Lauren Butler
Legal Practice Course, 2018
About me
- Head of Immigration Manchester at Fountain Solicitors
- Studied: Legal Practice Course, 2018
- Contact me on LinkedIn
About my career
As I studied part-time on the GDL and the LPC, I worked as a Senior Immigration Caseworker at Citizens Advice in Bolton. My remit covered immigration and asylum cases, specialising in asylum appeals. Upon graduating from the LPC, I joined Fountain Solicitors as a trainee solicitor.
I am now Head of Immigration at Fountain Solicitors Manchester, I maintain a caseload of immigration and asylum matters. I supervise a small team of passionate, dedicated lawyers, as well as submit monthly billing reports and ensure compliance with our Legal Aid contract. In my spare time, I lead seminars on special topics in immigration law for MBL Seminars. I am also a trustee with Refugee Info Bus, a charity-serving refugees in Northern France.
I enjoyed every moment of the GDL and the LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University. If I had to choose two elements that served me especially well they would be:
The focus on advocacy was enormously helpful. We were pushed and encouraged not only to present arguments, but also to think on our feet.
The research skills have been a great help to my career. In the LPC, especially we learned how to identify correct sources and research new areas of law quickly. This has given me the confidence to expand my own knowledge base constantly.
I started at Manchester Law School after working as a fee-earning immigration paralegal for five years (Law Society and OISC qualifications), so I had a built-in “placement”. It is vital to have experience in a law firm or charity.
I have continued to learn since undertaking my LPC and I am qualified with the Law Society as a Senior Supervising Caseworker in immigration and asylum.
My top tip for students
I’ve been helped along by many inspiring mentors who have been generous with their time and expertise. Lawyers want to help one another and the profession. If you put in the time and hard work, your colleagues will notice and the opportunities will come your way.
I’m inspired by
My clients. Every day I meet interesting and inspirational people from all over the world.
Why I love Manchester Met
I loved the marvellous library and the collegial spirit among students and tutors.