2021
Tell us about something you have achieved or are passionate about apart from your academic studies.
My most significant achievement is when I personally established an adaptive (disability skiing) sub-division of my ski school in Switzerland. It was important to me to do this because I felt that disabilities should not be a barrier to participation. I was solely responsible for fundraising, marketing, insurance and health and safety compliance. I enjoyed taking on this level of responsibility as I witnessed the beneficial impact it had on clients.
I led on fundraising by encouraging the team to run a half-marathon, which secured £2,000 for specialist equipment. We achieved this target 5 weeks in advance of our target, which meant we exceeded our fundraising by 37%.
I also led on the school’s marketing activities. I posted on disability forums and Facebook pages and had friends advertise on our behalf. Having worked as a volunteer instructor with Disability Snowsports UK, there were numerous clients who could vouch for my professionalism and the reputation of the school. I drew on this to demonstrate the professionalism of the school and the experience we could offer. I also reached out to a disability specific UK gym and built a relationship which allowed us to reach a wider number of people.
I was able to effectively build a rapport with accommodation and transportation providers in order to negotiate a significant discount for clients. The outcome was that the client could book with ease and secure a significant discount. The scheme continues to grow in attracting more people every year.
Describe an important event in your life. Why have you chosen this particular event?
I worked as a student mentor to four A-level students as part of the University of Warwick’s ‘Widening Participation Scheme’. This was a highlight of my University experience because I assisted one student in accessing higher education despite personal barriers.
This student was from a low-income background with a single mother and she had a number of younger siblings to look after. She had ruled out higher education for this reason despite her good academic results at GCSE.
I built a rapport with her as her student mentor; particularly given we had a similar interest in music and sport. Once we had built a relationship, the student spoke openly about her desire to go to University. We brainstormed ideas together, following which I conducted my own research on financial support for higher education in the UK and arranged a meeting with my University Financial Support team. I worked with various stakeholders to assist in applications for bursaries. The outcome was that the student was awarded the University of Warwick’s Halford Scholarship which subsidised her fees by £7,500 per year.
I have chosen this particular event because I am passionate about education and equality of opportunity. This was significant because by going the extra mile I assisted the student in achieving her goal. I continue to keep in contact with this student who updates me on her achievements at University and ambitions for the future. Working in this capacity makes me particularly interested in Memery Crystal’s work with Allbright mentoring.
Based on what you know about Memery Crystal; please give 3 reasons why you have chosen us and 3 reasons why we should choose you?
Clear sector focus
I am drawn to Memery Crystal’s commercial practice because I have a profound interest in businesses and the markets they operate in. I was excited to learn of Memery Crystal’s AIM focus because of the opportunity to learn about clients in different industries and jurisdictions.
I listened to Nick Alfillé discuss at the Open Day on the 19th November how the firm assists the client throughout their life-cycle and read with interest about Pelatro’s first acquisition following its admission to AIM in 2017 as evidence of this. I would add value to Memery Crystal because I would have a genuine interest in the firm’s clients.
Trainee experience
The Open Day reinforced my understanding of Memery Crystal as a firm where the trainee is afforded responsibility from the outset. In particular I am drawn to the one-to-one trainee experience and friendly and supportive approach.
I would add value to Memery Crystal because as a funds paralegal at [redacted law firm] I have been afforded responsibility by way of working as the sole paralegal on co-investments and drafting facility agreements. I have experience working as a team and individually to meet client expectations and contribute meaningfully to the firm.
Innovation
Memery Crystal is an innovative firm as evidenced by its status as market leaders in medical cannabis and appointment as the exclusive legal partner to the Centre for Medical Cannabis. I am drawn to Memery Crystal because it stays ahead of the curve and is willing to embrace new industries.
I would add value to Memery Crystal because I recognise that innovation is important from a firm perspective and individually. For example, I regularly read around innovation strategies and have taken a keen interest in data sets and how they can assist law firms in the future.
Is there any other information not included elsewhere in this form that you would like to tell us about (for instance positions of responsibility, other interests etc)
I have always had an interest in debating and explored this interest in the Oxford Schools Debating Competition. I participated in the University of Warwick’s Model UN and Debating Union. I enjoyed the challenge of a debate and strengthened my ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
I am a keen sportswoman and played for the University seconds’ lacrosse team. I have taken part in two Olympic triathlons this year to maintain fitness and achieve new goals. I am also a keen skier and worked as a disability snowsports instructor since the age of 18 where I obtained the award for “New Hire of the Year” in acknowledgment of my positive attitude and team work.
One of my key interests outside of academia is singing. I was a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, 2009-2014. I received Grade 8 Singing with Distinction and was awarded the Vocal Scholarship at [redacted school]. I am currently an active member of London choir, “Some Voices”.
I have also worked as a volunteer with Students in Classrooms where I delivered music sessions to displaced children in the Calais “Jungle”. I have encouraged greater participation in this scheme as a member of the Pro Bono Committee at [redacted law firm]. As a member of the Pro Bono Committee I have participated in the Horizon Legal Advice clinic. As part of this, I have already implemented new procedures to ensure the client experience is positive.
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