Irish Tony-Awusaku Q&A | The University of Sunderland

Published on 5, August, 2024

Name: Irish Tony-Awusaku

Job/Course: Legal Assistant (Clinical Negligence)

Age: 22 years old

Country of origin: Nigeria

Tell us a little bit about your job/course and what it involves day to day?

I work as a legal assistant in a law firm called Slater and Gordon. I work in the clinical negligence department and we carry out Claimant work. My daily activities differ every day, some days I do a lot of administrative tasks and some days I do more legal tasks. On the admin days, I do a range of administrative tasks: I request medical records from GP surgeries, NHS Trusts, private clinics, and hospitals. I also update the file with limitation dates, court dates and details of anyone involved in the case.

At the start of the case, I make an application for After the Event insurance(ATE) if it is needed on the file. I log invoices to the ledger and type up dictations. I have the opportunity to complete legal tasks. I draft letters of instruction to experts and counsel on the file. I also draft some correspondence to the Defendant and its representative, i.e. Letter of Claim, Letter of Notification or disclosing documents.

What is the best thing about your job/course?

Helping people who have received negligent treatment. From the start of the case to closure and afterwards, we provide a range of help to our clients and I am proud of being able to contribute to making a difference especially if they felt not listened to before coming to us for help. The people as well, I work in a small team of 7 and everyone is so helpful and supportive of each other. I have never felt out of place at work from day 1 and that stands out for me.

How do you think your time at the University of Sunderland has helped/will help you move into your chosen career?

Academically, through the Law School, I was able to achieve more than I thought I could. As an international student, I struggled a bit with the difference in learning structure when I first started and COVID happened as well. But the help I got from my lecturers, I was able to understand that I could do more than I thought I could. I was always able to get feedback on my assessment/workshop assignments as well and during seminars, I could ask questions on anything I did not understand.

My friends played a big role in my academics as well, group study and being with people with the same mindset helped me get involved in mooting competitions and client interviewing competitions. The law school introduced me to networking which I use during business development events at work. The law school helped me realise that in addition to practising, I have a passion for academia as well, so I am hoping to return for my PhD.

What made you pick to come to the University of Sunderland?

My older sister was a student already at the University and she was enjoying her time here. She told me about working as an ambassador at the University, the diversity and living by the beach. I loved the facilities that the law school provided (the moot court) and I looked forward to making friends from all over the world (which I most definitely did at university).

What did/do you enjoy most about your time at the University of Sunderland - and what did/do you enjoy least?

I enjoyed the different communities I was able to be part of and involved in. The students union for example, one year I was part of the K-pop society and we went to Flamingo Land together which was absolutely great and I enjoyed that.

I had friends from different countries and we would have potlucks so I got to try foods from all over. Also being a student ambassador, it was such a pleasure to be involved in different departments of the University, tell people about the University on open days or just helping a current student navigate the University as a student buddy.

As an international student, did you find the University/city welcoming?

I was a few weeks late for university because of visa issues, my Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) was so helpful. She helped me speak to my lecturers about past lectures and ensured I caught up on anything I had missed. My flatmates were so welcoming, it definitely felt like a family with my flatmates, we had food together, beach trips and just game nights in the flat. This was great because about 4 months after I arrived Covid happened, so it was nice to have that bubble.

What are your hopes for the future in terms of your career?

I am hoping in the next 5-10 years to be a qualified solicitor, I am unsure of what area of law I would like to qualify in but I am hoping to find out during my training contract. I would also like to have completed my PhD. I hope to be able to practice law to help the community and teach law, impacting knowledge.

Has/Did your University experience change you?

My time at university has taught me to always be bold and take the step no matter how scary it may seem. At the law school, picking up networking helped me speak to people in person and on LinkedIn, inquiring about opportunities like work experiences. I was also part of the Catholic Society and being involved in that, I was able to go for retreats, student prayer groups which has enabled me grow and understand my faith better.

Would you consider going back to University in the future?

For sure!!!! I will be back to bag that PhD.

Who are your dream three dinner guests and why?

Jesus Christ: It would be nice to break bread with Him and listen to Him proclaim the Word.

Nnamdi Azikiwe: In light of the current economic and political state of Nigeria, I would like to talk to him about his visions for our country during the fight for independence but also hear about pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria when he was in power.

Bang Chan of Stray Kids: Just so I can fangirl.

Irish was a recipient of the University's Futures Fund Opportunities that she used to visit various courts in London. Find out more about the Futures Fund here.