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Alumni

Nick Boorer

Career Path: Committee Clerk, House of Lords
Location: London, UK

I desperately wanted to be a barrister, and I studied incredibly hard for it while at Northumbria. But life doesn’t always go to plan and we all face setbacks - some bigger than others. But making the best of what life throws at you can take you in unusual directions. I never thought I would work in Parliament, but here I am, interacting on a daily basis with some of the biggest names in British politics and seeing politics and government from the inside.

Nick Boorer

What are you doing now?

I am a Committee Clerk in the House of Lords, managing select committees and their inquiries, and drafting their reports. I also work one afternoon/evening a week in the Table Office, drafting the business papers for the following day and advising members on procedural matters.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

It was in Newcastle, which was a city I loved from the time I spent in Durham for my first degree. It also had a fantastic reputation for its CPE course.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?  

It was huge fun studying at Northumbria. There was a good mix of lectures and seminars and the tutors for seminars were brilliant, especially during the academic stages. I remember our criminal law lecturer having us crying with laughter almost every lecture as he used a mixture of fantastic story-telling and carefully selected case law to vividly illustrate key concepts. My cohorts were also small enough for me to be able to get to know most, if not all, of my course mates, which helped build deep and enduring friendships.

What was the best thing about your course?

Too many things - it was just a brilliant time in my life.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

It showed me that I could achieve anything if I tried hard.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Legal knowledge and practice - the ability to understand and interpret legislation, case law, and contracts.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

Everything

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Just go for it and give your all to every part of your time there: study, friendships, socialising, and Newcastle life and culture

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in three words?

Just the best

For more information about me visit:

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