My law degree (and everything I built around it)

By:: David
Published: 09 February 2026
Tagged under:: Careers; Everything Else; Law; Placement; Student Life; Students' Union; Studying; Undergraduate

David reflects on moving from Nigeria to the UK and his journey to become an aspiring barrister. He shares how initiative, leadership, and opportunity shaped his rewarding university experience.

David standing in front of an old building.

Hi, my name is David. I'm in my final year of LLB (Hons) Law at the University of Bradford.

My time in Bradford

My time living in Bradford has been a mix of feelings, from crazy to exhilarating to taxing and ultimately rewarding. I have tried to occupy myself not only with legal studies, which are rigorous and demanding in and of themselves, but also with several extracurricular activities. I've also completed some work experience, which has made my time at the University richer.

In 2021, I moved from Nigeria to the United Kingdom and started my foundation year programme. After completing my foundation year, I began my LLB (Hons) Law course in 2022.

Before my first semester, I booked a meeting with the Career and Employability Services and got advice on the kinds of activities I could get involved in that would help me build my CV. I knew a First Class degree was desirable, but I'd also heard that employers looked for those who took the initiative and honed transferable skills with the opportunities at their doorstep.

So, when I began my first year, I had a clear vision: get excellent grades and take any opportunity that came my way.

Getting stuck in

I began volunteering for the Bradford Magistrates’ Court and Bradford Combined Courts Centre as part of the Bradford Court Chaplaincy Service, and after this experience, I was ready to become my year group’s student representative.

I took part in the mooting and mock-trial competitions. My favourite was the Proctor and Hobbs Mock trial competition, which I later won and received a smart car for!

David posing with a white car that he won in a competition.

During my first year, I enjoyed participating in the Mock trial competition. I went up against second-year, final-year, and Master's students. This competition really boosted my confidence and improved my advocacy skills.

Staying on track

Whilst I made the effort to join and lead various societies and clubs in the Students' Union, I also tried to be strict about my study time so as not to fall behind on all my lessons.

Because of this mindset, I won several prizes that provided me with money, mentorship, and work experiences from law firms like Liberty Global, Capsticks, Gordons, and the Crown Prosecution Service.

During my downtime, I restarted the dormant Athletics Club and Creative Writing Society.

I came up with an idea for a project that would impact the community in Bradford called ‘Blooming Under Bradford Skies’. With this project, I was able to bring the most funding into the Students' Union by a student in its 60 year history. This meant we could publish a book by Bradford’s writers, for Bradford's people.

David smiling in a suit.

Notable mentions

I was lucky enough to have marshalled a judge and completed a placement at the Government Legal Department. On top of my achievements, I was awarded the Lord Neuberger prize, and I will be given a mini-pupillage (short work experience placement) as part of that.

Ultimately, I have tried my best to make the most of my time at Bradford. I plan to become a barrister, and I am sure all these experiences have formed me into a version of myself capable of handling the responsibilities that come with the bar. I advise anyone starting out at university to make the most of it and enjoy every moment to the fullest.