Sara Kornas studied the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?
I am passionate about expanding my horizons. I believe that education helps to see the world through different lenses and be more open-minded.
What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?
Before pursuing a postgraduate degree, I was doing an LLB programme at Westminster University.
Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study a postgraduate degree? If so, how did you overcome them?
Unfortunately, I had to change my course from European Legal Studies (ELS) to the basic LLB due to the pandemic. As part of ELS, I was supposed to go for a year to Sweden to learn basic about Swedish law. However, it became tough to comply with all requirements due to the restrictions.
For this reason, two months before the exchange, I had to completely change my plans and decide what to do with my future.
Why did you choose City?
There are a few reasons why I chose to study at City, University of London. I was really keen to stay in London and City had outstanding opinions about professional courses. Going through many websites and trying to find out which University will be the most suitable for me, I got convinced that City would provide me with the best Legal Practice experience.
Looking at it from this perspective, I have to admit that it was a very good decision as I have gained valuable skills for the work in the law.
How are you funding your studies – did you secure any financial support?
Yes, I managed to obtain support from Student Finance England. Besides that, to help with my living, I received a private scholarship.
What does a typical week at university look like for you?
I believe that scheduling things a week in advance helps to boost my mood. Every evening before early morning workshops, I make sure that I am fully prepared for them. On my way to class, I always buy coffee to make sure that I am awake and participating. After the workshop or lecture, I need to get fresh air. Depending on the workload, it might be ten to thirty minutes. Later on, I go to the library or study from home. However, the City Law School facilities are of such a high standard that I prefer to stay in the library to stay focused.
Depending on the workload, or whether it is an assessment time, I am trying not to stay longer rather than five hours. After that, I go to the gym or yoga class. Then, after coming home, I meditate.
Most of the time, I try to schedule any social meetings for Friday or Saturday evenings so that I can properly relax.
What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?
My favourite part of my course is the skills that we learn. I think that the most interesting so far was the Wills exam. I have never experienced an exam with a third party (an actor). Although it made me a bit anxious, I felt like I was in a real-life will interview. For this reason, if I decide to go for Private Client law, I will have more confidence.
What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?
The LPC course helped me become more organised. I believe that the only way to succeed in this course is to schedule studies properly. Before starting this course, I was not good at time management, and very often, I was doing everything for the last minute. However, since starting the course at City, this has changed. Furthermore, I think that it would be tough for me to go through this course without being passionate about what I am doing.
What are your career plans and how has City prepared you for them?
After graduating, I plan to obtain a paralegal job and keep applying for a the training contract. Primarily, I became interested in Commercial Dispute Resolution and the Private Client. A personal tutor helped me boost my confidence, and thanks to her, I have started applying for more positions.
What advice would you give to someone considering a postgraduate degree?
As long as you are a person who can truly devote time to reach your legal career dreams, you should go for it.