Peter Iliasu studied the LLM Master of Laws programme at The City Law School. Since graduating in 2022 he has worked as a CEO for Greenstone Advisers.
Where are you from?
I was an international student and am from Ghana.
What motivated you to pursue the LLM?
I knew an LLM program would provide me with an in-depth understanding of contemporary law as I was looking at enhancing my investment banking experience. I was of the view that an LLM programme would offer me additional knowledge in my chosen specialism (commercial law).
Embarking on an LLM program also comes along with intense legal research which I believe is an essential tool for becoming a successful commercial lawyer.
Most LLM programs are international in scope and therefore the cross-cultural element of the course would provide me with an abundance of opportunities to network and build my personal relationships.
It would also enhance my knowledge of legal systems in other parts of the world. Additionally, an LLM would make me more competitive internationally.
What were you doing before studying the LLM?
I had over 25 years’ experience in commercial and investment banking with a proven track record in building profitable client relationships. I was very versatile, having worked in a variety of roles in senior management positions for both local and multinational companies such as being a key member of pioneering team that built Fidelity Bank.
I was also the former Chairman of Export Development and Agriculture Investment Fund, former Managing Director of Universal Merchant Bank and Chief Executive Officer Alltime Capital, former President of the Ghana Chartered Institute of Bankers and am now currently Managing Partner for Greenstone Investment Advisors.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts (History) degree from the University of Ghana, a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London, a master's degree in Business Administration (Financial Resources) from the University of Hull and went on to study the LLM (Commercial Law) at City, University of London. I am also a Chartered Banker and was awarded a Fellow (FCIB) in 2009.
What opportunities and experiences did City, University of London offer you whilst you studied, or still offers you?
There are currently vast opportunities to attend lectures and other alumni events. I have also connected with a few alumni ambassadors and that has been very helpful.
My alumni card enables me to access the Northampton Square Library and the Bayes Learning Resource Centre and also access to a wide range of online materials for my private study.
What knowledge and skills did the LLM help you develop? Which one has been the most useful since you graduated and why?
The LLM at The City Law School gave me the opportunity to develop my research skills and currently I have seen a great improvement in both my writing and research skills.
Essentially these were made possible through my interactions with my lecturers who have enormous experience both in academia and industry. My specialisation (LLM Commercial Law) has adequately prepared me for my new profession.
Why did you choose The City Law School for your postgraduate studies?
The City Law School provides me with flexibility in the selection of my elective modules which has allowed me to build and enhance my previous experiences.
The online option which I selected was well structured and taught weekly by excellent lecturers both from academia and industry.
What I really liked was the opportunity offered to students to discuss what has previously been taught on the ‘Discussion Board’ section of our online platform. Feedback came promptly and overall was excellent.
Additionally, the online option provided a unique platform for students throughout the world to build personal relations, network and learn other legal systems.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering studying an LLM?
One should look for a university with a proven track record of developing and teaching courses by professionals in academia and industry.
They will equip you appropriately with legal research techniques, which are an essential tool in progressing in any chosen profession. Additionally, they will provide you with a choice of electives to suit your chosen career path.
As most of the lecturers are top professionals in industry and academia, they can provide you with a wide variety of options to enable you to make an informed decision. The school can also be a good source of referrals for those going into industry since most of the lecturers are in industry too.