Where can legal study take you? Syed Enam Ahammad, a graduate of London Met's Law (with International Relations) – LLB (Hons) and our Legal Practice Course explains how his legal and political career took off as a result of his studies. He's worked for both local and central government, with varied roles in the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Home Office and Haringey Council as well as giving back to his community through Pro Bono legal advice at Toynbee Hall. His blogs and articles have been published in several papers and websites. Education is still key – he's also found time to fit in an LLM in Human Rights and is now fulfilling a long-held dream to study for a PhD, which he's undertaking at SOAS, on the topic of Islamophobia.
Why did you choose to study at London Met?
The Guildhall School of Business and Law is well recognised and is one of the older law schools in London. I met many qualified lawyers before my entrance at London Met who had studied both the LLB and the LPC (Legal Practice Course) at London Met. I was always interested in studying law and politics together and found this combined course – Law (with International Relations) – LLB (Hons) at this institution that has a great reputation worldwide.
What made you choose London in particular?
I have lived in London for most of my adult life. I attended an open day where I met the excellent members of staff and lecturers from the law school, and I found them very helpful and easily approachable when I was a prospective student. I raised a few queries with them afterwards and received prompt responses, which made it much easier to choose London Met.
I was also encouraged by friends and relatives who had previously studied law at at London Met, and liked the fact that this university is very multicultural with a wide range of students from different backgrounds and different parts of the world.
How did you find the course and the facilities?
I count my LLB and LPC teachers as friends. London Met also have a careers team where students can get help with writing their CVs and job application forms. The Met Temps agency is a good opportunity for students to work for their own university to get the relevant experience and references they need. The engagement with the Students’ Union, Student Council, societies and attending various events has enhanced my legal and political knowledge and inspired me to work towards my goal.
Do you get to do much practical work or an industry placement on the course?
During my course, I visited the Local Authority’s offices and the town hall, The House of Commons and The House of Lords, and shortly afterwards I was elected as councillor – therefore, the visits were really helpful for me to understand the national and local political structure of the UK, and were also helpful when I wrote my law extended essay on constitutional law in my final year. I have also visited various courts. These practical experiences have been very useful in my education and career.
What has been the highlight of your law study?
I have had many highlights throughout my five years at London Met. The quality of teaching and the extra support from the teachers helped me to successfully complete both courses at London Met. This academic success and the knowledge gained from my chosen modules have been milestones in my legal career. I have also made lots of friends at the campus who have been really helpful both throughout the course and also outside of education.
Were you in any clubs/societies here?
In my first year I was elected as the Student Academic Representative for my course. At the same year I was also elected as the Part-time and Mature Students’ Officer at the Students’ Union and served on the Student Council on my second year. During my five years at London Met, I was actively involved in many societies and clubs. I was a member of a few clubs and was also the Chair of the London Met Labour Club, of which I was also a founding member.
What do you like about life in London?
I am a Londoner; I live in London and love London. The life here is busy but vibrant, and open for all with opportunities. This is the most diverse city in the world. I love the the tube, local bus service, the parks, the river and the people who make this city the best and so colourful.
Can you tell us about some of your roles since graduating, and how did your time at London Met help you in your career?
I have worked for the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Home Office as well as in several legal roles. I was also an elected councillor for my local authority. The employability network, careers advice and CV clinic at London Met all helped me to gain experience through Pro Bono work, and taught me how to write a CV, a covering letter and how to handle a job interview. I also had an opportunity to work for the University's Centre for Professional Education and Development (CPED) team via Met Temps, where I gained very good experience and boosted my CV at the same time to help get a job after graduation.
"I have had many highlights throughout my five years at London Met. The quality of teaching and the extra support from the teachers helped me to successfully complete both courses at London Met. This academic success and the knowledge gained from my chosen modules have been milestones in my legal career."