Icenian Interview: Carla Morphett, Family Solicitor

What year did you begin and leave Langley?

2005 – 2010

If applicable, which A-Levels did you gain?

English Literature, Maths, Law and Psychology

During your time at Langley, did you know what career you wanted to pursue?

When I chose my GCSEs I planned to pursue a creative career like game design or architecture but I did a bit of a U-turn when I chose my A-Levels and had my sights fixed on a legal career. I wasn’t sure exactly what that would look like at the time but after completing a couple of work placements at local law firms I knew I enjoyed helping people and through my studies I found family law was a natural fit.

Which extra-curricular activities were you involved in and have they been useful, for example helping with transferable skills?

I will be the first to admit I was in no way a talented sportsperson at school but I got involved with netball and hockey which I still found hugely beneficial because you get to meet and socialise with different groups of people. You learn at an early stage that you can only be successful as a team if you work together and support each other. I also participated in the school debating society which was the first real introduction to negotiating and public speaking. It’s an excellent skill to have regardless of the career you decide to pursue.

Have these activities helped you since school, for example via transferable skills?

Absolutely. Playing sport and other school activities that nudged me out of my comfort zone helped tremendously with increasing my self-confidence and self-belief. There will be times after school when you might feel out of your depth but the more used to that feeling you get and the more confident you are in your own abilities, the better equipped you will be to deal with it.

If you went, what did you study at university?

Law LLB.

If you’re working, how did your career begin?

I followed the traditional route into law by completing a law degree, then my Legal Practice Course (LPC) and then a 2-year training contract before qualifying – and I have been practising family law since then. There have been a lot of positive changes since I went through this process and now there are so many different routes into law which makes it much more accessible for aspiring lawyers.

So far, what have been your post-school highlights (in your career, onwards studies, family, travel etc.)?

Meeting my future husband at work and having since travelled together to some amazing places. We are due to get married later this year which will be one of the biggest highlights to look forward to! Completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and the Fan Dance (Pen-Y-Fan) challenge in respectable times – considering I was one of those students who refused to run the cross-county route at school!

One of my career highlights is probably having the courage to move firms and pursue a completely unique job role which has allowed me to utilise my creative brain whilst continuing to practice as a lawyer.

On reflection, did your time at Langley help your attitude towards career choices and progression?

Yes – Langley was a wonderfully supportive environment offering lots of opportunities which helped me figure out what I was interested in and how I could shape that into a career. Langley felt like a safe environment where I could push myself and grow, and ultimately helped me feel prepared for the future.

What advice would you give to students considering Langley, their A-Levels or careers?

Choose to study something you are genuinely interested in and enjoy. It’s a bit of a cliché, and I was told this at the time too, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

Your fondest memory of Langley?

There’s so many to choose from it’s difficult to name just one! The common theme when I look back is the people though. I feel very lucky to have made lifelong friendships from school and to have been taught by some incredible and inspiring teachers.

Any final thoughts, shout-outs or people you would like to see complete this form in the near future (we will try and track them down!)?

Thank you for inviting me to complete this – hopefully students and prospective students will find it somewhat helpful!

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