I Just finished my last first week of my LLB

Hello!!!

If you have noticed my engagement has gone down its not your mind playing tricks on you..its me adjusting back to London life. I am still not sleeping through the night, and university started last week! I’m currently sitting in the law library during my five-hour gap between EU Law and Child Law, and I thought this would be the perfect time to share my thoughts on the final year of my program—and where I’ll be moving forward from here. First the more admin part of this post: I am taking a 165 credits split between two terms. Last year I only had 135, and all my courses were a year long, so there has been a fast paced shift in how material is taught. That said, I really feel that all of my lectures and tutorial leaders have approached this large task with a calm sense of "we will get there and dont worry too much." I have honestly really enjoyed all of my classes so far.

obligatory back to school photo for my mom x

I am taking the required Equity and Trusts, EU Law, and Land Law this year (EU stops after first term) and my electives are Child Law, Medical Law and Bioethics, and International Criminal Law. I think my favorite class will be child law, since it's the field that I've done most of my independent work and internships, and my least favorite will be land law only because it seems like such a different system than US. Overall, I think this term will be enjoyable in content but may make me feel like my hair is constantly on fire with how much we will need to cover before January.

If that didn't sound overwhelming enough, may I introduce you to the fact I need to decide my future within the month of October? Okay, not really, but it sure feels that way. This month, law firms open their vacation schemes and training contracts for the year 2027/2028 and it is extremely competitive, with applicants ranging from LLB1 students to professionals making career changes. It has been so intimidating and 'where do I start' for me. I love aspects of both being a solicitor and a barrister so I really need to sit down and figure out what are my wants, needs, and hopes are for my legal career. There's so much pressure—both the fear of making the right decision and the fear of leaving education (again) for the “real world.” If enough people are interested, maybe I can share what my experience is like and what’s worked for me once I find some success. So far, I can say that attending legal fairs, All About Law courses, and pupillage fairs has been super eye-opening and has helped make the process feel more manageable.

Angel Tube Station

On a more reflective front as I start my last year of my legal education: I am happy to be back to see the signs that the Angel Tube employees put up daily. Sometimes its inspirational other times its a dad joke but they really bring me so much joy. Yesterday's really took me by surprise and I thought it would be very fitting with this blog post.

Sometimes the signs of change come not with thunder but with a whisper

I think the person I am today isn't the same person who sat in this law library a year ago. There have been big, loud changes like moving, cultural changes, the fear of failing —and quieter ones, like learning to love the rain, enjoying my own company, and the familiarity that now fills London. And I know I won’t be the same person who walks across the stage in July to accept my diploma either. This experience and program has given me such an incredible opportunity to grow as a person. While I'll still complain about being tired, not understanding lectures, or fearing the assessments, I'm eternally grateful for the courage it took to get here and for the family and friends who have supported me along the way.

Cheers to a new year!

-Wilbur