Antonia Ridley-Hughes

My Graduate Story

My name is Antonia Ridley-Hughes, and I graduated in 2017 with a BA in English Literature and French Studies from the University of Birmingham. I have recently qualified as a lawyer and am due to start work at Birketts, a full service, UK Top 50 law firm, in the next month.

I previously worked within the French Legal Services team at Ashtons Legal LLP, a regional law firm, where I handled cases related to French and English estate planning, probate, and successions, as well as French property sales and the protection of clients’ interests through documents such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, and related legal instruments.

A Day in the Life of a Lawyer

Lawyers deal with a caseload, which involves advising clients, drafting documents, and managing processes across their jurisdiction. It’s often necessary to collaborate with other professionals too.

A typical day starts with checking emails from clients, contacts, and colleagues. Much of my own correspondence is in French, so it’s essential to maintain fluency. I often have client meetings, where I gather instructions and provide initial advice. These meetings are followed by preparing reports and drafting documents. I also enjoy working on preparation for marketing events, writing or practising seminars, or writing articles for publication.

Some days are dedicated to administrative tasks related to onboarding new clients and dealing with the legal requirements for compliance, including anti-money laundering procedures. Although the work is varied and engaging, the administrative side can be tedious at times.

My Journey into Law

After completing my degree at the University of Birmingham in 2017, I moved to France to improve my language skills and gain cultural experience. I worked as a "lectrice" teaching English at Université Lyon Lumière II for a year. Upon returning to the UK, I joined Ashtons Legal as a Legal Assistant in the French Legal Services team, and over the past few years, I have built up my knowledge and experience. I am now working as a qualified lawyer, after six years of training alongside full-time work.

My Birmingham Experience

Studying at the University of Birmingham was a highly formative experience. The Modern Languages department provided me with a broad exposure to French literature, film, politics, and culture. My final-year translation and language modules were particularly helpful in refining my French language skills. Additionally, my Erasmus year abroad in France gave me invaluable independence and confidence and helped me further cement my French language proficiency.

Through my course, I also gained practical experience by participating in the B-Experienced program. I completed a marketing internship and attended the B-Enterprising boot camp, which helped me develop networking and team-building skills that have been crucial in my professional life. Though I feel I made good use of the resources available, I acknowledge I could have made more use of some of the University's career events or LinkedIn workshops to further develop my career skills.

Without a doubt, my Erasmus year abroad in France was the best part of my course. It provided me with real-world experience, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Additionally, writing my dissertation on Parody, identity, and nonsense in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling.

Birmingham's Impact

The University of Birmingham’s support services were instrumental in helping me transition from university into the workforce. I used the CV checker assistance to refine my job application profile, and I gained invaluable professional experience through internships, such as the one with Barefoot Birmingham. These opportunities helped me clarify my career path and build the skills needed to move forward.

While I didn’t utilise all the available resources, I recognize the value they offer. The career support and networking events were beneficial for building connections, and I encourage future students to take full advantage of them.

Additionally, I received funding through the tuition fee loan and maintenance loan, which helped ease the financial burden of my studies. This financial support allowed me to focus on my academic and extracurricular activities without worrying about finances, contributing to a balanced and fulfilling university experience.

My Achievements

One of my most significant achievements during my time at university was graduating with a first-class degree. Balancing studies with extracurricular activities and part-time work was challenging, but it was incredibly rewarding. I also feel proud of the professional progress I’ve made in my legal career, especially in transitioning from Legal Assistant to a qualified lawyer at Ashtons Legal, and soon Birketts.

Additionally, my Erasmus year in France stands out as a transformative experience, which broadened my perspective and provided valuable life skills that I still rely on today.

In addition to graduating with a first-class degree, I am most proud of how I balanced academic success with my social life. I was actively involved in extracurricular activities like swimming, singing in choirs, and working part-time, all of which made my university experience richer and more fulfilling.

Advice for Students

My advice to current students would be:

1. Keep Learning: Graduating marks just the beginning of your journey. Never lose the curiosity and drive to learn more.
2. Find What Drives You: It’s important to explore different areas during your time at university to see what excites you. The more you try, the better you will understand what truly motivates you.
3. Volunteer and Engage: Take the time to engage in the community. Volunteer work has given me immense value in terms of personal development and networking.
4. Be Resilient: The road ahead will have its challenges, but they are part of the process. Learn from setbacks, and don’t compare your success to others. What matters is your own growth and finding fulfillment in what you do.
5. Network: Take advantage of all the resources and support your university provides. The network you build during your time at university will be a powerful tool for your future career.