Bertha Kabakaki: Law student
Why did you choose to study Law?
I’ve always had an interest in the criminal justice system, having grown up watching crime documentaries and videos with my father. I was originally going to pursue a degree in criminology, but having studied law in college, I was intrigued and realised it is important to understand the law before anything else in matters of criminal justice. Through that, you can learn to understand the offender, and I thought Law would help me better understand the criminal justice system.
Why did you choose London South Bank University?
It was two things for me: the locality and the degree. When searching for a university, I wanted to find one in London, but it proved quite challenging due to the type of degree I was interested in pursuing (law with criminology). That’s when I found LSBU; the nearest train station is right next to the university, making transport much more convenient for me, as I commute to university. The heart of central London is only a bus away, so there are things to do around when I’m off the lecture and seminar schedule.
Can you tell us more about any internship or placement opportunities you've undertaken?
I had the opportunity to volunteer in the university’s legal advice clinic. The clinic offers free legal advice to the public/members of the community, which meant I was working with real clients. The students run the clinic under the supervision of legal professionals, so I was not working alone and was always paired with another student, and the three of us would work as a team. In the clinic, I conducted interviews, researched the client’s issue alongside my supervisor and colleague, and provided advice to the client—things that cannot be learnt from textbooks alone. The more I did it, the more confident I became in the routine.
How do you think LSBU is preparing you for your career?
LSBU understands the significance of experience in the job market, especially for law students aiming to pursue a career as a barrister or solicitor, by dedicating a whole module to gaining legal experience. Having that initial experience really makes a difference in the future; it shows the employer that you have what it takes to do the job and makes the actual job easier and less nerve-racking because you have become accustomed to the standard during your time in university.
Can you tell us about your experience in the Legal Advice Clinic?
I loved it! It’s a hands-on approach to applying what you learn in class to real-world legal issues and getting a taste of what the legal profession is like. The engaging part is that every case is different and unique; various areas of law are always explored in the clinic, and you never know what will come through the door. Having that legal exposure helped me figure out what areas I liked or didn’t quite like, which gave me an idea of what optional modules I might choose in my final year.
What networking opportunities have you had since being at LSBU?
Last year, the Law Society hosted a careers fair featuring numerous firms with their own unique specialisms. I recall speaking with a solicitor from one of the UK's renowned firms. It was interesting learning more about what their firms are and what they do, and it was nice knowing there are so many areas of law you can get into; you don’t need to feel like you must do one. Often, the law department keeps you informed about current law-based events, such as internships, work experience opportunities, and networking events, so there’s something for everyone.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about studying a Law at LSBU?
Don’t be shy to talk to people! Everyone in the degree is learning the same thing; one person may not understand something you do, and vice versa. Talking to your classmates about the content will help you solidify your knowledge, all while making some potential lifelong friends. Two, be critical. The degree is not just about knowing the law—you’re encouraged to analyse and question it, to understand not only what the law is but also why it is, and to think about how it applies in real life. Critiquing is key!
Can you tell us about the academic support?
The lectures and seminar tutors are all supportive and willing to help with any queries you may have; they are all easy to talk to. The university also offers facilities to help you with your assignments; for example, there are sessions the university runs often that you can pop into that teach you how to reference, do a bibliography, how to formulate an essay, etc., all to assist you with your current and/or future assignments. LSBU recognises that some students may be unfamiliar with degree-level writing and might require additional support.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After graduating, I hope to pursue a career in the criminal justice sector, hopefully as a probation officer. I feel that this role would allow me to utilise both the law and criminology aspects of my degree. I hope to work closely with individuals within the criminal justice system to achieve a positive outcome for all parties involved.