Jack Sullivan

Jack is a Solicitor at Cooper & Co Solicitors and a Specialist Associate Lecturer at Kent Law School. Since graduating from Kent in 2022, he’s qualified via the SQE route and now specialises in animal law. Alongside his legal practice, Jack teaches Property Law and supports future lawyers on their SQE journey. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

My journey into the legal profession began while I was still a student at Kent. During my second year, I secured a part-time weekend role as a paralegal at Cooper & Co Solicitors - a position I balanced alongside my studies. This hands-on experience laid a strong foundation for my career and deepened my passion for legal practice.

After graduating in 2022, I remained at Cooper & Co while preparing for the then newly introduced Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). I was proud to be in one of the first batches of students to sit the SQE, successfully passing both SQE1 and SQE2 on my first attempt. I then transitioned into a full-time role at Cooper & Co, completing the required qualifying work experience to become a solicitor.

In September 2024, I took on an additional role,  returning to Kent as a Specialist Associate Lecturer in Property Law, helping to prepare MLaw students for their own SQE journey. Teaching at my alma mater while continuing to train as a solicitor felt like a full-circle moment.

I officially qualified as a solicitor on 1st March 2025. Today, I continue to practise at Cooper & Co, while also lecturing part-time at Kent. Cooper & Co is a national firm based in the heart of Canterbury. While we offer a range of traditional legal services, our main specialism is animal law, which makes both the firm and the work I do uniquely fulfilling.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Working for a Kent-based firm rather than a London firm allows for a healthy work-life balance, with generally more sociable hours. My day typically begins at 9am in our Canterbury office, often greeted by our office dog - a reminder of the animal-centred ethos that runs through our firm. I typically clock off at around 6pm.

On any given day, I usually have between two to three client appointments. My caseload is varied and fascinating, covering everything from Will drafting to pet custody disputes, animal-related negligence claims, and other matters that combine traditional legal practice with a unique specialism in animal law. I have the opportunity to do as much of my own advocacy as I like. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in a smaller, specialist firm is the level of responsibility and involvement I'm afforded, even as a newly qualified solicitor. I'm actively engaged in shaping the strategic direction of the firm - whether that’s helping to develop partnerships with like-minded corporate organisations (which involves fun trips to animal rescues), planning community engagement initiatives, contributing to thought leadership pieces on animal welfare and the law, or helping drive our national campaigns (such as to have pets legally recognised as family rather than property).

It’s a role that challenges me daily, keeps me growing, and gives me the opportunity to work on matters that genuinely align with my values.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the standout moments in my career so far has been playing a leading role in my firm’s national campaign to have pets legally recognised as family rather than property. This cause lies at the heart of our animal law practice, and being able to contribute in such a public-facing way has been a real privilege.

As part of the campaign, I took part in a number of media appearances to raise awareness of the issue. A particular highlight was appearing on the BBC Breakfast show - alongside my beloved dog, Mimi - which allowed us to share our message with a national audience. In addition to the TV coverage, I also participated in eight radio interviews across the country, using each opportunity to advocate for a more compassionate legal framework when it comes to animals. 

It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how the campaign has sparked public discussion and inspired others to think differently about the status of pets in the eyes of the law.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent played a crucial role in helping me get to where I am today. The university placed a real emphasis on employability and offered so many opportunities to gain practical experience and build professional connections. I took part in mentoring schemes, attended networking events, and regularly went to talks delivered by practising lawyers, all of which gave me a clear picture of the legal world and the different paths available.

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey came when I saw a notice in a student law bulletin circulated by the university. My current boss had posted an advert looking for a student to assist with ad hoc weekend work at Cooper and Co Solicitors. I applied and got the role, which became my first step into legal practice. That opportunity came directly through the university and laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Thanks to the support and opportunities at Kent, I was able to gain experience, build confidence, and secure a role that ultimately led to qualification and a career I am proud of.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Take every opportunity that comes your way. Do not sit back and wait for things to happen. If you see an event on, go to it. If a guest speaker is visiting, be there. Every single chance you get to speak with or be seen by practising lawyers and professionals is valuable.

One of the biggest advantages you have as a student is direct access to these opportunities. Once you leave university, they are much harder to come by. I often see law-related events with poor student attendance, and frankly, there is no excuse for that. You cannot expect to build a legal career without putting yourself out there and making connections early on.

Be proactive, be curious, and take ownership of your journey. The legal profession is competitive, but with the right mindset and a willingness to engage, you will stand out.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

I was very active in student life and made the most of the extracurricular opportunities available to me at Kent.

I was heavily involved with the Kent Law Temple Society, which is the law society for aspiring barristers. In my first year, I attended every event the society held. In my second year, I stepped into the role of Social Secretary, helping to organise events and build a sense of community among our members. By my final year, I had the honour of serving as President of the society, leading the team and helping to create meaningful experiences for students with an interest in advocacy and public speaking.

Outside of law, I was also a dedicated member of the University’s American Football team, the Kent Falcons. I played in every game throughout my time at university and never missed a team social. Balancing academics with extracurriculars was a big part of my student journey, and I believe it helped shape me into a more confident and well-rounded professional.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

One of my favourite memories from my time at Kent was organising the annual Law Ball as President of the Kent Law Temple Society. It was a major event that brought together students, barristers, solicitors, academics and other legal professionals for an evening of celebration, conversation and connection.

After months of planning, seeing the event come to life was an incredible feeling. The venue was packed, the atmosphere was full of excitement and the feedback from everyone who attended was overwhelmingly positive. It was more than just a social gathering. It was a celebration of the Kent law community and a chance for students to engage with professionals in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

It is a memory I will always look back on with pride and a real highlight of my university experience.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

If I had the chance to do it all again, I would definitely get involved with even more of the opportunities Kent had to offer. I like to think I made the most of my time by taking part in a wide range of extracurricular activities, but looking back, there were still areas I wish I had explored further.

In particular, the university offers excellent advocacy competitions and skills-based opportunities that I did not take part in. Darren Weir, the Director of Lawyering Skills, is a tremendous asset to the university and leads a number of outstanding initiatives that give students real-world experience. I now regret not taking full advantage of schemes like outdoor clerking and the additional lawyering skills modules.

Those are the kinds of opportunities that really enhance your development as a future lawyer, and if I could go back, I would absolutely get more involved in them.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

I got married during my second year at university, and my wedding was very well attended by my university friends, many of whom I am still close with today. The friendships I formed at Kent have truly stood the test of time.

I met my best friend during my first year, and we recently started our own business together, which has been an exciting new chapter. Kent was not only the place where I found my career path but also where I built lasting personal and professional relationships.

Returning to the university as a lecturer has also allowed me to stay connected with the academic community. It has been a real privilege to work alongside the lecturers who once taught me and to continue learning from them in a new capacity.

What are your future ambitions?

Looking ahead, I am focused on continuing to build an exciting and meaningful legal practice in Canterbury, with a particular emphasis on contributing to the development of a unique and growing area of law. I am passionate about using my work to make a real difference and to drive positive change, especially in areas that are often overlooked.

In the coming years, I hope to rise to the position of partner at my firm, where I can play an even greater role in shaping our direction and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.

I also want to continue strengthening my connection with Kent through my role as a lecturer. It means a great deal to me to support students who are now where I once was, and to help them believe in what is possible with hard work, ambition and a little bit of courage.