Women are invited to get legal by University of Cambridge

The taster day will give an overview of what it’s like to study law, an explanation of the Cambridge applications process, and a look at various careers in law. The event is open to all women, regardless of background.

Speakers will include lawyers who studied at Lucy Cavendish, including Jessica McCracken (pictured with her daughter at her MA ceremony) who works in Compliance (or regulatory risk) in London, and participants will have a chance to meet current law students at Lucy Cavendish and other Cambridge colleges.

“We’re very approachable here at Lucy Cavendish and our events attract those with few or no academic qualifications as well as those with plenty. We hope to be welcoming women in their 20s as well as older women considering a career change or returning to work after having a family,” said Jane McLarty, Admissions Tutor at Lucy Cavendish.

Jessica McCracken, who graduated with a degree in law from Lucy Cavendish in 2004 and now works in London for one of the world’s largest banks, was a single mum selling advertising when she decided to return to education.

““I had my daughter Elouise when I was 19 and on benefits, and realised I had to make a future for both of us. Elouise was still at playgroup when I went to Bath Technical College and did three A levels in a year. When I applied to Lucy Cavendish my tutors hardly knew me as I’d barely handed in any work,”she said.

“I chose Lucy Cavendish for its supportive and family-friendly ethos. I was interviewed, got an offer and made the grades. My time at Cambridge was wonderful and I made friends for life.”

When Jessica graduated she chose to work in compliance, a path that allowed her to go straight into a job. “I love my work and after three years with Morgan Stanley I am taking up a post at Deutsche Bank. A degree in law from Cambridge gives you plenty of options as you develop a good set of tools and a flexible mindset.”

Julie McDonald was also a single parent when she decided to become a lawyer. She was working for a software company as a financial controller when she was made redundant. At the age of 34, she signed up for an access course at Cambridge Regional College (CRC) with a view to applying to Cambridge. She was put in touch with a former CRC student who gave her an insight into studying at Lucy Cavendish.

“My years at Lucy Cavendish were fantastic – it was really hard work and I did a lot of juggling to look after my son. I’m still in touch with many of the friends I made and with the college. I qualified as a solicitor last October and I’m now working at Gross and Co, a firm in Bury St Edmund’s, specialising in family law – I absolutely love it,” she said.

The event is free and will include refreshments. There will be a charge for those who stay on for the optional dinner which will conclude the event. For more details go to http://www.lucy-cav.cam.ac.uk/pages/admissions/undergraduates/visiting-the-college/law-taster-day.php