Inspiring learning, BHP Law’s David Birks and Nagina Hussain

4th Mar 2011

AN ex-policeman who was run over in the line of duty has been inspiring the next generation of lawyers with how he turned near tragedy to his advantage.

David Birks, a partner at BHP Law, was a police constable with North Yorkshire police when he was hit by a car, pinned against a wall and ended up with a camper van on his back, crushing his spine.

The horrific accident forced him to re-evaluate his life and he spent five years at night school training to be a lawyer.

Today he is one of the region’s top commercial litigators and a partner with North-East legal firm BHP Law.

The 46-year-old, of Bedale, was joined by his colleague, commercial and agricultural property Solicitor Nagina Hussain, of Middlesbrough, at student conference staged by Teesside University’s law department.

Both graduates of Teesside University, they told students from across the country about their experiences since graduating, offering them an insight into the profession.

“At the age of the 35 it was daunting going back to study after so long out of the educational environment,” David said.

“It was a big step but very rewarding. I worked during the day for the Police and then Trading Standards then two nights a week I would go to university. Depending on my shifts, sometimes I would work, study, then work again. But the facilities and support were fantastic and helped me get through the five years.”

After starting his law course in 1996, he completed it in 2001, secured a training contract in 2002 and qualified two years later when he joined BHP Law.

After three years as a solicitor he became a partner and now heads the corporate recovery department.

He told students that a law degree opened up many career opportunities, not all in the legal profession. Some of his colleagues had furthered their careers in the police force instead.

“In the current climate there are no guarantees that any degree on its own will get you a job in any profession,” he said. “But with the right attitude and if you shine, you increase the chances of being successful.”

He urged the students to try and get as much work experience in a law firm as quickly as possible as that carried great weight with potential employers.

“I had never worked in a law practice and didn’t know what it was like,” he said. “Going into the environment is fantastic because you see what is going on. But you need to get in early because there are only a limited number of places available.”

First year Teesside University law student Amy Montgomery said she had found the session useful and planned to approach BHP Law for a possible work placement.

The 26-year-old mother of two, of Billingham, said: “It is great to be given a true insight into the profession by people actually working in it. Hopefully the day will also give us useful contacts which will help us in the future.”