Search
Coventry University students land jobs with £10million law firm set up by graduate
Jiya Kohli (far left), Esther N'Guessan (second right) and James Bannon (far right) with the judges from Elite Law Solicitors.
University news / Student news
Friday 25 April 2025
Press contact
Three Coventry University students have been offered jobs with a £10million law firm set up by a solicitor who also began his journey at the city centre campus.
James Scozzi, managing partner of Elite Law Solicitors, was so impressed by the students on show during the event, titled The Boss, that he offered paralegal roles to a final-year student and two who are still in their second year of study and won’t graduate until 2026.
The Boss saw students at Coventry Law School carry out a series of tasks and challenges before being judged by James and his colleagues from Elite Law and the students were whittled down to eventual winner Esther N’Guessan.
The post-graduate learner was offered a job as a paralegal with the firm, along with offers to two second-year students - James Bannon and Jiya Kohli - once they graduate in 2026. They will all join Elite Law’s 200-strong team as they begin their journeys into the working world.
This was an amazing experience. I had the best time taking part in such a creative and challenging competition which really pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a real insight into the demands of the legal world.
I’m so proud to have secured a paralegal role with the incredible Elite Law Solicitors. Huge thanks to Coventry University for being such a key part of my journey - this is just the beginning.
Esther N'Guessan, post-graduate law student
The tasks in The Boss tested essential skills for a career in the legal industry including students’ application of legal principles, commercial awareness and negotiation techniques.
It was a very nice surprise – originally all my team were fired (in The Boss). Yet Mr Scozzi provided somebody with the opportunity to come back into the competition and I was very fortunate enough to do so.
It can seem hard to open the door to a legal pathway but thanks to Elite Law Solicitors and Coventry University, who have a real practical focus in their modules and curriculum, it’s taken some of the pressure off me and inspired me to get an even better law degree.
It’s inspirational that a Coventry University graduate is running their own law firm because it speaks to my own aspiration moving forward. It shows that it is possible and achievable.
James Bannon, second year law student
I was really, really happy to be offered a paralegal role, especially within law, as it’s very competitive to get experience in a role like this. I’d worked really hard throughout the whole day so I’m glad it all paid off.
It’s very exciting to be given this role and to think what the future holds. I want to ultimately become a solicitor and this stepping stone with Elite has definitely helped me begin that journey.
Jiya Kohli, second year law student
James Scozzi, managing partner at Elite Law Solicitors
As a law firm we believe strongly in giving back to the legal community and helping shape future leaders of the profession. It’s incredibly rewarding to be involved with The Boss - not only does it give students a chance to secure a paralegal position at Elite but it also allows them to develop crucial skills such as teamwork, due diligence and problem-solving in a practical, engaging way.
The winning students represent the future of the legal industry and we’re committed to doing all we can to support their transition into professional practice. We see real promise in these young minds and are proud to play a part in their journey.
James Scozzi, managing partner of Elite Law Solicitors
The Boss was, as always, a wonderful reminder of how brilliant our students are. Employability is at the heart of everything we do at Coventry Law School and this offers students the chance to kick-start their legal career.
Law is a competitive field and this event is a fantastic opportunity to get expert feedback on their CVs and interview techniques. We are incredibly proud of the students who took part and are delighted for those who were offered the paralegal roles.
Thank you to Elite Law Solicitors especially to James Scozzi, who was once a student at Coventry Law School, for offering this opportunity.
Kelly Cartlidge, Associate Head of Coventry Law School
Find out more about Coventry Law School.
