Melissa Dubé

What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?

My motivation to pursue postgraduate study was two-fold. Early on in my undergraduate degree, I became aware that if I wanted to practise as a solicitor or a barrister, I would have to complete the Legal Practical Course (LPC) or the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS).

Taking this view, postgraduate study was not an option, but rather a requirement, and my motivation was driven purely by career aspirations.

However, as I gravitated towards the Bar, I sought a better understanding of the course to determine whether the content aligned with my interests.

I became intrigued by the practical elements of the course, which significantly contrasted, but also complimented, the theoretical application of the law that so much of my LLB was focused on. I was then inspired by both the knowledge I would gain on the BVS (LLM) and the career opportunities that postgraduate study would open for me.

What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?

I applied to the BVS (LLM) during the third year of my LLB studies. Prior to the LLB, I was working as a conveyancer and Pilates instructor in Australia, where I lived for six years.

During that time, I also navigated other careers. Eliminating other potential areas of interest helped me conclude that investing in a legal education was the best way forward.

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

Deciding to study the BVS (LLM) was not a decision I took lightly. I considered the challenges that came with pursuing a career at the Bar and recognised that the odds of obtaining pupillage were stacked against me.

Due to the cost of the BVS, I felt it was necessary to justify how the course would benefit me personally, in case I was unsuccessful in obtaining pupillage.

By taking a holistic view of the skills I would gain that could be transferred to other areas of my life, or possibly, other careers entirely, I was able to overcome any doubts I had in my decision to study a postgraduate course.

Why did you choose City St George's?

I chose City St George's for two simple reasons. I completed my LLB at City St George's and wanted a seamless transition into postgraduate study. More importantly, I knew that City St George's was a reputable provider of the BVS.

The BVS at City St George's has a high standard of teaching and delivers the programme via small in-person classes. This has resulted in success for students on the course and success for alumni in their careers.

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

I received a £5,000 scholarship and a 10% fee reduction from City St George's based on my academic results on the LLB and as a returning student. I also received two grants from the government of Canada. One for being a mature part-time student and another for being a student with a dependent.

The outstanding amount of approximately £6,000 was provided to me in the form of a student loan from the Canadian government.

Payments for the loan will commence six months after the completion of my studies, at which point interest will start to accrue.

How are you finding studying in the UK?

Studying the Bar in London, UK is one of the most fascinating experiences I’ve had to date. There is an unassuming feeling of fulfilment knowing I am learning about the common law in its birthplace.

I find this particularly gratifying when visiting chambers, participating in events at my Inn, and, above all, while casually walking past some of the oldest courts in the UK, such as Westminster Hall, the Old Bailey, or the Royal Courts of Justice and imagining centuries of legal developments and justice being served.

Thousands of Canadians and international students opt to study law in the UK, specifically in London. I think many of the Canadians would agree that coming from an English-speaking Commonwealth nation, the transition to the UK is fairly smooth.

Within weeks of starting my undergraduate degree, I established myself within a mixed group of international students and students local to London and the UK.

Collectively, we enjoyed exploring different areas of London, including those close to campus (Angel, Shoreditch, Covent Garden, and Camden, among others).

I now live in St Albans and appreciate the quick commute into London while making the most of living in a small historic town with my partner, son, and daughter on the way.

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

I am enrolled in the part-time BVS/LLM course at City St George's which I attend one day per week (Thursdays) for approximately four hours of class. I often spend one to two days (Monday-Tuesday) per week preparing for my classes at home during the day between 9am-4pm.

I then dedicate 20 hours per week (Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) to my part-time work for the National Pro Bono Centre and any work experience, such as mooting, mini-pupillage or networking opportunities.

On Fridays I spend the day with my two-year-old son and avoid doing anything work or school related. How I spend my time on Saturdays varies on a weekly basis, but often there is a social element to it.

Overall, my daily schedule is guided by my son’s waking hours and accordingly I often finish my work or school day by 4pm and if I do have loose ends to tidy up, I will do so between 8pm and 10pm.

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

My favourite aspect of the course is the small class sizes. Each week I have one class with the same twelve people, which is then divided into two classes of six people for the second class.

In the smaller classes we receive a set of papers or instructions each week and use the examples to practice our advocacy skills (such as conducting a conference, cross examination, or examination in chief). In our larger classes we learn the practical laws, rules, and guidelines applicable to the Bar.

Though the content will change in my second year, the small classes will stay the same.

What knowledge and skills has your course helped you develop?

Overall, I have become more confident in my abilities as an advocate and developed my understanding of the procedural and practical aspects of the Bar.

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

While at City St George's, I participated in mooting and volunteered with Lawbore, the Pro Bono Society, and the Students Union. I was also a student representative and sat on the Student Experience Committee and the Staff Student Liaison Committee to provide feedback to the University.

The university also selected me to volunteer with the Freedom Law Clinic and the Refugee Law Clinic, and made it possible for me to volunteer with the Freedom Representation Unit.

Most significantly, however, is the opportunity I received to apply for my current job at the National Pro Bono Centre through an e-mail that was sent out to students at City St George's.

This has opened the door to network with solicitors, barristers, judges, and not-for-profit organisations across England and Wales.

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

My career plan is to hopefully obtain pupillage and then build a career as a barrister. City St George's offers a Pupillage Advisory Service (PAS) for students on the BVS which has been immensely helpful in preparing my applications and for interviews.

Moreover, the content on the course and the quality of teaching from the tutors has instilled confidence in me as I pursue this career.

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

Firstly, you should ensure you have a genuine interest in the course content. Secondly, research the provider and ask yourself whether the course gives you the opportunity to achieve your short-term and long-term goals and if the delivery matches your lifestyle. Finally, if you feel comfortable with the first two, take a leap of faith and invest in your future.