Samuel Blake
'My participation in the INTRA programme in third year culminated in receiving an offer to return to the firm as a trainee following the completion of my studies.'
Why did you choose this particular course?
I applied for BCL after completing work experience in transition year with the late Colm Berkery in Drogheda, which provided me with an insight into the legal profession. Working with Colm highlighted the difference that good solicitors can make to the lives of others.
What aspects of this programme were most useful or valuable to you?
I found the moot court module in second year to be highly beneficial. During this module we were split into pairs and tasked with representing a fictional client in a hypothetical scenario, culminating in a mock trial in the moot court room. This module provided an opportunity for us to apply the skills we had learned, all while receiving guidance and constructive feedback throughout.
What were your highlights of the programme?
The highlight of the four years for me was spending my third year on placement as part of the INTRA programme. I spent nine months in the real estate department of Arthur Cox, where I worked alongside experts in the field, enabling me to add practical experience to the academic knowledge gained throughout the other three years on-campus.
Did the programme create opportunities for you?
Yes. My participation in the INTRA programme in third year culminated in receiving an offer to return to the firm as a trainee following the completion of my studies. The INTRA team’s help and guidance in the application process at the beginning of third year created a platform that enabled me to secure the next step in my legal career.