Patrick Smith

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

I chose to pursue the Graduate Entry LLB (Hons) at City, University of London because of its strong reputation in legal education and its focused approach for graduates from other disciplines.

My decision was motivated by a desire to transition into a legal career, specifically in areas that require analytical reasoning, advocacy, and a deep understanding of international legislative frameworks. City’s emphasis on practical legal skills, mooting opportunities, and connections with the legal profession made it an ideal choice for me.

The programme structure allowed for an accelerated yet comprehensive legal education, which aligned well with my professional ambitions. Additionally, the university’s location in London provided valuable exposure to legal networks and resources that enriched my studies and career prospects. And finally, who wouldn’t want to live in London!

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

Having recently completed my Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) at the University of Ottawa, I began my professional career as a data analyst at Statistics Canada, a federal department within the Canadian public service.

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to participate in an international exchange programme, which broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for global learning environments. This experience solidified my desire to pursue further studies abroad, leading me to the Graduate Entry LLB at City to develop my legal expertise in an international setting.

How has your law degree from The City Law School helped you navigate challenges or seize opportunities in your career?

My law degree from The City Law School provided me with the legal foundation, analytical skills, and professional confidence necessary to navigate challenges and seize opportunities throughout my career. The rigorous curriculum honed my ability to think critically, interpret complex legislation, and construct well-reasoned arguments—skills that have been essential in both private practice and public policy work.

One of the most valuable aspects of my time at City was the opportunity to engage in mooting and advocacy training. I successfully qualified as a finalist in the City Scholars Mooting Competition. These experiences sharpened my public speaking and advocacy skills, which later proved crucial in both litigation and regulatory negotiations.

The international and diverse student body also broadened my perspective, preparing me to work across jurisdictions and adapt to different legal frameworks. City’s strong connections to the legal profession helped me transition smoothly into my career.

After returning to Canada, I pursued an LLM in Law and Technology at the University of Ottawa and later worked in private practice at an IP firm. My legal education, more specifically my exposure to EU which would later grant me the opportunity to consult with the European Commission and learn from their efforts to implement the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), also enabled me to contribute meaningfully to major public policy reforms, including my work to amend the Broadcasting Act within the federal public service.

Now, as Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), I leverage the legal and policy expertise I developed at City to advocate for industry stakeholders and bridge the gap between public and private sector interests. Ultimately, my City Law School education equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and professional network necessary to advance in a dynamic and evolving legal landscape.

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

During my GE LLB, I developed several key skills essential for aspiring legal professionals. Critical thinking and analytical reasoning were at the core of my studies, allowing me to assess legal issues from multiple perspectives and construct well-reasoned arguments.

My involvement in mooting and academic events honed my advocacy and public speaking skills, essential for both litigation and regulatory work. Beyond academics, adaptability and resilience were crucial.

Studying abroad required me to navigate a new legal system and professional environment, preparing me for the diverse challenges of legal practice. I sought opportunities to engage directly with my colleagues and the faculty and served as student representative for the duration of my studies.

Collaboration was another essential skill I refined, working with peers in study groups and extracurricular activities, mirroring the teamwork necessary in legal and policy work. These skills proved invaluable in my career.

After returning to Canada, I pursued an LLM in Law and Technology at the University of Ottawa, deepening my expertise in IP regulatory frameworks. After completing my licensing requirements, I worked in private practice at an IP firm before rejoining the federal public service, contributing to generational reforms of the Broadcasting Act.

Now, as Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), I apply my legal and policy expertise to bridge the gap between public and private sectors, ensuring that those intended to benefit from legislative reforms do so effectively.

My legal education not only provided technical knowledge but also instilled the adaptability, communication, and problem-solving skills necessary for a dynamic legal career.

Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study the GE LLB Law? If so, how did you overcome them?

One of the main challenges in deciding to pursue the Graduate Entry LLB was the transition from a career in the Canadian public service to full-time legal studies abroad. Leaving a stable role at Statistics Canada to pursue a new professional path required careful consideration.

However, City’s academic reputation reassured me that I would be joining a supportive academic community, joining like-minded young professionals with shared experiences and goals. Another challenge was adapting to a new legal system and academic environment. I overcame this by actively engaging in faculty events, such as mooting, which helped refine my advocacy skills and deepen my understanding of legal principles.

Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities, including City’s inaugural American Football league, allowed me to build a strong network, maintain a balanced lifestyle, and integrate into university life. Overall, City University’s welcoming academic environment, along with its many opportunities for professional and personal growth, helped me navigate these challenges and make the most of my legal studies.

What is your fondest memory of your time at City?

One of my fondest memories from my time at City was serving as captain of the American football team during its inaugural season. Leading a newly formed team brought unique challenges and opportunities, from building camaraderie among teammates to developing strategies for our first competitive games.

Balancing the demands of law school with the commitment to the team taught me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. The experience not only provided a welcome break from academic pressures but also fostered lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community at City.

The football team has since reconstituted as the “City Wolf Pack” but I always look back fondly on my time with the “City Sentinels”.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time as a law student that shaped your understanding of the legal field?

Participating as a finalist in the City Scholars Mooting Competition was a defining moment in my legal education. Arguing before Baroness Hale at the United Kingdom Supreme Court of Justice was both an academic highlight and an invaluable learning experience.

The competition refined my advocacy skills, deepened my understanding of legal reasoning, and reinforced the importance of clear, persuasive argumentation.

Standing in a courtroom of such prestige solidified my confidence in legal practice and my ability to think quickly under pressure—skills that have been essential throughout my career.