Former Head Girl, Stephanie Jedy Agba (C22), shares her insights on how her time at Downside shaped her career ambitions, leading to an internship at the law firm White & Case in Paris.
‘I am in my final year at the University of Exeter studying LLB Law with proficiency in Spanish. During my seven years at Downside, I encountered so many people from all over the world, and this international community significantly impacted my career aspirations. Growing up in a community where cultural exchange was the norm, I was inevitably drawn towards a law career that would allow me to appreciate the complexities of international disputes and transactions. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in Commercial Law, with a keen interest in International Arbitration. I am so grateful that Downside allowed me to actualise my career ambitions by participating in activities such as the Mock Trial competition and co-chairing the Abingdon Society.
Because of this, I sought out an internship at a law firm renowned for its practice in International Arbitration and was drawn towards White & Case whose practice has been placed at the top by numerous legal directories including Chambers Global and The Legal 500, and who pride themselves on having a truly international firm.
During my two-month internship at White & Case in Paris, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside a world-class team on some complex and fascinating cases in the field. I was able to put my linguistic skills to good use when tasked with translating legal documents and client correspondence from Spanish to English and vice versa. The experience not only deepened my understanding of International Arbitration but also sharpened my skills in legal research, case analysis, and cross-border dispute resolution. I am truly grateful to the entire community at Downside for playing such a pivotal role in shaping my career path. Downside didn’t just foster my academic growth, it also provided me with the tools, resources, and guidance to turn my aspirations into reality.
I look forward to the next chapter as I complete my undergraduate studies and begin preparations to undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). I will continue to apply what I have learnt at White & Case as I progress towards a career in Commercial Law.’