Amreen Mussa is an alumna at City in Legal Practice Course.
Why did you choose to study with The City Law School and why the LPC?
Familiarity of the university as I studied the LLB at City - it was an easy transition.
I also attended a networking event prior to deciding whether to study the LPC and the lecturers gave excellent advice which helped me make my decision.
What did you enjoy most about the course and your time at The City Law School?
- Meeting other fellow students on the same or similar path as me.
- Lecture capture was useful if I missed a lecture or to review as part of revision.
- Networking - meeting solicitors from other firms and getting an insight from them in to working life and apply for training contracts
- Boosted my confidence in my skill and ability
Did you utilise the Training Contracts Advisory Service during your time at City? If yes, how did it benefit you?
I arranged an appointment with a TCAS staff member. It was really easy to book an appointment - I contacted her by email. I emailed her a copy of my CV and an application I was completing at the time.
She helped improve my CV and application. She took the time to explain how my CV and application would look to an employer.
She helped me to think about applications from an employer’s point of view, how to make my application stand out, and the process they go through to pick applicants.
I realised I was not showing my full potential - she helped to restructure my CV to highlight my achievements better.
If you applied for a Training Contract, what was the process like and how did you find it?
I was a paralegal before getting my training contract.
Were you involved with any Pro Bono opportunities whilst with The City Law School? If yes, can you tell us more about it and how it may have benefitted you.
I was involved in the City pro bono clinic. I met with a client to take instructions and then fed this back to a supervisor.
I then drafted a letter of advice to the client. It was beneficial in gaining a real life insight into what I would doing on a daily basis as a paralegal/trainee and helped with my drafting skills which included thinking about the type of client I was writing to.
I also assisted in the City Employment Pro Bono Clinic where I sat in a meeting with the client and solicitor and took an attendance note.
This helped to solidify my employment law knowledge which I was studying at the time.
Can you tell us more about what you did once you completed your LPC?
I had my first paralegal job after I finished the LPC (approximately July 2019). I uploaded my CV on various job sites and a recruiter contacted me.
I was employed in the conveyancing department.
What are you doing now? Can you tell us a bit more about your job role and what you do?
I am currently employed as a trainee solicitor working in the family and conveyancing department. Hoping to move to my next seat in wills and probate soon.
Do you have any advice or tips for future LPC students, and those who wish to pursue a career in the legal profession?
The course is beneficial if you want to pursue a career as a solicitor.
You have to be organised and prepared. It is a tough year but you have to start preparing from day one.
Anything else you would like to add?
One thing you can be sure of is City will provide students with any support they need. whether it is during lectures/workshops or during free periods. I always felt like I could go and ask for help.