A student who balanced her degree with running a business and raising a family is set to begin a career in law after winning two university awards.

Nina Bernard, 41, is starting a solicitor apprenticeship with Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, having shown potential during her studies and while working part-time as a legal assistant with the firm for the past year.

Ms Bernard managed to fit her degree around running her beauty business in Cockermouth, working with Cartmell Shepherd two days a week, and looking after her two children.

Her hard work was rewarded when she achieved a first-class honours degree from the University of Cumbria, winning the Oxford University Press Prize for the student who had shown the greatest progress and achievement on the law course, and the Sweet and Maxwell Law Prize for achieving the highest marks.

Ms Bernard said: "The past three years have certainly been busy with all that has been going on, but it’s absolutely worth it when you achieve your goals.

"Working at Cartmell Shepherd as a legal assistant during my final year at university was a brilliant opportunity to get real-life experience which was invaluable to my studies and I’m delighted to take that a step further as a solicitor apprentice."

Ms Bernard has always wanted to study law and decided to pursue her dream when her children started school.

Her interest in family law was sparked at university during a guest lecture by Amy Fallows, head of Cartmell Shepherd’s family law team and a part-time deputy district judge.

Ms Bernard approached Ms Fallows immediately after the presentation and asked if she could do some work experience at the firm, which resulted in the offer of part-time employment.

Ms Bernard is now hopeful of joining Ms Fallows and the family law team at Cartmell Shepherd upon completion of her apprenticeship.

She said: "I was blown away by Amy’s experience and stories of her career, and she is somebody that inspires me.

"She is now going to be my supervisor and mentor during the apprenticeship, and I’m really looking forward to learning more from her knowledge and expertise."

Ms Bernard will split her time working between Cartmell Shepherd’s offices in Carlisle city centre and Cockermouth, in addition to studying remotely one day a week.

Carol O’Donoghue, business development and marketing director at Cartmell Shepherd, said: "Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors creates opportunities for women in law who come to the profession later in life, and we value the extensive experience and commitment they bring.

"We understand the unique challenges and aspirations of women who may have focused on other pursuits or family responsibilities before deciding to enter the legal field.

"The firm is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where women can confidently embark on their legal careers through various routes, and with the right support."

Cartmell Shepherd has welcomed a further three trainees to its team.

Josie Britton will start her training in the dispute resolution team, and Lewis Jackson will train with the business services team at the firm’s office at Viaduct House in Carlisle city centre.

Carolina Brianezi-Melchior has started as a trainee solicitor with the private client team in Brampton.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has seven offices in Rosehill Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Brampton, Hexham, Haltwhistle, Penrith, and Cockermouth.