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School of Law

Sarah Kinyanjui, International Business Law LLM (2021)

"I gained a macroeconomic perspective of the law and its interaction with society and a greater grasp on the introduction of critical thinking in research".

Published:
Sarah Kinyanjui

Programme: International Business Law LLM
Year: 2021
Country: Kenya

What influenced your decision to choose an LLM at Queen Mary?

I was greatly influenced by the University’s great reputation, the Queen Mary post-graduate mentorship forum and the great range of programs available under an LLM in International Business Law. I enjoyed having the great range of choices for specialism because I was looking towards a transactional angle in legal practice specifically with regards to investments.

How did you find the teaching and learning?

I enjoyed the interactive sessions between professors and students. I particularly enjoyed working with my professors on interesting and upcoming areas within financial markets. The professors were interactive and taught extensively on current affairs which make for great legal minds.

What was key about your programme/ were there any highlights?

My highlight was working on a regulatory project for the cryptocurrency space with Professor George Walker and engaging in an essay in design law protection and its interaction with patent law, trademark, and copyright law with Professor David Musker. Both these areas are relatively new in my country and accord me a competitive edge in the market. Coincidentally the professors ensured that we had plenty of extracurricular engagement with them on topical issues.

Did you combine modules across specialisations and if so, what were the advantages of this?

Yes, I did. My focus was on Finance law and a bulk of my choice modules dealt with this. However, I was also able to incorporate modules in design law and international tax law. The advantage of the latter is that I have gained a deeper understanding of the role of taxation in influencing investment decisions. In this case, I am better placed to offer advice on the implication of taxation models on the structure of investment vehicles.

What piece of insight or advice would you offer for future students?

Stay hungry and stay foolish. Research, engage and inquire from the faculty regularly as they have such great insights on sectoral practice and offer additional mentorship besides the class lectures. I would also advise future students to say yes to opportunities that challenge them to grow and learn specifically with regards to legal externships, investment pitching with QAccelerator and mentorship allocations.

Has gained a deeper understanding of your specialisation helped your career?

Yes. When I joined, I was curious about the interaction between law and investment decisions but uncertain about areas of focus. My LLM played a key role clarifying this. I also gained a macroeconomic perspective of the law and its interaction with society and a greater grasp on the introduction of critical thinking in research.

What was your best experience of studying at QMUL?

Apart from academics, the multi-cultural experience was an added advantage. I learnt as much from students as I did from the faculty. I also enjoyed the vibrant career team at the university with timely webinars and career advice and prompt feedback specifically from Jacqueline Steinmetz, Employer Engagement, Internships and Mentoring Coordinator (Postgraduate law)

Would you be willing to share your Testimonial? If so, you could help a prospective student to make an informed choice to study at Queen Mary. (Class of 2020, 2021 and 2022 only).

 

 

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