Gianna Seglias, Barrister, Brick Court Chambers

Gianna Seglias (LLB Law with German Law, 2020) was called to the Bar in 2024 and is now a practising Barrister at Brick Court Chambers following the successful completion of her pupillage. Before joining the Bar, Gianna worked as a public law caseworker at a leading legal aid firm, and as a research assistant at the Law Commission of England and Wales. During her LLB studies, Gianna was Pro Bono Officer for the UCL Law Society and volunteered for a number of NGOs supporting migrants and refugees. She remains committed to a pro bono practice.

What motivated you to study the LLB Law with German Law degree at UCL Laws?

I began studying law after starting a politics degree and realising that it wasn’t for me. I was attracted to law as it offered both intellectual stimulation and a path towards a vocation that I thought would fulfil me. I chose the degree with German law because I grew up speaking German and wanted to keep open the option of eventually moving back to Europe – and I was excited at the prospect of going abroad! I would recommend a degree with a year abroad to anyone considering one. It’s an amazing opportunity to challenge yourself academically, and to make friends and build community outside the UK.

What was the experience of studying in Germany like?

My year studying abroad in Cologne definitely had a huge impact on me. I initially found the adjustment to a new academic system difficult, and it took me some time to feel comfortable socially, but I ended up having a really great time! Knowing that I can find my feet in an unfamiliar environment has given me the confidence to leave London many times since – including to Berlin for an internship [in 2022 Gianna was the Bonavero Fellow at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights] and to Greece to volunteer in refugee advice services.

Were there any particular professors, modules or extracurricular activities that influenced your personal or professional development?

The public law module in first year with Professor Jeff King was what helped me realise I love public law and want to build a career around it. It was the 2016-2017 academic year, so a hugely exciting time in UK constitutional law with the Miller I judgment coming out – it felt like we were studying a subject that was really alive! I also ended up doing some research work with Professor King that helped me gain confidence in my research and legal analysis skills. This played a large part in helping me feel like I could go on to postgraduate study or become a barrister.

You were Pro Bono Officer for the UCL Law Society while you were studying, and you supported migrants as a casework volunteer and casework intern. What did these experiences entail, and how did they shape you?

The volunteering I did while at UCL was probably the most important thing I did at university. When I started studying, I did not have a good understanding of the role of law in society – either of its potential as a tool for improving peoples’ lives or of its power to entrench existing power relationships in society. Volunteering in advice services not only helped me to understand these things, but was essential in helping me to gain real-life legal skills and allowed me to work with a lot of brilliant people who I would not otherwise have come into contact with as a student. I would encourage every student to become involved in at least one pro bono or community initiative in their time at UCL!

How do you believe your experience at UCL Laws differed from other institutions offering similar programmes?

I found the relatively small sizes of the cohorts at UCL Laws very helpful in facilitating my learning. It feels easier to ask questions in a small tutorial group, and being able to have a personal relationship with both my year group and faculty made the learning environment feel more comfortable and safe.

How has your career path evolved since finishing the LLB, and how did UCL Laws prepare you for this?

After finishing my degree, I spent a year as a research assistant at the Law Commission and then did a graduate degree in law. After that, I did some research work and work in NGOs and also worked as a paralegal in a legal aid form for a while. I started pupillage in September 2024. I still use the knowledge I learned in my undergraduate degree regularly in my work, and particularly staff who taught me on the LLB have been invaluable in advising and encouraging me to go to the Bar.
 

You undertook pupillage at Brick Court Chambers, one of the top chambers in the country. How was this experience?

Pupillage was the most intellectually challenging thing I have ever done. While it was not easy, I am really grateful that I got to spend a year thinking about interesting legal problems and learning from incredible barristers. I spent my year working across Brick Court’s three main areas of practice – public, commercial and competition law. I have done a huge variety of work, from advice work on a human rights treaty to helping to prepare an injunction application in a commercial dispute. I also got to attend hearings in the full range of courts and tribunals, from a travel association members’ appeal tribunal to the Supreme Court!

You recently started tenancy at Brick Court. How are you feeling about this next step in your career?

I am feeling really positive about the chance to build my own practice and feel out what kind of work and day-to-day rhythm suits me. While it is slightly daunting to be self-employed for the first time after existing with a ‘boss’ for so long, the Bar is a really collegiate place and I feel very well-supported by people around me. As I had a non-practising second six I am mostly excited to get into court soon! 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of doing an LLB at UCL Laws?

UCL Laws is a great place to study, and London is one of the most exciting cities in the world!

What careers advice or guidance would you give to current students or recent graduates who are just starting out?

I would advise current students to keep an open mind as to the kind of career they may want to pursue after graduation. When I was an undergraduate student, the careers programme was heavily focussed towards a career in large city firms, and students were encouraged to commit to that path very early on. I would say that while everything feels very urgent when you are an undergraduate student, there is less of a rush to commit to one path than you might think – I started pupillage four years after graduating and I am really happy that I took the time to work out what I wanted to do before jumping in!