Katharine read English Language and Literature at Oxford, before interning at a communications and strategy consultancy.  After a brief stint in the LEH Sports department, she completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at the University of London, in 2018, followed by the Bar Vocational Training Course in 2019. Having undertaken a year-long pupillage, she now works as a self-employed barrister specialising in public and commercial law.

17-year-old Maia says: “I found it brilliantly helpful to understand more about Katharine’s career path. Having spoken to a few lawyers already, it was great to get more insight into being a barrister in particular. I really enjoy formulating an argument and delivering it with conviction, especially when it has really important consequences, so the idea of putting a case forward in court is appealing.

“It was really eye-opening talking to Katharine and discovering more about the options of being a self-employed barrister vs being employed by a law firm. Her commitment and determination to achieve is so impressive. It helped me decide to study law at university. I think we’re very lucky to have this opportunity at LEH.”

Katharine already has experience of being a mentor at work, but this is the first time she’s worked with a Sixth Former. She says: “I really enjoyed talking to Maia.  She’d clearly done her research and planned her questions in advance, which was really helpful. I’m amazed by how mature and ambitious the students are now, as I don’t recall being that way myself!

“There wasn’t really someone for me to talk to in this way when I was at school, so that was one of the reasons that made me want to help. I think having that LEH connection gives you a certain sense of camaraderie and it’s been rewarding to feel that you’re giving something back to the school.”