Elizabeth Hope

Name: Elizabeth Hope

Years attended DCHS: 1999 to 2004

“I was always told that if you want a long and successful career you should do something you love.“

Where am I now? I am currently an Associate Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya in London and prior to that I was a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, also in London.

What previous occupations have I had? Lawyer (specialising in white collar crime and contentious financial services). I represent individuals (usually working in senior positions in the banking industry) and companies subject to criminal and/or regulatory investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority and/or Serious Fraud Office.

What were your favourite subjects and memories? English literature, art and classical civilisation were my favourite subjects. I have too many happy memories to list them all! I remember being very excited to start sixth-form as it meant I could use the common room. I loved my classes in bailiffgate, the narrow staircases and big windows gave the building a lot of charm… though the walk back to main school always seemed to take an age.

What did you do after leaving DCHS? I attended university and then undertook postgraduate professional qualifications in order to qualify as a solicitor.

What careers advice would you give a current student of DCHS now? Think hard about what you might enjoy doing for a living. I was always told that if you want a long and successful career you should do something you love. I would suggest getting as much work experience as possible so you get a taste of lots of different things. Take each opportunity that’s presented to you, even if it scares you a little bit!

Ultimately just do your best and the hard work will pay off.