Last week, students from Years 10 to 13 were given a fantastic opportunity to hear from former Great Sankey High School pupil Jessica Wilson, an accomplished criminal lawyer and business owner. Jessica, who has over 15 years of experience in criminal law, recently took a bold step by founding her own legal firm, Eventum Legal, specialising in sexual offence cases. She is one of the first women in the country to start her own legal firm focused on this important area of law.

 

During her visit, Jessica shared her inspiring journey into law, detailing how she carved her own path by choosing to qualify through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), an alternative route to law that is becoming increasingly popular. She encouraged students to consider the variety of pathways available in the legal field, explaining that it’s not always necessary to follow the traditional route of university and law school.

 

Jessica’s passion for law, particularly in supporting those who are wrongly accused, was evident throughout her talk. She discussed her dedication to providing first-class legal services to individuals who need support during challenging times, especially when it comes to sensitive cases involving young people. Her firm, Eventum Legal, offers unique services aimed at those facing accusations, regardless of their background or the nature of the allegations.

 

One of the key messages Jessica conveyed was the importance of prevention and education, especially with today’s challenges around social media and online activity. She spoke of her passion for educating young people on their legal rights and responsibilities, particularly in the area of youth sexual offences. She highlighted how young people often don’t realise the criminal implications of their actions, such as sharing inappropriate images, and stressed the importance of understanding the law from an early age.

 

Jessica’s story is truly inspiring, as she worked her way up through various law firms across the north of England before deciding to take the leap and start her own practice. She spoke openly about the challenges and rewards of setting up a business, noting how it was both exciting and daunting to open Eventum Legal. Her dedication to her clients, especially those in difficult circumstances, shines through in her work, and her success in establishing her own firm serves as an incredible example of what can be achieved with determination and hard work.

 

Her visit left students feeling motivated and inspired about the many opportunities available to them in law. They were encouraged to think about the various routes they could take to achieve their goals and were reminded that success is possible with perseverance.

 

We are incredibly proud of Jessica and all that she has achieved. Her talk not only provided invaluable insight into the legal profession but also showed students that with dedication and the right mindset, they can reach their career goals—whatever path they choose to follow.

 

A huge thank you to Jessica for taking the time to return to Great Sankey High School and share her story with us. We are certain that her journey will continue to inspire students for years to come.