Qualified English & French Solicitor (UCL 1st Class) | Expert Law Tutor for Undergraduates & GDL

Find out more about Gabrielle

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My interest in law first developed a few years ago when I was invited to watch my uncle's friend, a DC attorney, in action. For a few very privileged hours, I was able to witness first-hand the complexities, intricacies and subtleties of the American judicial system. As I sought to further my burgeoning interest in systems of law, I stumbled upon Robert Badinter's book, L'Abolition, which recounts the lawyer's courageous fight against the death penalty in France. The book, along with my internship at an all-women Parisian law firm, helped me to understand that the legal profession is not necessarily just about defending people, but also about defending rights and values, and notably the right to be judged as a human being responsible for his actions. For me, the protection of this fundamental right is one foundation in the building of a healthy, democratic society.
  My interest in tutoring dates back to my high school years, during which I punctually worked with middle school and high school students with academic difficulties, helping them to acquire methodology and encouraging them to attain their academic potential. My high school summers have been dedicated to volunteering at math and art camps near Washington, DC. I have also spent two years working as a volunteer violin teacher at the Suzuki Music School in Lyon, France. Since university, I have been tutoring students in various subjects and relish the feeling of accomplishment when my students grasp a difficult topic or make notable progress. These experiences have developed my patience, but have also enabled me to acquire certain skills such as designing and conducting classes and organising interactive materials for students to help them learn and be interested in learning.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach French, Spanish, German, undergraduate Law and Violin. As a native English and French speaker and a fluent Spanish and German speaker, I am able to teach students correct pronunciation as well as learning tips to improve their language level. Regarding violin, I have been playing since the age of 3 and continue to learn new techniques and pieces today. Concerning Law, I have graduated with a First Class Law Degree from UCL (University College London) and Paris-II Assas and have achieved a Distinction on my LPC (Legal Practice Course). I will shortly be joining a City Law Firm as a Trainee Solicitor. I am therefore more than happy to speak to students about the route to obtaining a Training Contract.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My high school French literature teacher inspired me to become a better learner and a teacher. His enthusiasm for the subject was contagious and encouraged students to deepen their learning and read outside the syllabus. I hope to inspire the same passion for my subject in my students.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I believe a good tutor should be enthusiastic, empathetic and clear. Passion for the subject is essential so that the student maintains interest in the topic. Enthusiasm toward the student is also important: the tutor should motivate students to reach their goals and congratulate them on their progress. Empathy means the tutor is approachable and the student feels comfortable asking as many questions as they have. It also means patience: the tutor should be non-judgmental and understand that not all students learn the same way and that some may feel stressed or lack confidence. Lastly, clarity is key: the tutor should simplify the material so that the student feels the topic is easy and effortlessly mastered by the end of the session. Clarity also implies the willingness to explain the material in different ways, depending on each student's learning style.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  A couple of years ago, a student of mine had been predicted a C by his teacher for his GCSE in German and suffered from low confidence in the subject. I tutored this student biweekly for six months, focusing on strengthening all key aspects of the language: grammar, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, speaking… I also tried to create enthusiasm for the subject, by combining traditional teaching methods with more interactive ones, such as listening to pop songs and analysing them. After my tutoring sessions, my student obtained an A* on his German GCSE and his parents referred me to the other parents in the student's German class.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Languages, violin and law are all areas in which the learning process never ends. I therefore need to find the time to continue to improve my skills in each of these areas.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I am passionate about the violin. I have been playing since the age of 3 and have since joined many youth orchestras, including during university. Today I practice violin at least an hour every day.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  I believe my enthusiasm, clear explanations and empathy for my students make me a Superprof!