Georgia Cuthbert
Find out how shadowing a criminal barrister and a passion for supporting vulnerable clients helped Georgia secure her role at Hay & Kilner.
Tell us about your role
I am a Family Law Paralegal in the Children Safeguarding Department at Hay & Kilner. My role involves assisting solicitors with a wide range of public and private children law matters, preparing legal documents, drafting correspondence, and attending public law meetings. I often act as a key point of contact for clients throughout their case, working closely with families, local authorities and other professionals to help progress matters and ensure clients are supported throughout the legal process.
Was this career path planned when you chose your degree subject?
Somewhat. When choosing my degree subject, I knew I wanted a career I was passionate about and would genuinely enjoy. From an early stage, I envisaged myself working closely with vulnerable clients, particularly within criminal or family law.
Initially, I thought I would follow the route of becoming a barrister. Progression within my current department will allow me the opportunity to undertake my own advocacy in court, allowing me to combine direct client support with courtroom representation.
Looking back, whilst my path has not necessarily been exactly as I originally imagined, it has led me to a career that aligns perfectly with my interests and strengths.
Do you have any advice on applying for graduate jobs?
I come from a small town, and I knew I wanted to remain in Newcastle after completing my degree, which made the search for graduate employment feel quite pressured.
My biggest piece of advice would be that it is never too early to start gaining experience. Whether through work experience, volunteering or part-time roles, every opportunity helps you develop valuable skills and build confidence. Even if an experience helps you realise what you don't want to pursue, it is still incredibly valuable, and gaining practical experience also exposes you to career paths you may never have previously considered, often opening doors to opportunities you didn't know existed.
Looking back, I would encourage students to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible, keep an open mind, and trust that your career path does not have to be completely mapped out from the beginning.
Did you enjoy your experience studying at Newcastle University?
I absolutely loved my time at Newcastle University. I enjoyed the range of module options available, which allowed me to explore niche areas of law that I found particularly interesting, including Animal Rights and Counterterrorism.
I also fell in love with the city itself, and Newcastle quickly became a place I now call home. Beyond the academic experience, I made lifelong friends from a wide variety of backgrounds who I would never have crossed paths with had it not been for Newcastle University.
Did you take part in any work experience or extracurricular activity while you were at university?
One of the most valuable opportunities I had during university was shadowing a criminal barrister. This experience gave me practical insight into the legal profession and brought to life many of the concepts I had studied throughout my degree. It also reinforced my desire to work in an area of law that supports vulnerable clients, which ultimately led me towards family law.
Alongside my studies, I was also Captain of my BUCS Netball team. Balancing training, matches and academic commitments taught me discipline, time management and resilience, and perhaps most importantly, it allowed me to build friendships that have lasted well beyond university.
Looking back at your time in university and your career what top tips would you give to current students?
My biggest piece of advice would be to start gaining experience as early as possible. Whether it is work experience, volunteering, networking events or insight days, every opportunity helps you develop new skills and gain a better understanding of the careers available to you.
I would also encourage students to step outside their comfort zone and say yes to opportunities beyond their studies. Whether that is joining a society, attending university events, taking on a leadership role or meeting new people, these experiences can be just as important as your academic achievements.
Finally, don't worry if you don't know exactly what career you want to pursue. Very few people have their future completely mapped out whilst at university. Gaining experience and exposing yourself to different opportunities will help you discover career paths you may never have previously considered, and may ultimately lead you to a role that is a perfect fit for you.