Saad Butt
Why did you choose to study at City?
As I walked through St John's Street for my open day last summer, I knew this was the place where I wanted to spend the next few years of my life. So much history, the list of notable alumni is fulfilling alone.
The experience I had that day was phenomenal. The hustle and bustle, the aromas of different cuisine, the diversity, it was all out of this world. The prime reason was because of its stellar employment prospects and its links with the industry. This is because in the end I don't just want to graduate with a Law degree, but a degree from City which not only gives me the knowledge but also prepares me to apply it to the real world. The academic staff profile was also outstanding and as they say "proof of the pudding is in the eating", it definitely tastes sweet here. City was the only University that gave me an unconditional offer. Just this fact alone singled it out as I felt someone finally had faith in me. This definitely won me over and I willingly accepted it as my firm choice.
What attracted you to the course?
I have always been fascinated by legal activity, whether a Barrister is representing his client, a Police officer enforcing the law or Members of Parliament debating a motion. Having achieved a high A grade for A level Sociology, it was always between that and Law. In the end, my keen interest in the interpretation and application of Law to society won.
As for the City LLB, it is varied. Some of the lecturers even write the text books that not only us here, but most students up and down the country, use regularly. There is Catherine Elliot for English Legal System and Criminal Law and Ian Loveland for Constitutional, Administrative and Human Rights Law and these are just to name two! Not only that though. Most lecturers and tutors are professionals in their field and some also still practice. The latter bit is useful for students in terms of career planning.
What do you enjoy most about the course?
The tutorials! The link between lectures and tutorials is fantastic. The scholarly atmosphere that is created by students participating is second to none. You get to appreciate the wider issues whilst acknowledging the rules and their application in order to draw your own conclusions.
What are the best aspects of City University London?
Too many to name, the buzz; international culture; links with industry; student life; involvement in community initiatives; careers service and facilities.
Have you gained any work experience through the University?
I have just completed an insightful and stimulating one week placement with Berwin Leighton Paisner, a premier City law firm. This was through the Legal Launch Pad programme of the Black Lawyer's Directory, something I was involved via City. The placement allowed me to take part in workshops, social activities and a mock interview as well as teaching me new things and enhancing my research skills.
Would you recommend City University London and the course to other students? If so, why?
The lecturers and tutors are really down to earth and will go out of their way to offer help. The work life balance between lectures, tutorials and assignments is also fantastic! People are genuinely very friendly and the course is tailored in such a way that it works perfectly in layers so that what you learn later is developing on what you have been taught. There is no extra material. We are only taught what we need to know. There are also smaller tutorial classes as only about 120 students are taken on each year compared to the 400s in most Universities. The online resources such as Law Bore are fantastic and there is plenty to be involved in.
What do you feel you have gained thanks to studying at City?
The mentoring scheme I was involved in has allowed me to mature as a person. I have a greater respect for diversity whilst being knowledgeable and confident about myself. My aspirations have also sky rocketed.
What has been your most memorable experience at City to date?
Passing my Criminal Law exam after having to run from Holborn to Angel station because of a train failure. I arrived 15 minutes into the exam. The invigilator was accommodating but I was given no extra time. Moral of the story, leave as early as you can.
What would be your advice for someone considering enrolling on a similar course?
Research, research and research. It is never too early. Decide what you want to do and why and then do it.
