James Smith
City of Westminster,City of London
Summary
Highly motivated law graduate with a strong grounding in commercial property and corporate law, complemented by practical experience in legal research and document preparation. Demonstrated ability to organise files and support clients with precision and attention to detail. Effective communicator and collaborative team member, committed to gaining practical experience in corporate, litigation, and property law.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Research Administrator
Durham Law School
Durham
2025.01 - 2025.09
- Organised and attended Research Committee meetings, accurately recording minutes and producing clear written summaries for senior academic staff.
- Coordinated research workshops and events, including preparation and distribution of documentation, demonstrating strong organisational skill.
- Maintained spreadsheets tracking research leave applications and REF output reviews, strengthening attention to detail and data management skills.
- Created and updated SharePoint systems and University webpages for research centres and events, ensuring all information was accurate and accessible.
- Delivered employability talks at undergraduate events, demonstrating clear verbal communication and the ability to engage an audience effectively.
Head of Fundraising
Lawyers Without Borders
Durham
2024.09 - 2025.09
- Delivered persuasive presentations and negotiated with local business leaders, securing event funding and developing lasting professional relationships.
- Analysed campaign performance and market data to optimise fundraising strategies, resulting in improved outcomes and demonstrating strong attention to detail.
- Directed a team of volunteers during large-scale events, ensuring effective teamwork and smooth operations.
- Engaged with event participants to enhance their experience, making proactive adjustments to ensure satisfaction and high-quality event delivery.
- Raised a record £1,172 through strategic campaign management and targeted donor engagement.
Vice-President
Durham Guild
Durham
2023.09 - 2024.09
- Managed our free consulting service for local businesses, delivering high-quality support that helped clients achieve and exceed financial goals.
- Led and developed teams by assigning responsibilities aligned with individual strengths and providing constructive feedback.
- Implemented innovative solutions and strategic processes, addressing business challenges and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Established clear organisational objectives and produced reports to track progress, leveraging meticulous data collection and analytical skills.
- Maintained organisational integrity and supported sustainable growth by ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
Head of Mentoring
1-2-1 Tutoring
Durham
2023.09 - 2024.09
- Delivered one-to-one mentoring to students while supervising mentor team to ensure consistent, high-quality tutoring sessions.
- Communicated complex topics clearly and effectively using practical examples and analogies to aid understanding.
- Maximised student retention by providing stimulating learning experiences and adapting learning resources to individual student needs.
- Analysed performance data to strategically align volunteer strengths with student needs, optimising learning outcomes through data-driven methods.
- Achieved a 100% pass rate among mentees, demonstrating the impact of targeted mentoring and support.
Outreach Officer
The Stevo Chronicle
Durham
2022.09 - 2023.09
- Developed relationships with advertisers and writers to increase publication content and revenue streams.
- Spearheaded an innovative advertising strategy targeting Durham University alumni in key companies, negotiating article sponsorships in exchange for linking their graduate recruitment pages.
- Conducted reader survey to identify audience preferences, utilising data to shape editorial decisions and boost reader engagement.
- Proofread and edited articles to ensure accuracy and clarity, demonstrating strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality content.
- Enhanced the publication's visibility, attracting a consistent audience of 288 students each month.
Contract Analyst & Spokesperson
Durham Tenants' Rights Organisation
Durham
2021.09 - 2023.06
- Analysed student tenancy agreements and guided tenants on rights, ensuring understanding of implied contractual terms and termination provisions in property law.
- Conducted detailed legal research on topical property law issues, creating accurate and informative materials tailored for student audiences.
- Delivered 34 presentations on property law topics to large student audiences, enhancing public speaking and presentation skills.
- Facilitated interactive question and answer sessions following presentations, responding to legal queries and encouraging audience engagement.
- Achieved 95% positive feedback in post event surveys, reflecting the ability to communicate complex legal information clearly and effectively.
Compliance Officer
The Ugly Fruit Group
Durham, Oxfordshire
2021.09 - 2023.06
- Negotiated agreements with supermarkets to facilitate the transfer of surplus produce to the organisation for incorporation into our healthy, marketable food products.
- Supervised cooking sessions while ensuring strict adherence to food hygiene regulations, requiring careful oversight and rapid problem solving under time pressure.
- Managed the organisation’s insurance policy and updated documentation with the Food Standards Agency to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Resolved complex food labelling issues through legal research and expert consultation, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Supported the preparation and sale of 6,725 food products on campus, contributing to the organisation’s nomination for the Green Gown Award for Campus Food and Drink.
Education
LLM - International Trade and Commercial Law
Durham University
Durham 2023.09 - 2024.09
LLB - Law
Durham University
Durham 2020.09 - 2023.06
A-Levels -
Egglescliffe Sixth Form College
Stockton-on-Tees 2018.09 - 2020.07
GCSEs -
Egglescliffe School
Stockton-on-Tees 2013.09 - 2018.07
Skills
- Legal research
- Legal drafting
- Commercial awareness
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Organisation and project management
- Communication skills
- Public speaking
- Client engagement
- Leadership
- Team building
- Calm under pressure
Languages
English
Native
German
Intermediate
British Sign Language
Beginner
Affiliations
- Drumming (Grade 6, performs in rock and brass bands)
- Badminton (county level)
- Tennis (county level)
- Football (Sunday league)
- Cooking (leisure)
Timeline
Research Administrator
Durham Law School
2025.01 - 2025.09
Head of Fundraising
Lawyers Without Borders
2024.09 - 2025.09
Vice-President
Durham Guild
2023.09 - 2024.09
Head of Mentoring
1-2-1 Tutoring
2023.09 - 2024.09
LLM - International Trade and Commercial Law
Durham University
2023.09 - 2024.09
Outreach Officer
The Stevo Chronicle
2022.09 - 2023.09
Contract Analyst & Spokesperson
Durham Tenants' Rights Organisation
2021.09 - 2023.06
Compliance Officer
The Ugly Fruit Group
2021.09 - 2023.06
LLB - Law
Durham University
2020.09 - 2023.06
A-Levels -
Egglescliffe Sixth Form College
2018.09 - 2020.07
GCSEs -
Egglescliffe School
2013.09 - 2018.07