Meet James O’Reilly, a final-year Law student at Essex who didn’t expect that signing up for a few socials would lead to becoming President of the Essex Law Society. In this Q&A, James shares how getting involved opened doors to leadership, professional development, and lasting friendships and why he thinks every student, no matter their degree, should consider joining.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey so far at Essex?
Hi everyone, my name is James O’Reilly, and I’m currently in going into my final year studying Law at Essex Law School. Over the past two years, I’ve been fortunate to get involved in a range of opportunities at Essex, from competing in moots and client interviewing competitions to volunteering with the Essex Law Clinic. Each experience has taught me something new and they’ve all helped shape my journey so far
What inspired you to get involved with the Essex Law Society?
I actually didn’t join the Essex Law Society until my second year because none of my friends had joined in first year. When we all signed up together in second year, it was mainly to go along to the socials and take part in the workshops and events. Looking back, I wish I had joined earlier, because the Society offers so many opportunities. For anyone interested in law, it’s a fantastic way to build skills, make connections and explore career options and even if you just want to meet new people, it’s still a brilliant community to be part of. What started out as simply joining to attend socials has now led to me being elected President just six months later, which shows how many doors the Society can open if you get involved.
What are you most excited about as the new President of the Essex Law Society?
I’m most excited about the chance to build on the Society’s legacy and take it even further. My goal is to make the Essex Law Society not just a community for our members, but also a platform that showcases our talent to the wider legal profession.
I’m particularly excited about creating new opportunities for our members, from inviting legal professionals for keynote talks and establishing mentoring schemes, to building stronger connections with alumni. Securing sponsorships will also allow us to make membership and the Law Ball more affordable, while a larger budget will give us the chance to host more ambitious and engaging events.
I’m also really looking forward to collaborating with other societies across campus, as I believe that working together will make our events even more engaging and give our members the chance to try new things and meet even more people.
Do you have a funny or memorable moment from your time with the Law Society that you'd like to share?
One of my favourite memories has to be last year’s Law Ball. It was a brilliant night with friends and fellow students, celebrating everything we’d achieved over the year. It reminded me that the Law Society isn’t just about professional development, but also about community, friendship, and enjoying the journey together.
What do you love most about being part of Essex Law School or the Essex Law Clinic?
Being part of Essex Law School and the Essex Law Clinic has been hugely rewarding. The Clinic in particular has given me the chance to work on real cases, develop practical legal skills and see the impact that good legal advice can have on people’s lives. I’m currently a platinum member and I’ll be stepping up as a Firm Manager, I’m really excited about the chance to take on a leadership role where I can use my two years of experience in the Clinic to support and guide other students. It’s a great opportunity to give back while also developing the leadership, problem-solving and client-focused skills that will be invaluable as I work towards qualifying as a solicitor.
What are your plans after graduation, and how has your time at Essex influenced them?
Looking ahead, my ambition is to qualify as a solicitor in a commercial law firm. My time at Essex has given me the confidence that I have what it takes to succeed. Through my studies, I’ve built a strong foundation in legal theory, while my work in the Law Clinic has shown me how that knowledge can be applied to real clients and real problems. Leading a project within the Clinic gave me the chance to take responsibility, guide others and develop transferable skills that I know will serve me well in practice. Together, these experiences have not only confirmed that this is the right career path for me, but also given me the belief and determination to pursue it.
What advice would you give to students who want to get involved with the Essex Law Society?
No matter what degree you are studying at Essex, especially if you’re unsure about your future career, I would highly recommend joining the Essex Law Society. Even if your main goal is simply to meet new people and occasionally enjoy free pizza, it’s a great way to get involved in the student community.
For those interested in a career in law, joining the Society is an invaluable step and you never know where it might take you. When I joined in October last year, I never imagined that just six months later I would be elected as President. The opportunities, experiences, and connections you gain through the Society can be truly transformative, so I’d encourage anyone with an interest in law to get involved.
If you'd like to join the Society, find them at this year's Freshers' Fair, check out their SU page, or follow them on Instagram @essexlawsociety.
