Hannah Nunn

What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?

I was motivated to pursue postgraduate study as I wanted to be a barrister. In order to do such, I had to do a Bar course. I felt City St George's was the best place for me to achieve this. I knew the challenge I faced and knew I had to be in a supportive environment to succeed. I decided to combine my BVS with an LLM; I was motivated to do this to enhance my employability for the Bar and any other career.

What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?

Before postgraduate study I did an LLB Law Degree at a different university, achieving First-Class honours. I also was and am continuing to work part-time in an administrative role within the Ministry of Justice and in the fitness industry teaching exercise classes to groups and in one-on-one situations.

I had an interesting summer prior to the BVS as I worked in Crown Court administration and had a thought-provoking insight into the CBA days of action.

Were there any challenges affecting your decision to study a postgraduate degree? If so, how did you overcome them?

Finances are a challenge I faced. I applied for scholarships and was successful in obtaining a partial one from City St George's. I did however have and continue to work part time alongside studying.

Another challenge related to this was funding my travel expenses. This led to me having to work alongside my studies. This was challenging to find the right balance and meant I had some very long days and had to learn to plan my time wisely.

Why did you choose City St George's?

I chose City St George's because of its long-standing reputation for the BVS and the University campus feel. I liked that the BVS had a specialism option and I decided to specialise in Company Practice.

I also thought the clinical legal education project as a LLM would be a great option for me and I chose to do this with the company insolvency pro bono project. The pro bono options at City St George's are extensive so I knew that my option would be a great choice and that made me pursue City St George's for my BVS LLM.

How are you funding your studies – did you secure any financial support such as a scholarship or bursary?

I have a partial scholarship from City St George's and a master's government funding loan. The rest I have funded by working.

What does a typical week at university look like for you?

My timetable would vary as some classes I had every two weeks. This is one example. On a Monday I would usually work one of my part-time shift jobs in the fitness industry. After finishing work, I would start preparing for my Wednesday afternoon class, on this occasion cross exam.

After doing two to three hours, I would then switch to prepare for another class I would have Thursday for two to three hours. I would then go to the gym in the evening.

On a Tuesday I would work my other part time administration job and finish the day by going to the gym. I then finish any preparation for Wednesday.

On a Wednesday I once a month attend the Rolls Building for my Company Insolvency Pro Bono Scheme, which would be until 1pm. I would then walk to campus, getting lunch on the way, for my 2pm class.

After such I would get the train home and usually read the paper. Once home I would continue preparation for my Thursday afternoon class for around two to three hours, after which I would attend the gym.

On a Thursday I would attend the gym in the morning. Once home I would continue any remaining preparation for Thursday’s afternoon class.

On my way into campus on the train, I would work on any mini-pupillage applications. After class, I would read the paper on the train once again. When home I would finish preparation for my two Friday classes (which I usually would prepare the weekend prior).

On Friday I would work on any applications on the train. After my 10am I would start preparation for the following week until my 2pm class. After my 2pm class I would head home to work the evening at my part time gym job.

What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?

My favourite module of the BVS LLM so far has been cross examination. I really enjoy this as my tutor really made the class come alive. He made everyone feel valued and gave us all a chance to practice and learn from himself and each other.

I really enjoy the nature of questioning and it is something I look most forward to in practising at the Bar. I enjoy the meticulous preparation and putting your client's case no matter the disagreement that is produced by the witness for the other side.

What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?

The BVS LLM has helped me to develop the skills I need to be competent to obtain pupillage and ultimately practice at the Bar. I have a great understanding and knowledge of the core practice areas and skills required, such as witness examination, drafting and opinion writing. I knew I would enjoy my course so I opted to choose the Specialism route - I chose Fraud and Company Insolvency.

This has helped me develop more tailored skills to these areas, which will help me if I choose to practice in them.

What opportunities and experiences has City St George's offered you so far?

The university has put on extracurricular talks - one of which I gratefully enjoyed called Burn Bright. This was a discussion of how to cope with burn out and how to look after yourself so you do not reach that stage and then what to do if you do reach the stage.

This was particularly poignant given the harsh nature of a career at the Bar and the demands of the Bar course itself. I also attended the Freshers’ Fair as it was my first year at City St George's and felt there was a great deal to offer with lots of sports and various societies and opportunities to work and gain volunteer experience.

What are your career plans and how has City St George's prepared you for them?

I now plan to continue working in my administration job as it bears legal relevance. I will continue to look for other roles that develop my skills and knowledge until I become successful in my applications for Pupillage. City St George's has prepared me by giving me access to the careers team - I have had a mock interview and advice on a pupillage application.

I also received generic advice on careers and how I can obtain relevant legal work in the meantime prior to obtaining pupillage. The appointments with careers are easy to book and available online and in person; it is an easy process to make an appointment which I feel encourages people more to do it.

What advice would you give to someone considering a postgraduate degree?

Ensure the decision is right for you and do not rush into it. Make sure you understand the demands of the course and can allocate the required amount of time to it. If required, save up enough funds prior to the course so you do not have to work too much while undergoing it. Alternatively, consider taking the course part time. Finally, it is never too late to further your educational goals.