Kelly participated in one of our first ever summer school programmes back in 1999, and has continued on to a successful career as a Partner at law firm Orrick in London. We asked Kelly to share some of her memories from the programme, and a bit about what she does now – and why self-belief is crucial to progressing in your career.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to apply for the Sutton Trust programme?

“I am the first person in my family to go to university. I went to state schools throughout my educational career. I grew up in Basingstoke, and since then have lived in Oxford and London.”

What are your memories of the programme and what you got out of it?

“It was great to experience being at a university campus, and gaining an insight into what it would be like if I was able to study there. It was the self-confidence and belief that people like me were good enough to go to Oxford.

It reaffirmed my choice to go to Oxford, which has set me up for everything else that has happened in my life. I met my best friends there, I had a fabulous three years, and importantly gained the experience and credentials to be able to go into a profession I love and have a fulfilling and interesting career.”

Can you tell us how your career has developed since the programme?

“It’s been very linear – I left Oxford and studied the LPC in London. I joined Norton Rose as a trainee, and since then I have worked at Dechert, Jenner & Block and now Orrick, where I’m  a partner specialising in privacy and cybersecurity.”

Have you faced any barriers in your career?

“Not really, other than my own self-belief. Once I had overcome the imposter syndrome (at least enough to give a good account of myself in interviews – I still feel like an imposter in a lot of circumstances!), I made sure I did what I needed to get where I wanted to go.”

Can you tell us what a typical day looks like in your role, and the best thing about it?

“Lots of emails, lots of decisions, meetings, calls. Sometimes court! Best thing – working with really bright colleagues and clients, who stretch me.”

What would you say to someone who was thinking of applying to a Sutton Trust programme?

“Do it! Only good things can come from it. You will meet interesting and fun people, and it will show you that environments that you think are perhaps not for “people like you” are very much for you. There are a huge number of misconceptions about some universities and work places, and you won’t realise that until you see for yourself.”

Want to inspire students with your story? Get in touch with us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

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