Osiyemi graduated from Kent with a First Class Honours Law LLB degree in 2016. He’s now a Future Trainee Solicitor with Hogan Lovells
Why did you choose to study your Law LLB degree at Kent?
Prior to studying at Kent, I undertook a foundation programme in Nigeria which guaranteed a place at certain universities. I already knew that I wanted to study law, but I chose Kent because of its reputation as a ‘critical law school’, which meant that I would study law in its wider social and economic context. My choice was also informed by my sister, who was studying at Kent at the time.
Can you describe your time at KLS?
My time at KLS was challenging and rewarding in equal measure. It involved a lot of learning and unlearning, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. Having come from Nigeria to study in the UK, I was keen to get involved in extra-curricular activities and utilise all the opportunities I possibly could. Initially, this proved a difficult balance to strike, but as time went on, I got the hang of it. In the end, KLS provided me with an excellent law degree and extensive extra-curricular achievements, both within and outside the Law School.
What was good about it?
The academics at KLS are top-tier and have written many of the textbooks used by undergraduates everywhere. This meant that the teaching on the course was very solid and the Law School was equally well resourced. I was also impressed by the Law School’s effort to infuse practical legal courses (such as mediation and negotiation) into the curriculum. I got the opportunity to compete in both internal and external competitions – in mooting and negotiation. This ensured that my learning experience was lively, well-rounded and practical.
What did you think of the facilities at Kent?
I recall the facilities at Kent being modern and high-quality. I lived in Parkwood in my first year and it was a vibrant student community. Everything was within a reasonable distance – the campus gym, lecture theatres, private study rooms, library etc. I also played a lot of tennis whilst at Kent, so I enjoyed making use of indoor tennis courts at the Pavilion. Overall, the facilities were great. There was something for everyone, regardless of their interests.
Did your course live up to your expectations? What were the highlights of your programme?
In hindsight, I would say that the course exceeded my expectations. Apart from obtaining a world-class degree, I acquired valuable skills and experiences that have served me well in life. A major highlight was competing in, and winning, the internal mooting competition. In the same year, I served as the Law School Representative and enjoyed handling the responsibilities I was entrusted with. I also recall with fond memories, representing KLS in a National Negotiation Competition. But by far my biggest highlight, was graduating with First Class Honours and winning the prize for the best student contribution. It was a fitting end to an exciting chapter.
How did you change during your time at Kent, in terms of your knowledge, skills and characteristics?
I came to Kent with a formulaic way of thinking and soon discovered that I had a lot more to learn. I remember receiving my first essay feedback and being quite disappointed with the result, but this only spurred me on to perform better. I learnt to be resilient, efficient with my time and to work smart. My writing skills also improved tremendously; I learnt to write clearly, concisely and convincingly. Most importantly, my thought process evolved during my time at Kent. I learnt to challenge received wisdoms, to question taken-for-granted assumptions and to think more critically. Critical thinking is crucial, both for a legal career and life more generally.
What have you been doing since you graduated from Kent?
After graduating from Kent, I returned to Nigeria, where I qualified as a lawyer. I worked for two years, specialising in regulatory advisory, tax law and commercial dispute resolution. Thereafter, I returned to the UK to study for an LLM in International Business Law at the London School of Economics. I recently completed the programme and moved back to Nigeria, where I am currently working whilst I await the start of my LPC and training contract.
You’re now a Future Trainee Solicitor with Hogan Lovells – tell us a bit more about that.
I’ve always wanted to be dually qualified ie qualified to practise law in Nigeria and England and Wales. During my LLB degree, I applied to commercial law firms for vacation schemes and training contracts. While I made progress and was invited for a few interviews, I was ultimately unsuccessful. So, I returned to Nigeria, gained some work experience and then reapplied during my LLM. I was fortunate to secure a winter vacation scheme with Hogan Lovells. Based on my performance on the scheme, I received a training contract offer, which I accepted without hesitation. I’m looking forward to it!
How did Kent help you into a career?
The Careers Service was really helpful, and I greatly benefitted from the handy tips and CV/application review. These contributed in no small measure to helping me land interviews. Jayne Instone, the Law School’s Employability and Placements Manager, also offered valuable guidance as I tried to navigate the job market. In my second year, I secured unpaid work experience at a law firm in London and the University graciously provided me with financial support during this period. In all, the support I received at Kent laid the foundation for my career progress till date.
How do you see your career progressing?
I envisage that I will be qualifying as a commercial solicitor in a few years’ time. Post-qualification, I intend to take fellowship examinations for the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK). In the medium term, I also plan to obtain the higher rights of audience qualification and become a solicitor advocate. This will enable me to undertake solicitors’ work and also represent clients in court (the best of both worlds, really). In the longer term, I hope to make partner at a leading city law firm.
Any advice for aspiring lawyers?
Make the most of your time at University – it all flies by so quickly. Take full advantage of the opportunities available, be it extra-curricular activities, mooting, volunteering at the Law Clinic or running a society. In an increasingly competitive job market, it helps if you get more than a degree out of university. That being said, only take on responsibilities you can realistically manage alongside your studies. In the end, your studies should be your priority and getting top grades will put you in good stead for the future. Lastly, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Meet people, build your network and stay in touch. Not all opportunities are advertised, so at the risk of sounding cliché, your network is your net worth.
