Daniel Stylianou
LLB (Hons) Law, 2013
About me
- Trainee Solicitor and Trainee Legal Adviser at HM Courts and Tribunals Service
- Studied: LLB (Hons) Law, 2013
- Contact me on LinkedIn
About my career
I was never very interested in moving away from home to experience the ‘university lifestyle’ and considered universities close to home. For me, choosing Manchester Met was a no-brainer. Everyone I spoke to who was either attending or had graduated commented on the collegial atmosphere, the fun at the student union and the support given by lecturers - it was an easy choice.
After graduating, rather than diving straight into my LPC, I decided I wanted to work for a year. My Family Law lecturer, Dr Farran, advised me to keep my options open when looking at first-time jobs in law and not limit myself to law firms. It was thanks to that advice that I came across the Children and Family Courts Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) and I was successful in applying for an administrative role there. My plan of working there for twelve months became nearly four years!
I am currently over half-way through my training contract with HM Courts & Tribunals Service - although I actually started my training contract with the Crown Prosecution Service and transferred over after six months. My main role is to advise magistrates in the Criminal Courts on the correct law and procedures. They make all the decisions, but it’s my duty to remind them of their Sentencing Guidelines and, where necessary, to provide advice on contested applications of the law. I am responsible for working with other members of staff, running of the courtroom and the effective management of our cases.
I think Manchester Met helped me build on one skill in particular that is imperative to my work - organisation. It is a skill any lawyer needs to have, especially in the Magistrates’ Courts where our caseload can be heavy, and we have a responsibility to defendants and complainants alike to get through the cases we have before us. I advise magistrates first thing in the morning of the cases we have on our list, know which cases need prioritising and if there are issues that we need to tackle early on to prevent us sitting in court until the late evening. I couldn’t do my job if I was unorganised.
Since graduating, I have continued my personal development. I feel like my entire career has been spent on development so far! In each job I’ve had, I have undertaken development courses and training opportunities to try and increase my employability. In my current role as a trainee solicitor, I am required to undertake some mandatory training, but there are also a number of learning modules I have explored to broaden my experience and knowledge. I think it is important we keep ourselves open to new experiences and opportunities to learn throughout our careers.
My top tip for students
Perseverance is key. Unfortunately, the employment climate for several years has been tough, and I constantly read comments on social media by disheartened graduates being knocked back. You have to keep striving and keep exploring ways to enhance your employability.
In terms of career progression, don’t be afraid to make the hard decisions. If you are in a role where you realise you aren’t likely to progress, or your progression isn’t in the direction you want, find a role or employer better suited to you!
I’m inspired by
Firstly, my grandparents. Despite not having what we would consider today to be the best education, they provided a great life not only for themselves, but for their children. That allowed me to thrive in my younger, formative years.
Likewise, my mother had the difficult experience of raising both myself and my younger brother, who lives with severe autism. Although she didn’t go to university herself, she always supported me in my ambition to achieve.
Why I love Manchester Met
The atmosphere. Everyone was just so pleasant, from the lecturers to the support staff at the university, to other students and the people of Manchester generally. There was never a time when I felt alone or that there was no-one to turn to if I needed help.