Gourav Mittal’s Essex Law School Experience

My name is Gourav Mittal, and I’ve just graduated from the University of Essex with an LLB Law (Hons), achieving an upper second-class degree. Looking back over the past three years, I realise just how much I’ve grown – not only academically, but also personally and professionally. Essex Law School offered me so much more than a degree; it gave me opportunities, friendships, and experiences that have shaped who I am today.

I chose Essex because of its strong reputation for combining theory with practice. The promise of working in the Essex Law Clinic was particularly exciting to me. I knew I wanted a degree where I could test my knowledge in real-world settings, and the Clinic delivered exactly that. Working directly with clients and supporting them with their legal issues was challenging but incredibly rewarding – it reminded me why I wanted to study law in the first place. Alongside this, Essex provided a learning environment where lecturers were approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. That sense of community was one of the things I loved most about being here.

Academically, the course gave me a strong foundation across the core modules, but I especially enjoyed Contract Law and Property Law. These subjects taught me how to think critically about the relationships and frameworks that underpin so much of our daily lives. I found myself drawn to their logic and problem-solving nature, which I know will be useful as I move into my career.

Outside of the classroom, I threw myself into extracurriculars. One of my biggest highlights was joining the Essex Law Society. Initially, I just attended a few events to meet new people, but I quickly realised I wanted to get more involved. Before long, I was part of the executive committee, helping to organise events and create opportunities for members. The society gave me the chance to visit global law firms in London, meet practitioners, and build networks that I’ll carry with me into my career.

There were plenty of fun moments too. A favourite memory has to be when a group of us were invited to record a Rebel podcast. We all assumed it would be a hosted session where someone asked us questions – but when we arrived, it turned out there was no host at all! We suddenly had to come up with our own content on the spot. None of us were prepared, and we ended up laughing our way through it. It’s moments like that which made the experience so memorable.

I also balanced my degree with part-time work on campus, which taught me time management and resilience. On top of this, I was proud to serve as a Campus Ambassador for Aspiring Solicitors, representing the organisation at Essex and participating in their coaching programmes. These experiences gave me invaluable insights into the legal profession and helped me develop the confidence to pursue my career ambitions.

When I look back at my time here, what stands out most are the people and opportunities. The friendships I’ve made, the clients I’ve supported, and the professionals I’ve met have all shaped my journey. Essex gave me the space to learn, grow, and discover where my interests lie.

If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self – or to anyone starting their law degree – it would be to say yes to as much as possible. University isn’t just about lectures and exams; it’s about throwing yourself into societies, networking, and experiences outside the classroom. Those are the things that will make your time unforgettable and set you apart in your future career.

Now that I’ve graduated, my next chapter is still unfolding. I know I want to build a career as a solicitor, and I’m especially interested in contract and property law. But I’m also giving myself the space to explore, to learn more about different areas, and to make the right decision for my career path. For me, that’s part of the excitement – not having all the answers yet, but being open to the opportunities ahead.

Studying at Essex has been an incredible journey. From the Essex Law Clinic to the Essex Law Society, from late nights of study to spontaneous moments of fun, I’ve built memories that I’ll carry with me for life. Most of all, Essex has given me the confidence to take the next step in my career knowing I have a strong foundation to build on.