completed a mini-pupillage with a barrister who specialises in property and social housing. I attended civil court to hear cases concerning an application for a prohibitory injunction and the breach of a covenant. I was invited into client conferences where I contributed knowledge of property law concerning the land register. I aided the barrister through carrying out general administrative assistance and organising bundles.

University-run pro bono initiative which provides legal advice to the charity Mencap Cymru who offer help to people with learning disabilities. Our advice is used to assist the charity in supporting individuals with a learning disability, their families and carers who are encountering difficulties with their legal rights in relation to public services. Working within a team, our main endeavour is to form a ‘tool kit’ providing legal advice on child protection matters. This includes a guide with information regarding the law, action that public authorities can take, the rights of the individuals, the court process and a legal opinion.

2:1 attained Activities and Societies: A member of the law society; Captain of the Ladies Hockey 4th XI; Cardiff Award Scheme

GCSE's 6A*s, 4A's A Level's AAB (Philosophy and Ethics, English Literature, Biology) Activities and Societies: 1st XI Ladies hockey, Prefect and Head of house, part of the Cambodia appeal charity.