Jaro Bernart a graduate from the LLM Legal Pratice (LPC) talks about how the LPC course helped him to hit the ground running in his career.

Posted on: 3 October 2017
By: raymonm
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Jaro Bernart completed the LPC evening part-time course, graduating in 2016

“The University of Westminster’s convenient location close to my workplace‎ caught my eye first. I asked several qualified solicitor colleagues and friend

s who also studied at Westminster, or had secondhand knowledge of it, and all of them rated it very positively as an institution staffed by down to earth, determined professionals. The fees were also significantly lower than others.

“It was easy to settle in and get to know people in the Law School. Most students on the part-time course already had legal jobs, and were keen to make the most of their time at university. So there was minimum snobbery, and the environment was very healthy.

“The course was very well structured. The materials were logically put together, and sessions tied over nicely to create steady progress and resemble real scenarios. In addition to the University’s own materials, external publications (eg by Oxford University Press etc) were included – that’s not something my friends on other LPCs received.

“I had an excellent relationship with the lecturers and tutors, and I have fond memories of each of them. Those that were more involved in delivering the course stand out, but each person was approachable, and keen to talk. It was clear they had the requisite practical experience to teach on a practical course.

“I had a busy professional, family and academic life during my time at Westminster, so I can’t comment too much on student life outside class. However, the LPC leaders ‎organised many events for us and managed to attract decent numbers. A typical evening out with the tutors and students was a great bonding exercise. If I had had more time, I would have attended more of those events. In class, it was good to mix with students from various backgrounds. There’s no harm in expanding one’s horizon to understand modern society.

“I started to train as a solicitor in September 2016 as planned. A trainee must complete a seat in several legal areas, and Westminster has taught me enough to hit the ground running when I started training in a new seat. It’s a huge advantage to know the procedure when one works in a law firm.

“If someone is thinking of applying to the University and is planning on practising in a high street law firm (ie representing people or small businesses rather than corporations or banks), then Westminster is a no-brainer – it provides everything a high street lawyer needs.

“That’s the type of firm I work in. Bosses don’t care what the course provider is called, but they do want to know that their staff are well prepared. I know some professionals and students seem convinced that only BPP and University of Law hold a recipe for success, but that’s mere propaganda. The University of Westminster delivers everything it promises and more. It’s up to the individual to break into the profession.”

Nikkel Wiltshire graduated from the Legal Practice Course (LPC)

Posted on: 3 October 2017
By: raymonm
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Nikkel Wiltshire graduated from the Legal Practice Course (LPC) with Distinction in 2016.   Coming from Trinidad he manged to combine serious study with enjoyment of living in one of the world’s most exciting and beautiful cities.

“I made up my mind to study at the University of Westminster after Martin Skirrow and Miles Macleod (members of the LPC team) visited Trinidad with their course pitch. Studying in the heart of London, and the genuine family-like care that they have for their students (which was evident by the way they spoke about them) were two of the deciding factors.

“The Law school made settling in and getting to know each other very easy by facilitating many out of school activities throughout the year. It was no different in the classroom, as group interaction was almost always a part of the class session.

“All of the lecturers were very warm and welcoming, and this was the case even during the application stages online. They did everything they could to ensure that we were always comfortable and to make you feel like part of a Westminster Family.

“Both the University and the course surpassed my expectations. Out of all my tertiary schooling this course was by far the best, most well put together and perfectly executed of all. The best things about the course were the way it facilitated critical thinking and practical application of the law. Because the course is tested through open-book examinations and oral assessments, it drives students to ‘think’. Being successful in this course requires more than one’s ability to recite textbook material.

“Being a student in London, there are endless things to do and see. The city is simply beautiful. There is never a dull moment, and while it is expensive in some respects there is no shortage of free attractions, so living on a student’s budget does not inhibit the fun that you can have.

“After graduating from the LPC I came back home to Trinidad, where I am currently a trainee Attorney at Law serving my six-month attachment at M. Hamel-Smith & Co., one of the oldest and leading commercial law firms in the country. There is no doubt that the skills learnt on the LPC positively impacted on the  contributions that I am able to make in my job.

“To anyone thinking of applying for a Law course at the University of Westminster, I would give them the assurance that they are making the right decision. You are definitely in safe hands, and will come out of the course a year later having learnt a lot and having equally as much fun doing so.”

Romela Ramberran graduated from the Legal Practice Course (LPC)

Posted on: 3 October 2017
By: raymonm
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Romela Ramberran graduated from the Legal Practice Course LLM (LPC) with Commendation in 2016.  She loved studying close to Oxford street as well as the friendliness of the other students and staff.

“I decided to study at the University of Westminster following a presentation by Martin Skirrow and Miles McLeod, who did an amazing job of pitching the perks of attending the University, such as the location, the small group learning sessions, their willingness to assist with queries and their friendly and caring demeanours.

“My actual experience at Westminster surpassed all my expectations; while the courses were a bit challenging, the supportive staff and lecturers were always there as guides and mentors to assist in any difficulties encountered. It was by far my best tertiary-level education experience!

“As the course structure was divided between lectures and small group sessions, it allowed students to interact and work together on questions which helped to foster relationships with peers. The numerous events held both within and outside the Law School also aided in this process.

“The lecturers and staff were always very open and friendly, willing to assist in any way possible. Even before I was enrolled, they responded to emails and phone calls out of office hours; once I was actually enrolled they always treated my peers and I like part of their family.

“I really enjoyed the small group sessions which  allowed for active learning and participation in classes. The availability of online lectures were also very useful to my learning.

“The staff at Westminster ensured that students were well entertained – while serious about our learning, they still provided many avenues to facilitate mixers and student events, which I quite enjoyed.

“And one of the best things about being a student in London is the availability of all leisure activities at your fingertips! I loved being able to hop on a bus or the Tube and reach places of interest in a matter of minutes. I also enjoyed the fact that Westminster was a stone’s throw away from Oxford Street, which was always bustling with life and activity.

“Upon my return to my home country, Trinidad, I began the six-month attachment with the law firm Johnson, Camacho and Singh Attorneys-at-Law. Since the LPC was a very practical course, it definitely made my transition into the world of work less difficult as the skills learned were actively used.

“To anyone thinking of applying for a Law course at the University of Westminster, I would advise them to prepare to work smart. The LPC is all about application and not a regurgitation of facts. All materials and resources for learning are provided, it is the student’s duty to take those resources and manipulate them through practical application, an approach definitely fostered by the tutors.”