Anjalie Astrup-Heber studied the Graduate Entry LLB (GE LLB) programme at The City Law School graduating in 2011.
What is your current role or position? What does it entail?
Head of Compliance. Compliance and risk management support.
Which organisation or organisation type do you work for?
Maritime sector.
What motivated you to pursue the Graduate Entry LLB (GE LLB)?
As a Canadian postgraduate student, I was a looking for a graduate entry LLB program and learnt of the GE LLB Program at City University London.
The main motivators for choosing City’s GE LLB Programme were:
(1) the short-time frame – the GE LLB Programme is a 2 year comprehensive course that covered the core subjects required to qualify as a Solicitor or Barrister in England and Wales, and the opportunity to take electives that were relevant when considering qualifying in Canada and my professional interests. I had the opportunity to take electives in Maritime Law, Banking Law and International Economic Law, which suited my professional goals;
(2) the excellent curriculum was complemented by the professional background and industry connection of the teaching body;
(3) City Law School's reputation and long-standing connection to the legal profession.
What were you doing before studying the Graduate Entry LLB (GE LLB)?
Prior to moving to London, I lived in Toronto. I did my undergraduate studies in Political Economy, as a part-time student and worked full-time as tax specialist/staff accountant with full-service professional firms.
How challenging was the GE LLB after your degree in a different discipline?
The GE LLB is challenging because it is essentially a three-year LLB that must be completed in two years.
The subjects are structured differently with some having tutorial sessions, which give students the opportunity to learn exam answer techniques and get an insight into solving case problems.
Other subjects have in class lectures that has to be complemented with self-study sessions and pre-preparation before lectures. For me, the examination style of the GE LLB was different from political economy.
However, students receive support from the academic and library staff to learn the examination techniques and application of knowledge. I also found that the GE LLB cohort to be a close knit and supportive peer group.
Why did you choose The City Law School to study the GE LLB?
I choose The City Law School to study the GE LLB because of the excellent curriculum, including a wide selection of electives that complemented my interests. The excellent resources the Law School has, and the teaching staff, who were often practitioners, and were willing to mentor students on career opportunities and choices.
The City Law School also has an excellent reputation and long-standing connection to the legal profession.
The City Law School’s offered the possibility of continuing on if you plan to quality to practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
I would describe the City Law School community of students and staff as supportive and encouraging. This is complemented by the availability of excellent resources and access to practitioners that are willing to assist students.
The City Law School library staff provides excellent support both in terms of providing training session on the various databases and educating students on the different resources available.
The professors were available to provide subject matter guidance, and also to mentor students on preparing for a career in law. The Canadian & American Law Society is a supportive community space for students from Canada and the U.S.
How did you find studying in the UK or in London?
Living and studying in London and the UK is an incredible experience. I enjoyed both the academic and professional experiences and networking opportunities.
London is also a great base from which to travel, with regular connections to other major European capitals.
London offers a great selection of restaurants, exhibitions in art, music, or theatre. Boring is not a word that is associated with living and studying in the UK or in London!