Partner Paula Swain mentors university law and business students

Partner and Head of Solent office Paula Swain has teamed up with Solent University to mentor aspiring law and business students as part of an innovative careers event.

Paula, who also heads the national law firm’s business to business debt recovery team, joined a panel of business leaders from throughout the region including representatives from Southampton FC, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and NatWest at the ‘Your future at work’ themed event.

During the two-day taster organised by the university’s law and business schools, Paula and the panel offered insight and advice on the world of work to over 160 students aged 16 to 18-years-old from schools and colleges across Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.

As well as being grilled in an hour-long Q&A, the panel discussed themes including what work may look like in the future, tips on being recruited and finding work experience, and how to stand out from the crowd. Paula also helped students imagine what a law firm of the future might look like.

Paula became a visiting fellow at Solent Law School last year and is passionate about championing social mobility both in her role at the firm and as part of Solent Local Economic Partnership (LEP) where she is a director. Earlier this year she also hosted a masterclass taking undergraduate law students at the university through the workings of a real-life contract.

Paula said: “I didn’t have the opportunity to speak with an actual lawyer until I had started my law degree. My own degree choice was a leap of faith and based on mentor suggestions. Fortunately, it worked out for me, but I’m sure some ‘in real life’ conversations would have helped to affirm my choice.”

Kevin Rogers, Director of Solent Law School, said the students really enjoyed the session and Paula's input.

“Paula’s valuable insight on the employer’s panel session provided attendees with a glimpse of the workplace today as well as thoughts about what a law firm may look like in the future. The strong message that came across was that everyone has a contribution to make and this was a real encouragement to those present," he added.