Network75 Launches Future Legal Career as Natasha Bolton Graduates with First-Class Honours and Wins Prestigious Sir Samuel Evans Prize
A talented Network 75 apprentice at JNP Legal being recognised as one of Wales’ most outstanding law graduates after winning the prestigious Sir Samuel Evans Prize at last week’s Legal Wales Conference. Natasha Bolton, who has combined her studies at the the University of South Wales with hands on experience through the Network 75 programme, received the award after being nominated as the university's highest-scoring LLB student for 2025/26. . Five years later, she has graduated with First-Class Honours in Law, secured a training contract with JNP Legal and is preparing for the next stage of her journey towards qualification as a solicitor.
Natasha's achievements were formally recognised at the Legal Wales Conference, where she was presented with the Sir Samuel Evans Prize by The Lady Chief Justice, The Right Honourable Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill. Bringing together nominations from universities across Wales, the award recognises the country's most outstanding LLB graduate each year and includes a £2,000 prize.
Choosing a Different Path
Natasha first became aware of Network75 as a teenager through her father, who had mentored a student on the programme and spoke highly of the opportunities it provided. Encouraged to explore the option for herself, Natasha looked into the programme and quickly saw it as a route she wanted to pursue.
Unlike the traditional university experience, Network75 offered Natasha the opportunity to gain a degree while earning a salary, building professional experience and developing the skills employers are looking for. The programme also gave her the opportunity to explore a legal career while studying, helping her make an informed decision about her future.
Reflecting on her decision to join the programme, Natasha said:
“I was never particularly interested in moving away for university or having the typical university experience and was more concerned about employability after the degree and whether I would end up in a career I enjoyed. Network75 granted me the opportunity to almost test the career whilst studying, so I could be sure of my post-graduate path.”
Combining Academic Study with Real-World Experience
Network75 enables students to combine university study with paid employment, creating a powerful link between academic learning and practical workplace experience.
For Natasha, that meant joining JNP Legal in September 2021 and gaining experience across several departments, including Client Services, Accounts, Lifetime Planning and Civil Litigation. Throughout her five years on the programme, she was able to apply what she learned at university directly in the workplace while using her day-to-day experiences to enrich her academic studies.
Today, Natasha works within the firm's Civil Litigation team, supporting matters including personal injury, clinical negligence, contested probate, boundary disputes and debt recovery.
Speaking about the benefits of combining work and study, she said:
“I was able to use the skills taught in university to assist with my work, and the tasks I had done at JNP Legal helped me with university assignments. The support network that was created was second to none.”
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Alongside her role at JNP Legal, Natasha embraced opportunities available through the University of South Wales, including spending time in the University's pro bono Legal Advice Clinic. There, she applied the practical skills she had developed in the workplace to support members of the public while gaining valuable experience in client-facing legal work.
Adam Collins, Lecturer in Law at the University of South Wales, said:
“We are very proud of Natasha at the University of South Wales. Natasha graduated with first-class honours, having been an outstanding student who constantly demonstrated academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and an extraordinary commitment to her studies and future legal career. Natasha took full advantage of the opportunities at the University of South Wales, such as assisting in our pro bono Legal Advice Clinic, demonstrating a commitment to furthering access to justice.”
Benefits for Students and Employers
Natasha's success highlights the unique value of the Network75 model for both students and employers.
For students, the programme provides the opportunity to graduate with a degree, significant industry experience, professional networks and a clear career direction. By the time Natasha completed her studies, she had already accumulated five years of experience within a leading law firm, giving her a strong foundation for her future career.
For employers, Network75 offers the opportunity to identify and develop emerging talent from an early stage, helping students build industry-specific knowledge while contributing to the organisation throughout their studies. Natasha's journey through multiple departments at JNP Legal demonstrates how employers can shape and support future professionals while benefiting from their growing skills and expertise.
Rebecca Rees, Director and Head of Department for Dispute Resolution, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence at JNP Legal, said:
"Natasha's development over the past five years demonstrates the value of the Network75 programme. It has allowed us to support and develop emerging talent while allowing Natasha to gain practical experience alongside her studies."
Looking Ahead
Following her recent graduation, Natasha will begin a 12-month training contract with JNP Legal in September 2026 while preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), with the ambition of qualifying as a solicitor within the Civil Litigation team.
She will also play a key role in inspiring the next generation of Network75 students. From September 2026, Natasha will mentor new Network75 candidate Kaia Ray, sharing her experiences and helping her navigate the early stages of her career.
Looking back on her journey, Natasha does not doubt that Network75 was the right choice.
“If I were to go back in time, I would never choose a route other than Network75. This journey was perfectly suited to me and gave me everything I hoped for and more.”
Adding to what has already been a remarkable year, Natasha has also been shortlisted in the Employee of the Year category at the Caerphilly Business Club Awards, with the winners set to be announced in November.
Interested in Following Natasha's Path?
Natasha's journey demonstrates the unique opportunities available through Network75. By combining academic study with paid employment, the programme helps students build skills, confidence and professional experience while enabling employers to develop the next generation of talent.
If you're considering university and want to gain valuable industry experience from day one, Network75 could be the perfect route.
Network75 allows students to earn while they learn, develop professional skills, build industry connections and graduate with both a degree and significant workplace experience.
Find out more about Network75 and current opportunities here.