LLB Law student Tania Maynard-Browne was awarded a Michael Sherrard Access to the Bar Award by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.

Tania will spend two weeks over the summer working alongside barristers and shadowing judges, allowing her exclusive access to the field of law. Only 23 such positions were available, with Law students from all over the country applying for them.

“It is a fantastic learning and networking opportunity. I will have two weeks shadowing practising barristers and this will be a phenomenal experience and a brilliant chance to demonstrate that I have what it takes,” said Tania, who is originally from Anguilla, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean.

“To be able to speak to barristers and gain hands on experience and insight in my chosen field from qualified legal practitioners is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Tania was one of a handful of students who were shortlisted for the interview stage of selection, where she was interviewed by senior barristers and demonstrated her skills and knowledge of the field of law.

Tania left behind a successful career in human resources in Anguilla to pursue her dream of becoming a barrister.

“I always wanted to study law, however, I never did. It picked away at me over the years until I decided to leave my job and follow my dream. Everyone thought I had lost my mind,” said Tania, who moved to Luton in 2014 with her 11-year-old daughter India, who is now happily settled in school.

Tania has some words of advice for anyone thinking about a career change later in life: “Just do it. If you sit and think about it and try and connect all the dots, you won’t do it. Just take the first step and keeping going.”

Tania’s tutor Dr Andreas Yiannaros said: “Tania’s prestigious award is testament to the hard work and talent of our students. Hundreds of students from every university applied for the award and Tania was one of a handful of students that made it to the interview stage and ultimately win the award. We are all extremely proud of her and we cannot wait to celebrate her success.”