Students at a Moston school learned about careers in Criminal Defence when Valentina Oldham from Reeds Solicitors came to deliver a talk in March. 

Around 30 students from St Matthew’s RC High School attended the talk as part of National Careers Week events and listened to Valentina share her journey from leaving school to her successful career today. 

On her recent experience, Valentina said “Coming from a low performing state school which closed down, I wanted to inspire pupils at state schools that they CAN in fact become Lawyers.  The students were shocked but happy when they found out about my education background, that I have worked and continue to work for top law firms. I have been involved in successful media heavy criminal defence cases and I am due to graduate as a Criminal Defence Lawyer upon completion of my final law exams. There are so many students who do not think they have a chance at becoming a Lawyer simply because of where they come from. I want to change that”.

The StateTalking team said “”We owe a huge debt of thanks to Valentina for sharing her time, her story with the students of St. Matthew’s. Her passion for lifting up the next generation of lawyers is so  inspiring, and we’re lucky to have her as part of our network”