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Former student, Conor Jones-Bishop, graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2019 with a degree in LLB (Hons) Law. He now works as an Auditor for one of the country’s biggest banks, and, along the way, was selected to become a scholar of the prestigious Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme. 

“What I really liked about the way you’re taught at Sheffield Hallam is it’s not abstract, it’s not just textbooks, it’s real-life situations and real people.   

“The applied learning elements of the course helped me to gain and develop the skills I use today. It gave me the ability to cut through the noise in real-life situations and taught me how to address the needs of clients.  

“For example, during law clinics at Sheffield Hallam, we would be presented with a case and given all the court documents, media files, evidence – anything that is open. These would be cases that have exhausted appeals and you’re the last line of defence. The fact these are real people and real situations throws you in the deep end, but all the staff are always on hand with support and they’re so passionate about the subject, you never feel isolated or overwhelmed.”  

During his time at Sheffield Hallam, Conor was identified as an outstanding student by the Careers and Employability Service Team and was nominated to join the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme.  

“I was ecstatic when I found out that I was selected, it was complete disbelief.”  

Conor was one of an estimated 60 students from across the UK who were selected for an initial assessment before being chosen as a scholar. Launched in 2013, the scheme addresses the disproportionate under-representation of black men from less socially mobile backgrounds in large law firms. It is aimed at exceptionally talented first-year students at UK universities. Scholars receive a range of benefits including a 15-month development and mentoring programme with activities developed and led by Freshfields lawyers.  

“It was a crazy experience. You worry about imposter syndrome, you worry you’re not smart enough, you worry you won’t make it, but what hit me the most was how much recognition I got from everybody back in Sheffield, from friends and from family. It gave me so much confidence. 

“During the scholarship, you get to see things and have access to work experiences that you never thought you would be able to. I got to do placements with Freshfields, The Bank of England, Goldman Sachs, and AON. The scholarship itself brings along a whole new set of rewards and expectations - I’m now able to help coach new potential Hallam scholars. The scholarship preaches the message of extending the ladder back down, this is something I’ve taken to heart.”  

The combination of his degree and experience on the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme, helped Conor to realise where his future lay. Now, working as an Auditor at the major UK-based commercial bank NatWest, he has big ambitions for the future, whilst still holding a place in his heart for Sheffield Hallam. 

“Having been able to practise my skills throughout my time at university gave me manoeuvrability before graduating, knowing my skills meant I was able to pivot from law to working as an Auditor.  

“The practical and logical elements of my degree and work experiences, such as reviewing and gathering evidence and building cases, helped me to highlight auditing as a career. It’s a great job. Currently, one of my key focuses is technology and trading, working on hedging strategy to make sure we’re not onboarding too much risk whilst working to ensure that policy is being followed. 

“My future ambitions would be to work as an Auditor in financial crime as part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This would involve looking into terrorism financing and money laundering.  

“I still love coming back to Sheffield, I was back recently and did a careers talk to students as part of the Law Alumni Speed Networking event. If I was going to give some advice to future Hallam students; it would be that it’s a great place to be and you’ll be well-supported by knowledgeable, kind and passionate staff.  

“Sometimes you just have to take a leap, it’s what I did with the scholarship, and it’s worth it on the other side – just take the leap!”