Adam Furze is the President of the University of Portsmouth Law Society for 2020–2021. He is completing his first year of the Law and Business LLB and is an aspiring Royal Navy barrister.
Before university, Adam spent 6 years in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, rising to Cadet Warrant Officer and completing his first solo glider flight at age 15. He took a gap year working as an administrator at British Car Auctions, a chalet host in Austria and the Events Coordinator for Aerobility, a charity supporting disabled pilots.
Adam has completed judicial marshalling at Guildford County Court, Southampton Employment Tribunal and Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court. He was accepted onto the DLA Piper Insight Scheme earlier this year. Outside university, he serves in the British Army Reserves as a musician in the Army Medical Services Band.
Adam joined the Law Society shortly after arriving at university, first as Wellbeing Champion Coordinator for the Law School, then as a committee member. He applied for the presidency to help students develop professionally and to provide a support network during an increasingly competitive and challenging period for aspiring lawyers.
What sets the society apart
The University of Portsmouth Law Society aims to equip members with the professional and vocational skills not taught in their degree but essential for junior lawyers and young professionals. It also offers a strong social calendar to help members enjoy university life with peers who share similar ambitions.
The society places particular emphasis on widening access. By offering training and development opportunities, it supports students who may not come from university‑educated or legal backgrounds. This helps level the playing field and reduces the pressure of navigating the profession alone. The goal is to make members more employable and less anxious about entering a demanding field.
Professional events and opportunities
The society’s upcoming events include a talk series featuring catastrophic injury barristers, the Head of Reward at BT, Royal Navy barristers, managing partners of regional firms and members of the judiciary. All events provide valuable networking opportunities.
A workshop and masterclass series is being developed on LinkedIn strategy, interview skills, commercial awareness, client negotiation, mooting and public speaking. Mooting opportunities will be expanded throughout the year, recognising its value for both aspiring advocates and non‑advocates.
The society is supporting Aurora New Dawn, a local charity. Fundraising events will range from cake sales to committee members abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower.
Social events
The society’s RAG and Events Secretaries are preparing a varied social calendar, including fancy‑dress nights, bowling, film evenings and wine‑and‑cheese events. The annual Christmas meal and Law Ball remain highlights, offering a formal three‑course dinner, a guest speaker and awards.
Adam’s top three tips for aspiring lawyers
Adam offers three key pieces of advice:
Firstly, do not panic. Law is demanding, both academically and professionally, but manageable with hard work, balance and support.
Secondly, join your university law society early. Networking, securing mini‑pupillages and gaining work experience are easier when started sooner. Law societies also provide essential support.
Thirdly, read. Legal study and practice require extensive reading, and there is no substitute for it. Reading widely enhances knowledge and confidence.
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