Jessica is a graduate from the LLM Law course. 

What attracted you to studying the LLM Law at the University of Strathclyde, and what made you choose Strathclyde for your postgraduate studies? 

Coming from Germany, I was particularly attracted to the opportunity to study law in an international environment and to gain a perspective that went beyond the German legal system. I wanted to broaden my understanding of law and explore international aspects of legal practice, while also experiencing a different academic and cultural environment.

I chose the University of Strathclyde because of its strong reputation and the quality of its law programme. I was especially drawn to the LLM Law programme, as it offered a great deal of flexibility in course selection. Rather than committing myself to a single area of law from the beginning, I wanted the opportunity to explore different subjects and discover which genuinely interested me.

Looking back, that flexibility was one of the best aspects of choosing Strathclyde. It allowed me to approach my postgraduate studies with an open mind and to develop interests that I may not have identified if I had followed a much more narrowly specialised programme.

Looking back on your time as an LLM Law student, what did you particularly enjoy or find most valuable about your experience at Strathclyde? 

What I valued most was the freedom to shape my own academic experience. The LLM allowed me to choose courses from a range of different areas, which meant that every part of the programme could reflect my developing interests.

I particularly enjoyed the academic environment at Strathclyde. The seminars and discussions encouraged me to think critically and to consider legal questions from different perspectives. Studying alongside people with different backgrounds and experiences was also extremely valuable, particularly because it exposed me to perspectives beyond my own German legal background.
I also really enjoyed the independence that came with postgraduate study. The LLM allowed me to engage deeply with subjects that interested me, while developing my ability to conduct independent research and form my own arguments.

Overall, I found the experience valuable not only because of the knowledge I gained, but because it encouraged me to become a more independent and confident legal thinker.

What skills, knowledge or ways of thinking did you develop during the LLM that have been useful in your working life since graduating?

The LLM helped me develop a wide range of skills that have remained valuable in my working life. In particular, I significantly strengthened my academic writing and legal research skills. I became much more confident in analysing complex legal questions, identifying relevant sources and developing a clear and well-supported argument.

The programme also strengthened my critical thinking. Studying different areas of law encouraged me to look at legal problems from multiple perspectives rather than approaching them from only one angle. This was particularly valuable because I was able to encounter different approaches to legal issues and develop a broader understanding of how legal systems and institutions operate.
I also developed my ability to work independently, manage my time effectively, and communicate legal ideas clearly. The international and diverse academic environment further helped me become more comfortable engaging with people who have different perspectives and legal backgrounds.

These skills are particularly useful in my current work with the public prosecution service in Germany. The ability to conduct thorough legal research, analyse issues carefully and approach cases from different perspectives has been very valuable and has helped me connect the academic skills I developed during the LL.M. with practical legal work.

Did the LLM give you the opportunity to explore or develop a particular interest in an area of law, and has that influenced the direction of your career since graduating?

Definitely. This is probably one of the aspects of the LL.M. that has influenced me most.

One of the main reasons I chose the LLM Law was precisely because I did not want to limit myself to one particular area of law. The flexibility of the programme allowed me to explore subjects including Innovation & Leadership, Law of International Business, International Criminal Justice, Justice & Penal Decision Making, Restorative Justice and Punishment & Processes of Penal Change.
Being able to study such a broad range of subjects allowed me to compare different areas of law and, importantly, to discover which ones I found most interesting.

Through this process, I developed and strengthened my particular interest in criminal law. Courses dealing with international criminal justice, penal decision-making, restorative justice, punishment & processes of penal change were especially valuable in helping me understand the different legal, social and practical dimensions of criminal justice.

This interest has also influenced the direction I have taken since graduating. I am currently working part-time on a voluntary basis with the public prosecution service in Germany. This has given me the opportunity to gain practical experience in an area that I became increasingly interested in during my LLM. For me, this is one of the greatest strengths of the LLM Law course. It did not simply provide me with knowledge in one defined field. It gave me the space to explore, question, and ultimately identify the area of law that I would like to pursue further professionally.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the LLM Law at Strathclyde, or to a student who is just starting the course now?

My main advice would be to take full advantage of the flexibility that the LLM offers. In particular, I would encourage students not to feel that they have to know exactly which area of law they want to specialise in from the beginning. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was being able to explore different areas and allow my interests to develop naturally.

I would also encourage students to take advantage of the international environment at Strathclyde. Coming from Germany, studying in Scotland gave me the opportunity to experience a different legal and academic perspective, and interacting with people from different backgrounds significantly enriched my experience.

Finally, I would encourage students to make the most of the academic opportunities the LLM provides. Take the time to engage with the subjects you find interesting, develop your research and writing skills, participate in discussions and challenge your own assumptions. The LLM is not only an opportunity to gain another qualification, but it is an opportunity to discover what kind of lawyer and legal thinker you want to become. For me, studying the LLM at Strathclyde was a particularly valuable experience because it gave me both the breadth to explore different areas of law and the opportunity to develop a much clearer idea of where my interests lie.

It ultimately strengthened my interest in criminal law and has influenced the practical direction I am now taking in my legal career.