Ian Cargill studied the Law LLB programme at The City Law School graduating in 2019.
What is your current role or position
I am an Associate, Counsel and Attorney-At-Law at the oldest law firm in The Bahamas, Callenders & Co. My areas of practice include commercial and civil litigation, corporate, human rights and constitutional law, maritime and admiralty and banking and finance.
What motivated you to pursue the LLB Law?
After a stint at the Central Bank of The Bahamas where I was introduced to the principles of banking, I embarked on my undergrad studies in Economics because ‘money controls everything’.
In an effort to understand how to analyse money and people’s behaviour towards money, I simultaneously minored in the philosophy of law.
With my interest sufficiently piqued, I walked in my father’s footsteps to become an attorney and set my sights on attending law school and the lifelong pursuit of determining how the law confines the use of money.
I obtained a Bachelor in Economics with a minor in Philosophy of Law, cum laude, from St. John’s University, New York. I then earned a Bachelor of Laws with Upper Second Class Honours from City, University of London and was awarded the subject award in Contract Law Honors.
I received a Master of Law in Banking with a focus on money laundering and anti-terrorist financing and completed my Bar Practitioner Training Course with distinction both at City, University of London. I was called to the Bar of England and Wales and Bahamas Bar in 2021.
What knowledge and skills did the LLB Law help you develop? Which one has been the most useful since you graduated and why?
The LLB Law programme at The City Law School was a crucible for honing a range of invaluable knowledge and skills. Firstly, it equipped me with a profound understanding of legal principles, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning.
This foundational knowledge has been indispensable in my legal career, enabling me to navigate complex cases and provide sound legal counsel from civil and commercial disputes to constitutional cases. Additionally, the programme fostered excellent research and communication skills.
Learning how to conduct thorough legal research and effectively convey complex legal concepts has been instrumental in my day-to-day work as an attorney. However, if I were to pinpoint the single most useful skill, it would be the development of a strong sense of discipline, ethics and a commitment to justice.
The discipline and ethical framework instilled in me during my LLB program has been the guiding light in my career. It has helped me make ethical decisions, uphold the rule of law, and advocate for fairness in a legal system that often faces ethical dilemmas.
In summary, while the LLB Law programme equipped me with a comprehensive set of legal knowledge and skills, the ability to uphold ethical standards and pursue justice has proven to be the most influential and enduring aspect of my education.
Why did you choose The City Law School to study the LLB Law?
Choosing The City Law School to pursue my LLB Law was a decision influenced by several compelling factors. Firstly, London, as one of the world's leading global cities, offered an unparalleled environment for legal education. The cosmopolitan nature of the city provided exposure to diverse legal practices, making it an ideal place to study law.
The City Law School, being an integral part of City, University of London, stood out for its esteemed reputation and commitment to academic excellence. The faculty’s academic credentials and professional experience were impressive, ensuring a high standard of legal education.
The School's dedication to practical learning, including mooting and legal clinic opportunities, offered a real-world perspective that was crucial for preparing for a legal career. Moreover, London's legal landscape, with its proximity to key legal institutions like the Supreme Court and renowned law firms, created unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and professional growth.
This environment was crucial in shaping my legal knowledge and providing hands-on experiences that were instrumental in my career development.
In conclusion, the combination of London's global standing, The City Law School's strong academic reputation, and the wealth of practical opportunities made it an obvious choice for my LLB Law studies. It provided the perfect setting to not only learn the law but also thrive in a dynamic and competitive legal world.
Did you find our London location to be advantageous during your time with us?
Absolutely, the London location of The City Law School was undeniably advantageous during my time there. London is a global epicentre of commerce, law, and finance, and being in such a dynamic and diverse environment greatly enriched my educational experience. Particularly given that I had a degree in Economics at the time.
The City provided access to numerous legal institutions, including courts, law firms, and regulatory bodies, which was immensely beneficial for internships and networking opportunities.
The proximity to these institutions allowed me to gain firsthand exposure to real legal practices and connect with professionals in the field, significantly enhancing my understanding of the legal profession.
Moreover, the multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere of London offered a unique backdrop for personal growth. Interacting with people from all walks of life and various parts of the world broadened my horizons and enriched my perspective, which is a crucial skill for any legal practitioner.
In summary, the London location of The City Law School was a distinct advantage, enabling me to engage in practical experiences, build a valuable network, and develop a global outlook, all of which have been invaluable assets in my legal career.
How would you describe The City Law School community of students and staff? Were you part of a society, or took part in extra-curricular activities while you were studying?
City, University of London has been instrumental in equipping me with the fundamental life skills and abilities that have brought me to where I am today, and I am profoundly grateful for this transformative experience.
My time at The City Law School was, in every sense, a perfect match for my personality and aspirations. It demanded hard work and dedication, but in return, it provided opportunities to develop essential traits like self-discipline and the ability to maintain a balanced life.
The diversity of students at The City Law School created a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences, which fostered a sense of belonging and unity. We were more than just classmates; we were a close-knit family.
Even to this day, I maintain regular contact with many of my friends from the LLB program, some of whom have gone on to become successful attorneys, while others have pursued diverse career paths.
The bonds we formed during our time at City remain strong and meaningful. Our academic pursuits were indeed rigorous, but we also made sure to balance our lives with enjoyable moments on and off campus.
The vibrant social scene and the numerous extracurricular activities, including trips abroad, added depth and colour to our university experience. I was a member of the Canadian American Law Society.
However, I also frequented City Sport five times a week and other sporting complexes throughout London. City, University of London played a pivotal role in nurturing my professional and social development.
The education I received was not just about gaining knowledge; it was about cultivating competencies that could take me anywhere in the world. If you are seeking a university that will empower you to excel in what you love while preparing you for a global future, then City is the ideal choice.
Not to mention that City, is in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world, London. Notwithstanding how much I do love The Bahamas, I find myself day dreaming about London constantly. Thank you, City, for the invaluable role you have played in my journey.