From medicine to the bar

By Clearing

Lindsey Clark, an experienced pharmacist had a long term interest in an entirely different subject – law. She has pursued her interest at the University of Teesside by enrolling on a law degree course designed specifically for people who already hold a degree in another subject.

Mother-of-two Lindsey, 46, from Darlington, co-owns two pharmacy shops, one in Darlington and one in Belmont in County Durham, with her ex-husband James. Deciding it was time for a change, Lindsey began the Bachelor of Laws by Senior Status entry which can lead to the Legal Practice Course (for solicitors) or the Bar Vocational Course (for barristers).

For those people who have graduated already with a non-law degree this is an accelerated route to a law degree. The senior status law degree can be studied for two years full-time or for three years part-time.

Lindsey said: “I’ve been interested in the law for a long time and I even did an A Level in it over 12 years ago. I couldn’t progress any further after the birth of my second child and we also had the chance to set up our second pharmacy business. So after waiting for a long time, I had the chance to come to Teesside and do the Senior Status course.

“It’s the only course of its kind in the area and it suited me perfectly. I was surprised at how many mature students there are on campus and I found it very easy to make friends with people of all ages. The staff are very supportive, you can just go ask them for help and they understand that some people have other commitments outside of their studies. This course isn’t an easy option, there is a lot of hard work and reading to do but it’s been well worth it.”

On graduating, Lindsey will continue with her studies in Newcastle on the Bar Vocational Course. After that, she will is hoping to gain a pupilage – a training position with a barrister’s chambers. When fully qualified, Lindsey intends to specialise in clinical and professional negligence, personal injury, product (including pharmaceutical) liability and corporate manslaughter.

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