Andrew exchanges the operating theatre for the courts of law

At the age of 13 Andrew Scott considered a future career as a barrister, but didn’t think he was clever enough. Nearly 20 years later Andrew is on course for a Barrister’s career, thanks to his First Class LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Teesside.

Andrew has left his 14-year nursing career, having clinched a £13,000 legal scholarship from Gray’s Inn in London, enabling him to train as a barrister. He is now studying for a one-year Bar Vocational Course in Newcastle. When Andrew graduates from the University today, he will also receive three prestigious prizes; the Jacksons Prize, awarded for outstanding performance, the HSBC Prize awarded for the best performance in European Union Law and the Sweet & Maxwell Prize for contribution to the course.

Andrew, 32, from Loftus, achieved his Law degree after five years of part-time study. His First Class degree is a sharp contrast to his ‘A’ level results at 18, where he only passed General Studies and failed three others.

After Sixth Form Andrew trained as a nurse at Middlesbrough General Hospital, with his last post at the University Hospital of North Tees, as an anaesthetics nurse. The legal career began in 1996 when Andrew represented himself in a tribunal against a trade union.

Father-of-two Andrew said: “I couldn’t afford to pay for a solicitor or barrister so went to Teesside University’s library and read through the appropriate legal texts. While there I sat alongside Law students and listened with interest.”

The tribunal’s outcome was successful for Andrew, and the opposing Barrister approached him afterwards, asking if he had ever considered a legal career.

Andrew enrolled on the LLB degree and said: “I can still remember the first Lecture, I was absolutely mesmerised, the Lecturers were so interesting and enthusiastic.”

After achieving consistently high marks, Andrew successfully applied for the scholarship, gaining an interview place alongside Oxford and Cambridge graduates.

Andrew added: “It’s an honour and a humbling experience to gain a First and the scholarship. Teesside University has changed my life for the better. I could not have achieved this without the support of my wife Dawn, her parents and my parents.”

Tuesday 27 November 10.15am ceremony

---