Before I could start my LLB Law & Legislative Studies degree course at Hull University I had to submit a Personal

Statement as part of my application. I have placed this statement for potential voters to read because I feel it shows skills and qualifications that would make me ideally suited to the task of being the new Law Society President. Since writing this statement, I completed my access to HE course with distinctions in every one of my 17 modules, gaining a scholarship upon entry to the University. Amanda Riley

AMANDA RILEY - PERSONAL STATEMENT ! ! The court room hung with baited breath, INNOCENT was the word whispered by the jury spokesperson, a roar went up and Amanda Riley had against all odds won another case. This was a court room scene conjured up in the mind of a 9 year old girl in the front room of her parents house with dad press-ganged into being a judge and younger sister somewhat reluctantly made to stand trial. From a very young age I wanted to be a barrister, when my friends were playing with dolls I was sat in a mock courtroom defending my brother or sister. My parents are working class and universities and higher education was never really an option. It was another world back in the 70s and the Winter of Discontent made a big impression on me as a 12-year-old girl and I wanted to play a part in the making of social policies. However the reality was that girls from my council estate did not become barristers and I had to bury this desire and passion, and it has simmered inside of me for over 30 years. Now with 2 grown up children I feel that I am in a position to fulfil these early ambitions. I am well studied, honest, caring and tolerant with a devoted husband who will support me every step of the way. I have a successful worldwide singing career that will help underpin my finances and I have my own charity Autism Unseen that raises awareness for children and young adults with unseen disabilities, which I promote around the world. I have already committed to the process of attending the University of Hull by enrolling upon a full time access to HE course. I have adapted my singing work to weekends and have thrown myself back into full time study with vigour and enthusiasm. I am a conscientious and independent student, I have had fabulous feedback from my tutors, 100% attendance and I am on course for distinctions and merits across the board.

I have had discussions with my local MP Nic Dakin and will hopefully be working as a volunteer staff member both in his Scunthorpe constituency and at Westminster. To undertake this degree course is not a whim or a passion of vanity, it is a calling and a desire to make a difference. My youngest son Charlie is 19 years old and severely autistic and since he was 3 years old I have had to fight numerous injustices within the legal system with regard disabilities. I had to represent my son at a tribunal in front of a panel of lawyers, doctors and social workers and I won my case. This win did not come easily; it required careful preparation, organizational skills and an ability to communicate. It took determination, concentration and hundreds of hours of research and study, looking at various legal arguments and past precedents to find a way to tackle a system that is inherently flawed. At 46 years of age you may ask, what can I bring to the table. I believe I have the necessary skill sets to make a great barrister; I am forward thinking, dedicated, focused, driven and articulate, with a passion for learning and high aspirations. I appreciate that the degree course I am seeking is limited and the demand for it will be high. I will fight to secure this place; I will offer responsibility, confidence, integrity, maturity to my fellow students, a competitive spirit and knowledge of life that can only be achieved through age. I want to be that person that can make a difference, I want to be a barrister specialising in disability law, I want to be involved in parliament and help create a disability system that is fair, I want to help make laws that work and more than anything I want to see the faces of parents and children when I have made that difference. In conclusion, one would think that the path to being a barrister starts here with my personal statement and application to UCAS, the reality is that my path started 37 years ago, when I was 9 years old in the front room of my parents house when I successfully defended my younger sister. !