Chantal was supported by the University to balance her studies alongside the demands of being a single mother to her young daughter, who was just three years old when Chantal started her degree, as well as working a weekend job. 

Chantal’s inspiration to pursue a career in family law came from a challenging experience representing herself in a civil matter in court. She was working in financial services and unable to afford legal fees at the time, so decided to study key legislations and procedural rules to represent herself. Encouraged by the positive outcome she achieved, Chantal made the decision to change career path and started the Law with Foundation Year in Legal Issues degree at Leeds Trinity in 2021. 

Chantal said: “Fighting for something so personal, and the feeling I had coming out the other side of it after all the research I did, really sparked something inside me. The realisation that anybody can find themselves in that situation made me think ‘right, this is what I’m being called to do’. I grew up believing university wasn’t for me, but I decided to go for it and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” 

Leeds Trinity uses an integrated approach to tackle outcome disparities among disadvantaged students and implements targeted interventions, such as coaching and personalised support plans.  

Accommodations such as weekly one-to-one tutoring allowed Chantal to keep up with teaching and assignments, helping her develop the knowledge and skills to secure a part-time role at a legal firm specialising in family law during her third year at university. With her coursework now completed, Chantal has been offered the same role full-time, which will allow her to gain further qualifications needed for her long-term goal of becoming a solicitor. 

Chantal said: “I was 28 and having sleepless nights with a child when I started my course, so I wasn’t looking for the ‘typical’ university experience. While others were probably out partying, I just wanted somewhere I could get my head down and get on with things and Leeds Trinity gave me that experience. 

“It was hard, and at times I felt like I wasn’t being a good parent, but I was doing it to give my daughter a good life. Being able to connect with lecturers on a personal level really helped as they knew what sacrifices I was making and made sure support was available. They made it all feel achievable, and now I’m exactly where I want to be. I wouldn't have got this job if I hadn’t studied Law at Leeds Trinity. Day-to-day, I speak to people who are in the same situation I was, and it's amazing to be able to help them.” 

Jess Guth, Head of the Law School at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Chantal is an inspiration to women everywhere. She really impressed me with her ability to juggle her responsibilities and was an excellent student with good contributions, bringing her experience of life into the classroom to help us all see law from different angles. Chantal is a brilliant example of what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.” 

Law at Leeds Trinity University is ranked ninth in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025. 

For more information on courses available in the Law School, visit the University’s Law webpage.