Louise Asprey

Current Employer/Organisation Name

St John’s Chambers

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

I was called to the Bar in 2007 and I am now a self-employed barrister at St John’s Chambers. My practice includes instructions in personal injury and clinical negligence matters as well as representing interested persons at inquests.

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

I decided when I was nine years old that I wanted to be a barrister. I tested this ambition, with work experience at solicitors firms and mini-pupillages but the Bar came out on top for me! I enjoy, first and foremost the challenge of advocacy. My practice allows me to meet people from very different walks of life and to support them at very challenging times which is hugely rewarding. I enjoy being self-employed as well.

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

I was in the Officer Training Corp.

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

I loved spending a year abroad, in Strasbourg and studying within a civil jurisdiction.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

There were so many opportunities and I have made lifelong friends.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

When I went to an Open Day, Exeter had a far more positive attitude about studying in general. While I was being told how hard it would be to even get in to other universities, I remember speaking to one professor and saying that I really wanted to study abroad but I was not predicted a good result in my French AS-level. I said I was going to spend my gap year in France and was told my French would improve there. The professor was confident I would be able to manage the language element of my chosen degree.

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

On a basic level, I needed the law degree to get to Bar school! The experience of studying abroad made me a far more interesting candidate in interview.

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

Gain as many experiences that you possibly can. Even if they are not directly linked to a career at the Bar, that extra bit of life experience goes a long way!

What are your plans for the future?

To continue at St John’s and continue to develop my practice!