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Akim Tejan-Cole, LLB (Hons) Law, Student Law Society President
Law was a discipline that always attracted Akim, however it was the transferability of the degree to other reputable areas such as business, finance and politics that finally convinced him"London's global prestige as a legal centre made it a natural choice for me and LSBU had the perfect location."
Legal training with practical experience
"The teaching staff go out of their way to help students who want to succeed, and they have helped me achieve much more than I had expected. Studying at a university with such a diverse mix of students has greatly enhanced my understanding of different cultures and developed me as a person."
Akim's placement at Southwark Legal Services gave him an insight into the workings of a large Legal department as well as the opportunity to network with a large pool of lawyers. One highlight was the chance to shadow the Council's legal team in a Court of Appeal case. "My volunteer work at the University's innovative Legal Advice Clinic has been a fantastic experience. It has complemented my legal training with practical experience that will enhance my employability."
An active Student Law Society
Akim was elected welfare officer for the very active Student Law Society (SLS) in March 2012.
Then in 2013, he was elected President of the SLS. During his tenure the Society has reached several milestones such as record membership, and a record number of events.
They also began the Street Law project which involves doing interactive presentations in schools and colleges, intended to educate students about their legal rights and responsibilities in relation to a particular issue or area of law.
There is an abundance of high profile speakers that the SLS has brought to LSBU. It includes Baroness Hale, (Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom), Sir Andrew McFarlane (Lord Ordinary of Appeal), General David Howell (former Director General of Army Legal Services), Lord Reed (Lord Justice of the Supreme Court of UK) and Alistair Graham of Mayer brown LLP (Litigator of the year 2008).
The SLS also organises the internal mooting competition, in which students participate in the preparation and arguing of cases in front of judges.
In 2013 they also organised a very successful friendly mooting competition against the South London Law Society (SLLS), which was presided over by Mr Justice Silber, a high court judge of England and Wales.
Students who took part were awarded work placements, and others who attended got the chance to network with working professionals.
London South Bank University allows its students to explore their goals and reach their potential. There is so much to achieve at LSBU. Get involved and live the university life to the fullest.
Akim Tejan-Cole
A high achiever
In 2011/2012, Akim was awarded the Sweet and Maxwell prize as the highest achieving student. He was also part of the mooting team that gained victory over Manchester University at the 2012 - 2013 Oxford University Press/BPP Law School mooting competition.
"A law degree is not just about knowledge of the law, it is about acquiring key analytical, communications and problem solving skills, amongst others. I am keeping my options open but hope to pursue a legal or business related career."
Akim has benefited from the university's ongoing support at the employability service which helped with his application for a placement at Barclays Capital.
Watch Akim talk about the Street Law project: