Angjelina is a Legal Practice Course (LPC) alumna.
What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?
Unfortunately, Law was not available as an A-Level subject at my Sixth Form, so I applied to study law at university purely due to my interest, own research, and pure passion for the law. I enjoyed my undergraduate studies (LLB) so much that I decided that becoming a solicitor was something I truly wanted. In order to achieve my dream of becoming a solicitor, I knew I would have to pursue postgraduate study through the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
The LPC has allowed me to enhance my skills to become a legal professional and fully equipped me for my future career in the legal industry. Also, I have always been motivated to learn more about the legal industry and wanted to take my knowledge to the next level by tackling more complex issues and learning more about the Law through postgraduate study. It was simply a no-brainer for me to pursue postgraduate study!
What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?
Before applying for a postgraduate degree, I was pursuing undergraduate study (LLB) and working voluntarily as a Pro Bono Student Legal Advisor at the University of London Refugee Law Clinic. I worked pro-bono alongside a supervising barrister to prepare fresh claims for asylum seekers which was an amazing experience that helped me to boost my legal skills.
Why did you choose City?
I chose to study at City, University of London because I really enjoyed studying at City during my undergraduate studies. City is very diverse and there are people from different walks of life, different backgrounds and ages, and it makes studying super interesting when you’re in such a vibrant and diverse atmosphere.
The new Law building is amazing and allows all the Law school students to be under one roof. There is a Law library dedicated to all things you could imagine related to the law and it makes studying even more enjoyable knowing we have a place to go to and feel as part of a community.
How are you funding your studies – did you secure any financial support?
I am funding my studies by myself. In 2020, I launched a small business where I make jewellery inspired by different cultures and countries which empowers people to represent their roots! The small business has since had a lot of success and has allowed me to fund my postgraduate studies.
I did secure some financial support which has helped to make the cost of postgraduate study more affordable. As a City graduate (Undergraduate level), City offered me a 10% graduate loyalty discount on tuition fees when applying for postgraduate study. I was also awarded The City Law School Legal Practice Course Scholarship which is a £1,500 scholarship available to outstanding first-class graduates studying the LPC.
What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?
My favourite module so far has been Media Law. I really enjoy this module as I hope to work as a solicitor in the Media sector of the Legal industry. It is really interesting to learn about the different issues within the field of Media law and so far, I have really enjoyed learning about various types of copyright protection and how to bring about a claim for defamation, etc. As I am doing a LLM in Media law and Practice alongside the LPC, my dissertation will be about Media Law and it will be exploring freedom of expression on social media platforms and the lack of regulation of hate speech.
What opportunities and experiences has City offered you so far?
City has offered me a range of career enhancing events. I have attended many events where City have invited legal professionals to come into the university and host talks and networking events for students. These have given me the opportunity to learn more about what it is like to work as a solicitor in the real world and how to achieve this.
City has also offered me opportunities to develop my skills professionally. For example, I participated in the Micro-Placements Programme which offered me a short work placement and allowed me to add something to my CV to boost my employability. Similarly, I have participated in two mentoring schemes hosted by City where I was offered support by real legal professionals to give me advice for my future legal career. I also took part in City’s Employability Programme and the RAISE Programme which both helped me to gain more knowledge in the law and enhance my CV further!
What are your career plans and how has City prepared you for them?
In the future, I aspire to work as a solicitor ensuring that everyone is treated equally in our society. I have a particular interest in Human Rights, Refugee and Immigration Law and hope to be able work as a solicitor in this area to change the negative stereotypes that haunts refugees and lower income families.
Similarly, I have an interest in Media Law as it is an area which is ever changing and growing. I am extremely interested in all things to do with the media sector, from music to film to journalism and gaming. I hope to be able to work in this field as it really is different, and exciting compared to other traditional aspects of the legal industry.
City has prepared me for my future career plans as studying the LPC has enabled me to develop the legal skills and knowledge needed to become a successful trainee and future solicitor and to take the next steps towards fulfilling my goal!