Ep 1: Charting the Course: Navigating Your Law Degree with Dr Cliona Kelly, Associate Dean UCD Sutherland School of Law

In Episode One of That Very Bad Law Podcast, join Sophie McDermott (That Very Bad Law Student) for an illuminating conversation featuring Dr. Cliona Kelly, the Associate Dean of UCD Law School. Delve into the myriad ways to pursue a law degree, from different access routes to expectations during your college years. Gain valuable insights into the support systems available at universities and discover the array of opportunities awaiting you on campus.

Click here for more information on the different admissions pathways to studying law at UCD. Please note, that for some of these options you may have to choose specific modules or courses to study law.

About This Weeks Guest:

Dr Cliona Kelly is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the Law School, as well as the Chair of the Law Taught Programmes Board.

Cliona is a graduate of University College Dublin, where she graduated top of her class with a first class honours degree. She also completed her PhD, funded by the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences, in University College Dublin. Cliona also has a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Before returning to UCD Cliona was a lecturer in law at the National University of Ireland, Galway and Senior Lecturer in Cardiff University, Wales. She has also lectured in Trinity College Dublin (2006 - 2007) and worked in the Irish Law Reform Commission where she wrote the Report on Privity of Contract and Third Party Rights. Cliona joined the Sutherland School of Law in September 2015.

About The Host:

Sophie McDermott completed her undergraduate degree in History and Politics at Newcastle University in 2018, after which the embarked on a somewhat diverse early career path. From serving as a Sabbatical Officer at Newcastle University, to joining a graduate program at a design engineering firm in London in 2019, Sophie's experiences provided her with a unique perspective and a passion for exploring new horizons.

Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic in 2020, Sophie found herself in Ireland, where she discovered her unexpected calling in law. Encouraged to pursue further studies, she enrolled in the Masters in Common Law program at UCD, graduating in 2023. It was during this transformative period that Sophie launched her TikTok channel "That Very Bad Law Student." Through engaging and light-hearted videos, she shared her journey of navigating the complexities of legal education, including conquering the FE1 exams, navigating internships and traineeships, and offering invaluable advice to fellow law students.

Artwork: Helena Egri
Music: Keith Fennell

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Find out more about the podcast at www.thatverybadlawstudent.com