Yuki Jie Ny Lim is a Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) student.
What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?
Since I was young, I have taken the initiative to join activities, such as debate and public speaking competitions, which have definitely strengthened my ability to organise and structure my thoughts and have sharpened my persuasion skills.
Being a debater not only taught me to address the issues well instead of getting carried away emotionally when delivering arguments, but also significantly boosted my confidence in delivering speeches in front of audiences.
My extensive involvement in the Malaysian debating circuit required me to explore obscured angles to argue a position which may initially have seemed indefensible; this ability to craft arguments from multiple perspectives has allowed me to articulate myself properly when discussing intellectually challenging topics.
Hence, I decided to pursue the Bar Vocational Studies course because I always wanted a professional career that focused on advocacy.
What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Exeter and graduated in July 2022. Before applying to this course, I did a few internships in Malaysia and mini pupillages in London.
I have been given the opportunities to observe barristers in court, review any relevant paperwork relating to a barrister’s caseload and carry out legal research.
The mini pupillages were advantageous in that they enabled me to gain insight into different practice areas and obtain constructive feedback on various tasks performed along with my overall performance.
Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study a postgraduate degree? If so, how did you overcome them?
I was afraid that I would be a failure during my nine months as a Bar Vocational Studies student - because the course is very intense. Nevertheless, I reached out to my seniors who did their Bar course at The City Law School and they assured me that the lectures and tutors here would be brilliant. The tutors also share their knowledge through the “Bar Manuals” series.
Why did you choose City?
I chose The City Law School because it has a prominent team of teaching staff that has authored bulk of the key textbooks for Bar Vocational Studies, rendering it the greatest option for high-quality learning.
Furthermore, as a mooter, I am particularly impressed with the School’s strong focus on practical training, such as mooting.
Notably, the School has the Pupillage Advisory Service (PAS) which offers mock pupillage interviews and other networking events with practitioners throughout the year; for example, students could get an opportunity to have breakfast with members of Chambers.
Additionally, as a student who loves to be involved in pro-bono, The City Law School has different pro-bono programmes that have empowered me.
The Law School is also strategically located near the Inns of Court, enabling me to undertake my Bar Qualifying Sessions easily.
Overall, I chose The City Law School due to its comprehensive way of teaching, which combines academic achievement with vocational skills. It is an excellent School that could train and develop me into a better barrister.
How are you funding your studies – did you secure any financial support such as a scholarship or bursary?
Given the fact that I graduated with a first-class honours in LLB Law, I received the City Law School Scholarship for Academic Excellence which is worth £3,000 for the Bar Vocational Studies course. I am so grateful for this scholarship. It has been such a big help in so many ways.
For example, the scholarship helped to ease the financial burden at home, as my sibling is also pursuing her education. It is an amazing initiative and I hope that it continues to support more students like me for many years to come.
How are you finding studying in the UK?
I have really enjoyed the experience of studying in the UK. I’ve acquired new skills, met some great friends, and have grown as a person to a level that I could never have reached if I had studied in my home country.
I found it very challenging when I first transferred to the UK to study because it required a lot of independent learning.
In Malaysia, lecturers tend to spoon-feed students. The best advice is not to give up. I spent more time preparing before classes. At the start of each term, I placed the tasks in priority order and worked out a plan to tackle them.
I also booked appointments with my lecturers and/or tutors whenever I faced difficulties in my studies.
What does a typical week at university look like for you?
I have 9am-5 pm classes every Tuesday and Friday. Away from preparing for classes, I join the social events organised by The City Law School or City Students' Union.
I will also meet my friends from lectures for a quick coffee before a lecture, or have a more leisurely chat over coffee or lunch afterwards, so that I can discuss what I have learned and catch up. Physical health is important too - I go to the gym at least once a week.
What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?
My favourite module is definitely Criminal Advocacy; particularly, taking part in cross-examination.
It is my favourite part of the course as I am given opportunities to put my case theory into practice while developing my convincing skills, learning how to think on my feet, and handling hostile witnesses; basically, what a criminal barrister does in court.
What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?
The skills which I have gained from these advocacy classes has helped me in building the foundations needed to excel as a barrister.
The Bar course has also allowed me to think critically about the difficulties the legal profession faces in the contemporary world and better understand a barrister's professional life.
What opportunities and experiences has City offered you so far?
The City Law School has offered me to develop distinctive and unique knowledge and skills with opportunities to be involved in different mock trials, mooting competitions and pro-bono activities.
Additionally, City Students' Union has supported me with a series of events and sessions to prepare me for my assessments by helping me to feel relaxed, such as yoga sessions, gardening or cupcake decorating.
What are your career plans and how has City prepared you for them?
My career plan is to return to Malaysia and practise as an advocate in my home country. The City Law School has supported me in gaining the necessary knowledge and practical skills that are essential to practice at the Bar.
The invaluable, practical experience has equipped me to be immediately effective in pupillage.
What advice would you give to someone considering a postgraduate degree?
The Bar Vocational Studies course is really hectic and bulky. It won't be an easy journey, but it is important not to give up.
My key piece of advice would be it is worth shadowing a barrister or doing some mini pupillages before commencing the bar course in order to determine whether a career at the Bar is right for you.