Thursday 30 March saw our second Hymers C.A.N (Careers and Networking) event with an insight into the legal profession.  The evening was open to all aspiring law students and their families in the area and it was an opportunity to hear from local experts in their field, along with recent leavers from Hymers about their journey so far. We were delighted to see the room packed with families and students. 

As well as hearing from our three guest speakers on the evening, Jessica Norton (OH 2004-2015) also attended to talk about her career in Law.  After studying Law at University of Law Leeds, she went on to complete a Master's Degree there and has recently started a new position as a Childcare Solicitor at Graham & Rosen Ltd.

Recent Hymers College leaver, Amelia Simmons (OH 2012-21) also spoke at the event about studying Law as an Undergraduate at Bristol University, where she is in her second year.  She shared some useful insights with our current students about the process of applying for university and her course.

We are extremely grateful to Jessica and Amelia for coming back to school and thank you to all our guest speakers for their time speaking to our current students.

Guest speakers for the event included:

John Thackray:

John Thackray was educated at Kettelthorpe Comprehensive School, Wakefield and then attended Outwood Grange Comprehensive sixth form, Wakefield. He then attended Leeds University and after completing a Law Degree he attended at the Inns of Court School of Law in London. In 1994, he commenced a pupillage at Wilberforce Chambers in Hull under the guidance of David Tremberg.

As a barrister, over a 25 year period, John prosecuted and defended the most serious offences, frequently involving murder and manslaughter. Over that period there were frequent appearances in the Court of Appeal, 2 of which led to reported cases, establishing new legal principles. In 2019, John was appointed as Queens Counsel (now Kings Counsel) and as a Circuit Judge based in Hull and Grimsby. A year later, he was appointed as the Resident Judge for Humberside and authorised to hear cases of murder and manslaughter.

He was then appointed as the Honorary Recorder of Hull and East Riding in 2021.  Then last year, he was seconded to the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) and tried a 6 week murder and attempted murder case which involved the shooting of 2 men in planned executions. John also chairs disciplinary hearings on behalf of the Rugby Football League.

Jane Eatock:

Jane Eatock is a partner in Wilkin Chapman LLP, a large regional practice employing 400 people across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. An employment lawyer for 30 years Jane trained in a City law firm and became a partner in an East Anglian practice before moving here 22 years ago. Now head of the firm's Grimsby office she enjoys working with a wide range of employer clients, leads the firm's education sector, and has been Assistant Coroner for Grimsby and North Lincolnshire for the past 12 years. Jane is passionate about being a lawyer and speaks regularly to students about the rewards and demands of life as a solicitor. Jane will talk about the key skills and attributes – academic and otherwise – needed to succeed in this demanding field to help you decide whether a legal career is for you. Come along and find out why it’s not like “Suits”!

Roger Halson:

Roger Halson has been a Professor of Contract and Commercial Law at the University of Leeds for 20 years where he was Head of the School of Law and International Director. He was previously a Senior Lecturer at University College London for 15 years. Roger has also worked at Nottingham and Hull Universities and, briefly, for a City Law Firm. Roger is the author or co-author of 8 books about contract and commercial law. His work has been cited and relied upon by the UK’s highest appeal court (the Supreme Court/ House of Lords) as well senior appellate courts overseas.

The next event focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) and is to be held on Thursday 20 April 2023.  Please see below for the details of future C.A.N events.