Hello! My name is Andrea and I am a 2017- 2021 Robertson Trust Scholar. The last four years have moved with great pace and I can hardly believe that I am at the end of my studies already. Back in 2016, I had multiple offers from reputable universities but I knew the University of Aberdeen was the place for me. The environment was welcoming, supportive and friendly. I was particularly attracted to the dual-qualifying law degree which allows one to qualify in Scotland or England. As someone who has moved to London to qualify, this route has saved me a great deal of time and coin. I am delighted to confirm that I have graduated with a first class, dual-qualifying law degree (LLB). I strongly surpassed my expectations academically this session and I am thrilled to have been awarded 95% in my dissertation entitled, ‘Balancing Stakeholder Interests… A Comparative Legal Analysis of the Liability Faced by Online Service Providers for Copyright Infringement in the EU and US’.
The scholarship truly had a huge role to play in making my university experience so enjoyable. It meant that I was able to focus on the aspects of my university experience that truly mattered to me. Without a shadow of doubt, this was my academic studies, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, alongside the almighty task of attempting to secure a solicitor’s training contract with a reputable law firm. I am very much looking forward to starting my solicitor’s training contract at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in the London office. I feel honoured to be training at one of the world’s leading commercial law firms where I hope to continue a long-lasting and fulfilling career.
The generosity of the Development Trust and its donors has allowed me to capitalise on the opportunities open to me. I continually seek to leverage my experiences to open doors and facilitate similar experiences for the next generation. With this in mind, I am honoured to have been appointed as a Trustee of The Bridge Group, a charitable research consultancy which aims to increase diversity and promote inclusion within key industries, such as law, banking and government. This is extremely rewarding and I hope to have an impact in making the professions more accessible to aspiring professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds.
My advice to any new scholars entering the University is to make the most of all opportunities open to you. These opportunities can allow you to develop personally, professionally and most importantly enjoy yourself! As I left my home in Edinburgh in late 2017, I did not expect to be leaving University four year later with a first-class degree, training contract in London and my future husband. I am very excited for the times ahead but would once again like to send my sincere thanks for the support I have been provided with. This has been key in helping me to build the foundations required to fulfil my aspirations and I could not be more grateful.
