Alumni profile - Matilda McDermott-Krasker
(Law LLB, Graduate Class of 2022)
As somebody considering a career in public service, I felt that it was important that my university education wasn't just academic but also taught me how what I am learning impacts upon the lives of ordinary people.
Introduction
I grew up in Gloucestershire and graduated from the LLB programme in 2022.
What was your background before studying your LLB?
I attended an all girls grammar school in Gloucester up to year 11. I was never that engaged at school and the only subjects I really enjoyed were Sociology and Drama. I left school with good, but not exceptional, GCSE grades and then moved to a 6th form in Stroud where I studied Sociology, Psychology and Politics. When I left 6th form in 2018 I had no idea what I wanted to do so I decided to take a year out to work and go travelling.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
I applied to the Law with Politics programme at Queen Mary during my year out. I chose this programme because, having done some work experience in my local MEP's office, I thought that I might want to work in government or in a policy type role. I chose Queen Mary because it seemed to be a university with strong links to the local community including through the wonderful Legal Advice Centre. As somebody considering a career in public service, I felt that it was important that my university education wasn't just academic but also taught me how what I am learning impacts upon the lives of ordinary people.
I joined Queen Mary thinking I would end up working in government or policy but, by getting involved in a variety of extracurricular activities rather than doing things which I thought would look good on my CV, I have found an alternative career path which I am much more excited about.
What were the highlights of studying your programme?
- Despite starting on the Law with Politics programme, I quickly realised that I enjoyed the law courses far more than the politics side so I switched to the LLB programme. Studying law during my first year at Queen Mary was the first time I was truly engaged with and enjoying my education.
- Whilst I really enjoyed the teaching at Queen Mary, particularly on some of the smaller modules like Law, Modernity and the Holocaust, and UK Human Rights Law, it was the extra-curricular activities which were the highlights for me. In particular, the Legal Advice Centre gave me a real insight into the sort of legal issues which people in the local area were facing, and what it was like to work as a lawyer. During my second year, I was able to work under the supervision of a solicitor to give legal advice to real clients with problems relating to image based sexual abuse.
- Another highlight was the support which is offered to students wanting to set up and run law societies. I became involved with the Mooting Society which runs a range of internal mooting competitions, supported by university lecturers and staff. During my second year, another student set up the Criminal Justice Society, which I eventually became the President of. This society received invaluable support from several wonderful professors and lecturers, including support to set up a community project with a local Young Offenders Institution.
- Finally, during my final year, I had the opportunity to conduct advocacy at the Central London County Court in front of two Circuit Judges as part of a plea in mitigation competition. Advocating in a real courtroom, in front of real judges, was what ultimately convinced me that I wanted to pursue a career as a barrister.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be starting pupillage at 7BR chambers in October 2025 where I will be doing a mix of criminal, family, and civil work.
What advice would you offer for future students?
Get involved with anything that you think you might enjoy at Queen Mary and don't worry too much about the CV value. Whilst building your CV is important, if you put this first then you will end up missing out on much of what Queen Mary has to offer. Many students in my cohort spent a great deal of time applying for insight days, vacation schemes, mini-pupillages, and other formal work experience early on in their degree. These students tended to be far less involved with the societies, advocacy competitions and other extracurricular activities available. I joined Queen Mary thinking I would end up working in government or policy but, by getting involved in a variety of extracurricular activities rather than doing things which I thought would look good on my CV, I have found an alternative career path which I am much more excited about.