Jacqueline Hazel Adams, a Legal Practice PgDip graduate, tells us why she decided to make the career change to pursue a career in Law and why she chose to study the Legal Practice Course (LPC) with us at Staffordshire University.

My name is Jacqueline Hazel Adams. I am a citizen of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, twin islands in the Caribbean.

Having come from parents who were teachers, I gravitated towards a career in teaching. Every opportunity was taken to improve my skills. I obtained the Teachers Diploma at the Mausica Teachers Training College 1971; Certificate in Guidance and Counselling at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus 1993; BSc Educational Services at Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan 1995.

Coupled with encouragement from family members who are Attorneys-at-Law, my interest in Law was peaked in 2009 when I attended a court matter. The magistrate conducted her affairs in such an engaging and courteous manner that I knew what my next stage would be. Retirement in 2010 as a School Supervisor heralded my entry into the field of Law. I was awarded the LLB (Hons) in 2013. My search for a University to write for the LPC and one which suited my needs and personality began.

I found you. In 2019 my journey to Staffordshire University commenced. As expected, the buildings, facilities, your situation within walking distance from the railway station, cleanliness, living accommodation, everything within arm’s length were just the tip of the iceberg. You did not disappoint.

Then I met students and some of the lecturers, Paul, Andrew, Ayesha, Sallyann, Anna. The atmosphere was exhilarating. The interest shown by the students and the caring, patience and love for what they do exuded from the lecturers. I knew that I was in good hands. I soon realized that I had to ‘take off running’ as there was a huge syllabus to cover. I was up to the challenge.

As a student doing the blended programme, the best part of my experience was the manner in which each course was handled by the respective tutors. No stone was left unturned. It was as though they knew what one was going to ask before the question was posed. The avenues for feed-back, the introduction to Blackboard and the collaborate sessions before exams were second to none. Our hands were held through it all so that we understood what was expected. It was our job to deliver at exams. This was by no means, a walk through the park. One takes out what one puts in. I was awarded the LPC Commendation in 2020.

At present, I am into my six months internship at a Law firm in my country. It is expected that on completion, I would be accepted to the Bar. I intend to join my daughter in her Law practice where I intend to specialize in Family Law. It is also my deep desire to educate my fellow citizens on various aspects of Family Law e.g. wills and estate planning. My motto, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’ empowers me in going forward.

To all who intend to achieve the LPC, it is my experience, and thus, opinion, that the Staffordshire University is the place to be.

As a matter of information, my new life has begun at 70. As a matter of inspiration, I implore you, “never give up on your dreams.” I extend much thanks and appreciation to the staff of the LPC programme at the Staffordshire University and wish you God’s continued blessings in all your endeavours.