Giuseppe Cappuccio, originally from Canada, chose to study LLB (Hons) Law at University of Staffordshire because of the opportunities to gain practical experience during his studies. He was also attracted by the course’s fast-track option, which enables students to be in work or further study quicker and save money on fees.
“The fact that there was a two-year accelerated programme allowed me to do this in a more timely fashion,” said the 34-year-old. “But I also saw that they offer a Legal Advice Service, which is something that even back home in Canada is not very common to see at universities. So, it seemed like the perfect fit for me.”
Now, having completed his two years at University of Staffordshire, Giuseppe has secured a $40,000 scholarship to continue his legal studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, on its LLM Law programme.
Each year Vanderbilt awards merit-based scholarships to exceptional students who represent the top one percent of all first-year applicants. With the limited number of scholarships available, the selection process is very competitive.
“I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting it! It is a substantial scholarship and, as we all know, the tuition fees in US universities are extremely high. It allows me to finish off my law degree and sit the bar to become a practicing attorney in United States. That's the dream!”
Giuseppe credits his experience working with University of Staffordshire’s Legal Advice Service with helping him to secure the scholarship. Through public clinics, students provide free advice on a wide range of legal matters. As well as supporting the local community, the service provides students with a real-world opportunity to advise clients and put their legal skills into practice.
“One of the things that stood out to Vanderbilt was the fact that I was able to practice the law here, not just on a theoretical basis but also with the Legal Advice Service,” explained Giuseppe.
“That was invaluable. The fact that I was able to put that on my resume and that they saw it is incredible. A lot of people will go to law school, but they won't have that practical application.
“Using software like Advice Pro before a client interview and learning how to navigate that was very useful. What are the do's and don'ts, what are the checklists that you must complete prior to the client interview. You really need to have those skills to make clients feel as comfortable as possible, so that they can open up and you can best help them in in their struggles.”
Having finished his undergraduate studies, Giuseppe is continuing to volunteer with the Legal Advice Service before he leaves the UK and encourages other students to take up the opportunity.
He added: “I'm excited to finish off here and bring the skill set that they've taught me at University of Staffordshire to Vanderbilt and use it to the best of my abilities, to constantly learn and progress to be the best lawyer I could possibly be.”
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