Caius Datt

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Prince Evans Solicitors LLP

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I graduated from the University in 2024 and started as a Trainee Solicitor with my current firm in September 2024, studying part-time alongside my training contract for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examinations) with BPP University.

I passed SQE1 in 2025, SQE2 in May 2026, and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in August 2026.

I am now a Solicitor in the firm’s Litigation Team, taking instructions in both Civil & Commercial matters, including Company, Insolvency and Construction disputes.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I decided I wanted to become a Solicitor following a week’s work experience with an in-house legal team in a pharmaceutical company. I loved studying the Law, and really enjoyed applying its plethora of rules to real life cases which have stood the test of time.

I love my job because it pays to have a forensic knowledge of cases, and the work is extremely varied. I particularly relish the opportunity to apply that knowledge, through both an analytical and tactical lens, to attempt to achieve the best possible outcome for your client. Sometimes the answer is clear; however, more often than not you’re answering questions that have never been answered before. Most importantly, however, you’re dealing with real people (and their emotions) and achieving outcomes that actually impact people’s lives!

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

Tremough Football Club – 2021 to 2024 (President from 2022 onwards)
Tremough Follies Musical Theatre Society – 2021 to 2024 (as the society’s Musical Director on its various productions)

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The course was truly unique in that it combined the various disciplines in the HASS department. Not only would you study the core law modules, but you would analyse the law through a variety of lenses, be it historical, political, or environmental. The lecturers were of an outstanding quality, and were always on hand to discuss any queries (or just the law in general!).

Aside from contact time with those lecturers, the benefit in studying on such a small campus was the ambitious practical programme the course offered. Not many courses offer students the opportunity to prepare for and advocate at two full hearings (being an employment tribunal and civil trial). I certainly don’t miss the late nights in the library frantically preparing my skeleton argument for the hearing; however, it was a fantastic experience and certainly gave me a taste of what I was letting myself into with a career in litigation.

I always remember Caroline Keenan’s first line to us in my first year – they were training us to be “the most useful individual in any room”, and I really think the course and the staff delivered that goal!

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I loved the location and the tight-knit community in Cornwall, including with Falmouth University. A day would never go by without unintentionally bumping into a familiar face, and Cornwall was generally an area bubbling with creativity and innovation.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

To be honest, because of the University’s reputation (as I applied during the COVID pandemic and never got to look round!).

I would, however, say that I couldn’t have made a better choice in choosing to study at Exeter in Penryn. Yes, the university is fantastic from an academic perspective, but it is also a deeply connected community with fantastic extra-curricular opportunities.

In short, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The practical skills on my course, particularly preparing for the mock hearings. It really compliments the academic side of the law with the practical realities! Aside from the obvious skills of research and time management, as a Solicitor the course taught me to intelligently justify my arguments, prepare Court documents, the importance of attention to detail, the unpredictability of litigation and, most importantly, that there’s always something you haven’t read!

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Consider applying for firms ‘against the grain’ – everyone looks to apply to the top 50 firms, but often the best legal experience you can get is with a slightly smaller firm where you’ll get to experience work in a much wider variety of legal matters.

Also, as difficult as it is, I would strongly recommend balancing studying and working (if you can make it work); it really complements your studies getting to practice the law and procedure on a daily basis!

What are your plans for the future?

To keep learning and developing, and to become an excellent litigator!