Ammara
LLB (Hons) Law with Placement Year
Ammara recently graduated from the University of Bradford with a First Class Honours in LLB Law (Hons) with Placement.
During her studies, she completed a placement year at DAC Beachcroft LLP, officially recognised by both the Solicitor Regulation Authority and the firm as solicitor-qualifying work experience (SQE route).
Despite a strong inclination towards a legal career, Ammara was frequently advised to pursue art.
Although she received offers from prestigious art schools in the UK, she remained committed to her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Ammara’s journey is marked by remarkable achievements, from excelling in the legal field to having major connections in the henna industry.
This is her story.
I was quite shy until the age of 16 when I joined in activities that allowed me to communicate with others, including my hobby-based business. Although I first considered studying art, my family and friends encouraged me to pursue a law degree.
Blending art with law
"I was initially swayed by advice from academics and peers to study art at university as I lacked self-confidence and received therapy during my early teenage years."
"I was quite reserved until I started to engage in activities beyond my academic studies, which included starting a side henna business at the age of 16. Despite being interested in law, I felt that I would not perform well academically.
"Yet, with the encouragement of my family and friends, along with my personal growth, I decided to pursue a law degree. I was accepted into the University of Bradford's LLB Law degree programme, and since joining, I have eagerly embraced every opportunity the Law School has offered me.
"Art has become a cherished hobby of mine, evolving both nationally and internationally over the past seven years.
"I've used this passion to expand my network, including connections with various businesses and law firms.
"For two consecutive years, I have been invited by the leading law firm, Addleshaw Goddard LLP, to apply henna at their South Asian Heritage Month staff event.
"This experience made me realise that my artistic talent can blend seamlessly with my legal career, which has helped me stand out in the competitive legal field."
My time at the University of Bradford has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, building my self-confidence and legal knowledge.
Leading law firm placements
"I've had some incredible experiences and achieved things I’m proud of since starting my degree, including numerous placements."
"In my first year at Bradford, I was offered a paid internship with Fenchurch Law, the UK’s leading firm of policyholder-focused insurance dispute solicitors, and I worked with them for two consecutive summers.
"I also took part in Walker Morris’ mock vacation scheme, which was split across two days. These opportunities gave me the skills to secure a placement year with the leading international firm, DAC Beachcroft LLP.
"I got recruited after my second year, so I had not graduated yet but took a year out to undertake this opportunity in the corporate industry.
"This was a single placement that was open to anyone, but it was assumed that it would be offered to a graduate. Within one week of being interviewed by a senior partner and supervisor at the firm, I was offered the place, which I wasn’t expecting.
"During my role, I also applied for DAC Beachcroft’s 2025 training contract internally, and although I didn’t secure it, I bypassed thousands of applicants to make the top nine. I was advised by my lecturers and colleagues working at the firm that this was rare for a first application."
Tailored training and supervision helped me develop the courage and conviction to successfully see the placement through.
"Throughout my placement year, I was given tailored training."
"I was soon at the stage of handling around 350 cases under supervision, which included being instructed by an international insurer with delegated authority. One notable success involved saving approximately £18,000 across damages and costs. Thanks to the training and supervision, which allowed me to develop the courage and self-conviction to successfully see the placement through.
"This placement also led to me receiving the university’s very first ‘Overall Placement Year Success’ award for the law school, which is a real highlight for me. Notably, I was the first intern at Fenchurch Law and the first placement year student at DAC Beachcroft LLP. The firms are recruiting more students from the University of Bradford after seeing my progression and major impact."
I also attended an international summer school programme in Malaysia
Summer school in Malaysia
"The final opportunity at Bradford that I embraced was exploring options to study abroad through their International Opportunities Team."
"I was granted a scholarship to attend an international summer school programme in Malaysia at a leading public university, which I undertook in June 2024.
"During this one-month programme, I explored various legal modules, including the Malaysian constitutional system, heritage law, and environmental law. I also visited some significant locations, such as the Selangor State Government, the Federal Administration Centre (Putrajaya), Melaka, Tanung Karang, and Sekichan."
Running the University's Henna society
"It's not just my degree that's developed my confidence. I've also gained skills from my henna business that have come in useful within the university and in legal practice."
"I was approached to run the University’s Henna Society, which was dormant for three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was elected to serve as a President and Marketing Officer for two consecutive years, and I led a team of executives and around 100 members each year.
"We slowly built the society back up to becoming incredibly popular. One of the highlights was hosting an event to promote Asian culture.
"Over 300 people attended from across the UK, with multiple businesses kindly offering their services free of charge.
"Due to my extensive commitment to my voluntary role, I won several awards across the two years of running the society, including our team winning the ‘event of the year’ for the cultural event.
"This was a very proud moment for me, particularly when I was running the society whilst also studying and attending my full-time placement."
My advice to others
“Be confident about yourself and follow your dreams.”
"My own experiences have shaped me, and I always tell people to be confident about themselves and follow their own dreams rather than always sticking with people’s advice. You know what’s going to work best for you."
My social and educational involvement has earned me numerous awards, the most recent being the Highest Performing Student Engagement Award (Walker Morris LLP Prize), awarded by the University of Bradford as a graduate honour.
The next chapter of my career
"Upon completing my course, I am now pleased to be working at Eversheds Sutherland LLP as a Global Real Estate Paralegal, after receiving the job offer before my graduation ceremony."
"This role gives me cross-jurisdictional exposure and puts me one step closer to becoming the corporate solicitor I have always aspired to be!
"As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my career, I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and support I've received, both academically and personally.
"Thank you to the School of Law at Bradford for seeing potential in me, and for putting me forward for opportunities ranging from placements at major firms to prestigious dinners at London's Lincoln Inn, amongst others.
"As a Muslim woman, I will carry on being a positive representation in the legal field as I pursue my dream of becoming a corporate solicitor."