Mohamed Aathif Anpudeen

What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study?

I completed my undergraduate studies in England, where I was exposed to how the Bar operated, particularly the culture surrounding the Inns of Courts and the collegiate nature that wasn't as evident in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, I was very motivated to practice in this country because of the standards the Bar Standards Board (BSB) sets.

As a lawyer, I wished to work as an ethical person, which is difficult in Sri Lanka because of the known corruption in the legal system in Sri Lanka. Hence, I took the BVS. My BVS is combined with the CLE, I am partnered with FRU (Free Representative Unit). This was a unique opportunity to do real litigation and being guided by supervisors.

What were you doing before applying for a postgraduate degree?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Law at Durham University. I went to university right after my A-Levels; however, in my gap year before I started university, I worked as a paralegal for chambers in Sri Lanka. I initially studied Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry for my A-Levels; however, I wasn't motivated by the vocation that led to. After I completed my degree and my gap year, I began the BVS in September 2026 and worked as a retail employee in the meantime.

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

I knew I wanted to do a postgraduate to train for the Bar; however, I was faced with financial constraints. I wanted to begin the course the year after I graduated, but because of visa conditions that would require me to take my graduate visa (2 years) beforehand. I made the difficult decision to start my course immediately to avoid losing those two years which I think would be incredibly important in finding a pupillage.

Why did you choose The City Law School for your Bar Vocational Course (BVS)?

The City Law School's reputation for the Bar practice is outstanding, and its university setting ensures students benefit from the support of a student union, sports facilities, and a vibrant community.

The Inns of Court School of Finance's FRU placement is an exceptional opportunity to gain real advocacy experience while still training. It is situated in the heart of London, so ideally located near the Royal Courts of Justice and all four Inns of Court.  The Law School also has a vast and distinguished alumni network, which further enriches the experience, offering invaluable professional connections for any aspiring barrister.

What services within The City Law School have you used, so far? How have they beneficial to your experience?

I have been working for CLAC, The City Law School’s law clinic, particularly the IPP team, which has given me invaluable experience in how Criminal Practice works. Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) was a scheme that placed prisoners deemed “dangerous” on indefinite sentences.

While this scheme was abolished in 2012, many who were incarcerated under the scheme still serve a custodial sentence, and this appellate work is valuable in giving them an opportunity at returning to their lives and minimising time lost behind bars. IPP allows me to interact with Doughty Chambers, this real experience with a set and chambers I would like to work with has been incredible and motivational.

What are your career plans and how is The City Law School and the Bar Vocational Course (BVS) preparing you for them?

I aim to practice at the Criminal Bar in England for several years before returning to Sri Lanka, bringing strong advocacy experience and legal expertise. I completed my undergraduate at Durham, my affinity with the Northeast, makes that region and Chambers practice outside of London extremely desirable. I will be applying predominantly there.

Qualification as an English barrister carries significant prestige owing to the profession's rigorous, merit based entry and will support my long-term ambitions. I also intend to complete a postgraduate degree in Law and Finance to strengthen my foundation for a future career in politics in Sri Lanka, where I hope to contribute meaningfully to legal and institutional development, policy reform, and public service.

What has been the most memorable or transformative aspect of your experience at The City Law School, so far?

I have been able to find an extremely supportive set of friends. The tutorial-based classrooms create a collegial experience, a reliance amongst each other in fostering great friendships. My tutors have also been incredible accommodating of my circumstances, and extremely reliable to email about doubts and queries I have had.

I believe The City Law School is extremely accommodating both in terms of how tutors interact with students and how staff assist us in giving student support plans and alternative classes. Fundamentally, the School is designed to make this incredibly difficult course easier.

How would you describe the academic and personal support you are getting from the staff here?

Advocacy is unique to this course and something that is difficult to teach well. In criminal advocacy, we had numerous opportunities to practice, and our tutors provided practical guidance on demeanour, pacing, timing, and courtroom etiquette. Civil advocacy submissions are an entirely different discipline from mooting, and I was taught the etiquette of genuinely persuasive advocacy. It is easy to approach it mechanically at first, but my tutor explained the realistic manner of doing it and how to become comfortable before a judge.

The support has been invaluable, particularly regarding how professional ethics applies in practice, including whether the BSB's prescriptions operate as strictly in reality as they do on paper.