Law graduate revisits college to receive award

A Wrexham law graduate who last year went on to gain a training contract with one of the area’s largest law firms will return to Chester College of Law this month to receive the coveted Brown Dunne & Gray prize for obtaining the highest mark in Advanced Litigation in the 2009 Legal Practice Course examinations.

Natalie Roberts joined GHP Legal in July 2009 after completing the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Chester. The young mother of one originally gained a degree in Psychology and worked as an Applied Behaviour Analysis Tutor for Autistic Children, but after taking an A Level in law whilst doing that job she decided to change career.

Whilst studying for the Legal Practice Course, Natalie worked as a Volunteer Appropriate Adult with the Wrexham Youth Justice Service. Currently she is a volunteer for the Tribunal Support Scheme for the National Autistic Society and is also a keen charity fundraiser. Last year, together with other GHP Legal staff members, she took part in a sponsored walk around Chirk Castle to raise money for Breast Cancer Research UK.

Natalie will be presented with her prize cheque at a ceremony being held at Chester College on February 12th. Speaking about the success of her new career path Natalie said: “I’m delighted both to have won this award from Chester College of Law, and with the experience I have received since commencing my training contract at GHP Legal. In particular, I am enjoying being able to put my academic knowledge into practice and improving my advocacy skills at every opportunity. I am extremely grateful to work for a firm that supports me to reach my full potential for when I qualify as a Solicitor.”