Kent Law School alumnus Billy Ng from Hong Kong, now a trainee solicitor in London, returned to Kent this week to speak to current students about diversity and social mobility in the legal profession.
Billy completed his Law LLB degree at Kent in 2015 and is due to qualify, in July. He’s now also working as a Mentor and a Social Mobility Ambassador for the Law Society of England and Wales, helping to raise the profile of fair access to the legal profession in the UK.
Earlier this week Billy spoke to students about the challenges he has faced, particularly as an international student and was keen to encourage students to persevere: ‘Strength lies in differences not in similarities. Despite coming from what some may call a disadvantaged background, we are not at a disadvantage. Make your differences your asset, look into yourselves and be proud of exactly who you are. Perseverance and confidence is key.’
Kent Law School Employability and Career Development Officer Jayne Instone, who organised Billy’s visit, said: ‘Billy inspired students to reach for their goals. He made it clear that it doesn’t matter where you come from, or what obstacles you face, you can succeed if you put in the time and the effort to develop skills and experiences.’
During his time as a student, Billy was actively involved in student life and received both the Chancellor’s Employability Points Award and the Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year Award in May 2015 in recognition of his volunteering and fund-raising efforts. Billy was the Vice Chair of the Kent Law Campaign Student Group and helped raise funds for the £5m project to build the Wigoder Law Building, the building that now houses Kent Law Clinic and the Law School’s mooting programme.
Billy was particularly grateful for the services provided by Kent Law School’s Student Support Team in overcoming his own personal challenges whilst studying his undergraduate degree: ‘Pursuing a Law degree at a top Law School is not meant to be easy. As a result, frankly there were times when homesickness, family expectations, stress induced by work and deadlines, and anxiety of the uncertain future, can take its toll. I will always value and appreciate the assistance and encouragement I received from the Law School, for being understanding and empathetic towards students at difficult times. Without the relentless support, I would not have proudly graduated with a 2.1 at the end.’
After graduating from Kent, Billy was awarded a scholarship which enabled him to complete internships at commercial law firms in Bangalore, India and in Beijing, China. He returned to the UK to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and a LLM in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Law in Guildford before securing a training contract with Carters Solicitors in Pimlico.
After Billy qualifies this summer, he hopes to pursue his dream to become a Higher Court Advocate, representing clients at Crown Courts, High Courts and beyond.