Alumni profile - Sam Ingleton

Sam Ingleton, Graduate LLB, 2021

Tell us a little bit about your life/background before Edinburgh Law School

Prior to joining Edinburgh Law School, I studied Philosophy and English Literature (MA) at the University of Edinburgh. Far from sitting under a tree and proselytising on the meaning of life (although there was some of that), the undergraduate degree was a challenging programme, and set me up well for law. Most days, I surprise myself at how useful those early lessons have been in practise. 

Outside of university, I was mostly focussed on athletic endeavours. I trained hard to break a Scottish powerlifting record whilst continuing a lifelong Muay Thai practise. I wrote a book, worked as a tutor, and sold beer on Easter Road. Extracurriculars kept me grounded.

What did you study at Edinburgh Law School and why did you choose the programme?

After four fantastic years at the University of Edinburgh (and some anxiety about leaving), continuing my study with the Edinburgh Law School Graduate LLB felt like a natural next step. I had interned with KPMG at their offices in Canary Wharf during my final summer before the LLB, and had my head turned by the pace and adrenaline of corporate work. The LLB seemed like my best ‘in’ to that world: I didn’t fancy my chances competing with the more numerically literate bankers and accountants – although I now work with them on a daily basis!

Although the bar was set high, my experience at the law school was even more engaging and enjoyable than the four previous years. The programme was a quick route for graduates (in a rush to get started) like me, offering a whirlwind tour through the broad field of legal disciplines. I enjoyed the luxury of having a little bit of time to experiment with what I wanted next. This was supplemented by the opportunity to consider my future options in the company of world-class academics, as well as other students and graduates on the same journey. Lots of advice was asked for and received during this time.

What do you think is unique to the Edinburgh Law School experience and what are some of your favourite memories?

There’s no rivalling the situation and grandeur of the Law School. For a student entering the legal profession, it’s a front-loaded dose of history and culture, establishing the community and continuity of Scottish law. You can hardly throw a stick within a mile of the Old College without hitting some site of legal historical interest – and if you miss, you might end up creating one! The study of law imbues the city with a great deal of texture, which you get to keep with you forever. Even if you get bored of the raw academia, real-life law is always happening just around the corner.

I have many happy memories of my time at the Law School. As well as all the hard work, late nights, and firm friends, I have a particular soft spot for the Mooting Society. Secretly, I’m quite competitive, and the Mooting Competition incentivised the best in my study and practise, solidifying my closest relationships. The brightest minds at the Law School are best showcased in debate. As well as some memorable slip-ups and red-faced moments, some of my most treasured personal achievements came from this period – including appearing in front of Lord Arthurson in the Court of Session. I haven’t done anything as nerve-wracking since – exams, work deadlines, and client presentations are no comparison!

What have you been up to since graduating/what are you doing after graduation (e.g., your professional or further academic pursuits since leaving Edinburgh Law School) and how have your degree studies with us helped you in this?

I was very proud to receive an offer from DLA Piper, one of Scotland’s premier commercial law firms, with a global presence and a huge variety of work. I didn’t take any time off after graduation; I’d had plenty of fun, and I was keen to get to work. I went through the Diploma programme, and onto my training contract.

I’ve found my career to be an even broader suite of opportunities to keep saying ‘yes’, and to take control of my development as a legal practitioner. My day-to-day scope is much narrower now: rather than studying a range of legal disciplines and practise areas, I sit in a specific trainee ‘seat’ for six months at a time, and learn the ropes of how specific legal services are delivered to clients. Without a doubt, the endurance, confidence, and research skills developed during my (many) years at university were of great help, although the learning curve is very steep. A career in commercial law takes a lot of resilience, which I was consciously developing during my graduate and post-graduate studies.

What advice would you give current Edinburgh Law School students?

Make the most of it. Being at Edinburgh Law School is a tremendous privilege, and you’ll have opportunities every day which you’ll never get again. Mostly, university is a great time to be almost entirely focussed on your own self-development. It will all pay off much sooner than you think, even if you never expected the outcome you receive. Showing up with enthusiasm, kindness, conscientiousness (and a bit of irreverent fun) will take you far.