Kimberley D. Caines-Best

What motivated you to pursue the GE LLB Law (Hons)?

I was motivated to pursue the GE LLB Law (Hons) degree for a few reasons: structure of the course and the location of the law school.

With the GE LLB Law (Hons) degree, I could do an accelerated law programme to obtain an LLB (Hons) degree in two years versus a traditional three-year degree timeline.

Even though the course was accelerated, the time spent looking at each core legal subject provided an opportunity to get a sound understanding in the various legal concepts and principles.

Being from Bermuda, I wanted to pursue a law degree in the UK as Bermuda is a dependent territory of the UK and our legal system is modelled on the UK’s. I also liked that the law school was in London and afforded me the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and backgrounds. The Graduate Entry programme was great as I was able to study with mature students who had diverse educational and professional experiences.

What were you doing before studying the GE LLB Law (Hons)?

Before I enrolled in the GE LLB Law (Hons) programme, I completed my Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) degree from the University of Western Ontario in Canada. My first degree was in Women's Studies and Spanish.

Having an undergraduate degree provided a good foundation to transition into law school, which was more rigorous, as I had experience managing a courseload and studying away from home. My Women’s Studies degree exposed me to systemic and social issues and law school was a natural transition on from that degree in the GE LLB Law (Hons) degree.

My undergraduate degree prepared me for law school with the volume of reading, identifying issues and support points and providing sound reasons for an identified position. I was fortunate to study in Canada and the UK, which has helped shape my perspective professionally and personally.

What skills or qualities did you develop during your undergraduate Law degree that you think are essential for aspiring legal professionals?

This question is a great opportunity for reflection! During my time at City, I developed and honed many skills during my law degree. Such skills include: the ability to identify relevant issues, propose a solution and/ or appropriate advice. Being able to defend or oppose a particular position.

The ability to manage time effectively and competing priorities. Communication skills with diverse individuals, drafting and the ability to work under pressure. I also made many good friends, some of whom I am still connected with. All of the noted skills are ones that I have employed during my professional, personal and civic roles since I graduated from City.

What inspired you to transition into law after completing your first degree, and how did it align with your personal or professional goals?

Law was always the next step for me after my first degree. The issue was whether I would remain in Canada or transition to the UK. Most students from Bermuda study in the UK given the connection to the UK so it was a natural next step for me. After some personal events, I decided that I wanted to study in the great city of London and pursue a two year degree.

I learned about The City Law School from a few friends who were doing the GDL programme. I knew that my personality would prefer the traditional LLB degree and liked that I could do an accelerated programme.

A law degree was a necessary step before I could do the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) and given the BVC offering at the former ICSL, studying at City's Northampton Square Campus - as it was known - was the perfect fit for me and my personal and professional goals.

How would you describe The City Law School community of students and staff? Were you part of a society, or took part in extracurricular activities while you were studying on the GE LLB?

I was quite involved during my time at City, which helped to round out my student experience. My GE LLB (Hons) cohort was great, we developed a good bond, and I recall many group study sessions and social activities.

During my time at City, I helped to establish an Amnesty International chapter as well as volunteered with the Innocence Project.

I was also involved with the Lawyers Christian Fellowship. Having extra-curricular involvements in law helped to make our academic experience practical. The City community was very diverse, which I liked and the staff were supportive, approachable and very knowledgeable.

What is your fondest memory of your time at City?

There are so many memories that I have! Northampton Square after it snowed – beautiful! Celebrating personal milestones with classmates, completing (and passing!) exams, late night study sessions, getting into the BVC programme. My fondest memory, however, was receiving my GE LLB (Hons) degree and having my parents present to watch me do so.

The graduation ceremony was the culmination of a lot of sacrifice and hard work and although it was a cold January day it was an experience that evokes many warm feelings and memories. Looking back, the time at City flew by but was a pivotal moment in my career and personal development.

Could you describe your career journey since graduation?

When I graduated from The City Law School, I went to City’s former Gray’s Inn Campus for the Bar Vocational Course. I always wanted to be a barrister and given the reputation of City’s BVC programme, it was my top choice. When I completed the BVC and was called to the Bar of England and Wales at Lincoln’s Inn, I returned home to Bermuda where I commenced my pupillage.

I was called to the Bermuda Bar and taken on as an associate with a mid-sized law firm, I qualified into the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team and practiced civil litigation there for about 7 years.

After I left the firm I went in-house, as Legal Counsel, at a Bank, which was a very different legal experience, I never considered an in-house role and thoroughly enjoyed it.

After 4 years and a pandemic, I transitioned to an insurance company as Senior Legal Counsel, after 2 years there I was promoted to Associate General Counsel, which was my most recent role. I am now considering my next role, but know that my degrees from City has prepared me well for what is to come.