Mehak Mustafa studies the LLB Law programme at The City Law School.
What motivated you to study at university?
My desire to attend university was fuelled by a strong ambition for higher education, which I felt deeply drawn to. With a natural sense of independence leading me, I viewed university as an opportunity for profound personal and intellectual growth, offering countless avenues for development and discovery.
As I have always been very independent, university appealed to me as it allowed me to take control of my learning, making notes and understanding concepts on my own terms.
Why have you chosen to study Law?
Studying law at university holds a deeply personal significance for me, driven by a blend of heartfelt motivations. Firstly, it's about aligning my career path with my passions and ambitions. I was never interested in STEM subjects, and I've always felt more drawn towards subjects which involved essay writing, where I feel most proficient.
Secondly, there's the practical appeal of improved job prospects and financial stability. A law degree offers a solid foundation for a rewarding career while ensuring financial security. But beyond these considerations, studying law brings me genuine fulfilment.
It's about exploring the ethical and philosophical aspects of law, engaging with complex issues, and evolving as a critical thinker. This intellectual curiosity drives me to delve deeper into legal theory and practice.
Moreover, my personal connection to law runs deep. Growing up with a father who studied law, I was surrounded by an array of law books at home. I'd often find myself peeking into them, intrigued by what I read.
This exposure sparked my interest and combined with my success in A-level Law, where I received an A grade, it solidified my decision to pursue a legal education. Lastly, pursuing a law degree is about personal growth and independence. It's my journey towards self-discovery, empowerment, and taking charge of my future.
What services within The City Law School have you used, or will you make use of during your studies?
Law IRL serves as a valuable resource for law students, offering insights into the pathways to becoming a barrister or solicitor, including the requirements and roles involved.
For instance, it sheds light on aspects like Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a crucial component necessary for aspiring solicitors.
Additionally, Law IRL provides information on academic programs and delves into the history of The City Law School, which I found particularly engaging. As a student ambassador, this knowledge equips me to effectively communicate with parents and prospective students.
Moreover, I have utilised the library, where the staff readily assist with referencing queries and provide guidance through booked meetings. This resource has been invaluable in addressing any referencing issues or questions I encountered.
Furthermore, I have taken advantage of the student meeting rooms for self-study sessions with friends or for individual meetings. These rooms offer a quiet and conducive environment free from disruptions, facilitating focused study or productive discussions.
What opportunities and experiences has The City Law School offered you so far?
The City Law School has provided me with a valuable Micro-Placement opportunity, offering essential lessons in crafting a polished CV and writing effective cover letters.
This experience improved my discipline to work as applying to a diverse range of placements taught me how to juggle university work and the process of essentially applying to job while consistently altering my cover letter and CV to meet different job requirements.
Additionally, I recently applied to CityCLAC (Community Legal Advice Centre), eagerly awaiting a response for the chance to shadow barristers in student firms.
Moreover, The City Law School offers a plethora of both paid and unpaid opportunities to gain practical experience, including volunteering roles such as at the Royal Courts of Justice.
What knowledge and skills has your course has your course helped you develop so far?
Engaging with various modules in my course has offered me a deeper understanding of different branches of law and the specific issues they address. This exposure has allowed me to identify the areas of law that pique my interest the most.
Furthermore, coursework and exams have served as opportunities for me to enhance my legal writing skills.
Receiving feedback from lecturers and workshop leaders has been instrumental in refining my ability to communicate complex legal concepts effectively on paper.
Through my continued development, I have substantially enhanced my research capabilities, particularly in effectively navigating legal databases, pinpointing relevant case law and statutes, and integrating information from various sources to strengthen legal arguments.
Additionally, I have acquired proficiency in referencing using the OSCOLA style, ensuring accurate citation practices and guarding against plagiarism.
What are your career plans and how is City preparing you for them?
For a long time, I had felt a strong pull towards the idea of pursuing a legal career as a solicitor and I found comfort in this idea as public speaking and advocacy didn't quite align with my strengths, and so the role of a solicitor seemed like the natural fit.
However, since joining City and attending various networking events, both in person and online, facilitated by the university, my perspective has shifted. Engaging with barristers and hearing about their profession ignited a newfound interest in exploring the path of advocacy as well, prompting me to keep an open mind about my future career trajectory.
City has played a pivotal role in nurturing my confidence through diverse opportunities to interact with peers, be it through workshops or city events.
I find myself gradually becoming more at ease with speaking in front of larger audiences.
One initiative that has significantly contributed to my growth is City's Micro-Placement programme, which I am a part of. This programme offers invaluable real-life work experience, which not only enhances my resume and cover letter but also serves as a catalyst for boosting my confidence.
By immersing myself in a practical environment, I anticipate acquiring new skills and honing existing ones, fostering personal and professional development.
What advice would you give yourself before you started at The City Law School?
My advice to myself would be to seize every opportunity that City offers. While staying on top of university work is important, it's equally crucial to actively network and build a reputation by engaging with others.
Taking advantage of opportunities to connect and collaborate can truly set one apart from their peers when applying for a job, placement, or work experience.
Furthermore, I would advise myself to conduct thorough research into the various modules offered by City.
This proactive approach would enable me to start considering my choices for second year as the first-year progresses.
With each passing semester, first year reveals more about my interests and preferences. By familiarising myself with the elective modules through research, I would be better equipped to select those that align with my academic and career goals.
What’s special about The City Law School?
The City Law School was the primary reason behind my decision to choose City, University of London. It was the magnet that drew me in.
During visits to other universities I had applied to, I sensed that law was not prioritised as much as STEM subjects. However, at The City Law School, I felt a sense of belonging. It felt like a home for all law students, where we are valued just as much as students studying STEM subjects.
The sense of community and camaraderie among students and faculty creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected.
Additionally, the School's dedication to excellence in legal education, combined with its practical approach to learning, ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the legal profession.
Overall, The City Law School offers a unique blend of academic rigor, supportive environment, and real-world relevance that sets it apart and makes it an exceptional place to study law.