Joe Widdowson, UCL200 Laws LLM Opportunity Scholar

What motivated you to choose the Master of Laws (LLM) at UCL?

The breadth of experience within the department was a huge factor, with UCL Laws striking an appropriate balance between academics and professionals. This split is reflected across the modules I have taken and helps explain how UCL shapes contemporary legal thinking.

UCL LLM also offers a wide range of specialisms, allowing students to take modules aligned with their career goals.

What are you most enjoying so far?

Rather than having to sit and listen, as is often the case during undergraduate study, the LLM encourages continuous dialogue throughout the lectures. This adds a new layer of intellectual challenge and brings together differing perspectives among peers from a wide range of backgrounds, making it one of the most diverse courses in the country.

What does receiving the UCL200 Laws LLM Opportunity Scholarship mean to you personally and/or professionally?

Receiving the LLM Opportunity Scholarship for me means both personal honour and an unbelievable professional opportunity. My hard work during my undergraduate degree being formally recognised in this way is a testament to my ambition, tenacity, and drive.

The opportunity UCL Laws has given me is a strong vote of confidence in my potential and reinforces my belief that I can achieve great things. The scholarship also helps break down barriers for those with limited means, and to be part of this year’s cohort is truly amazing.

How do you hope this scholarship will support your future plans or ambitions?

This scholarship is career-making for those with the ambition to practice in London, as it alleviates financial pressure and allows full focus on academic and professional development. To further support my future plans, UCL Laws enables LLM students to apply for both internal and external moots and mediation opportunities. This additional layer of extracurricular activity strengthens my ambitions, given the prestige and excellence associated with UCL competitions.

How did you hear about the Scholarship, and how was the process of applying for it?

I first heard about this scholarship through my independent research, which, of course, led me to apply. The process was exceptionally smooth and well-structured, giving me ample time to find accommodation once I found out I had been selected.

Although the process can be daunting due to its competitive nature, I cannot stress enough how beneficial it is to apply – it truly is a gateway to a legal career in London.

What does being part of the UCL200 celebrations mean to you?

Being part of the UCL200 celebrations is a privilege. Knowing that I am contributing, in a small way, to UCL’s rich history is both inspiring and humbling.

If you could give one piece of advice to future scholarship applicants, what would it be?

The best advice I could give to future applicants is to work hard, achieve a strong grade in your undergraduate degree, and, most importantly, be authentic.

UCL is looking for someone who knows what they want and why they want to go into a particular field of law – they want to see your passion and motivations.

Focus on what makes you unique and the values you hold. It is okay not to be a finished article (I certainly am not); this scholarship is about opening doors and supporting potential. If selected, the rewards will feel unprecedented and well deserved.

What are your plans after completing your LLM, and how do you hope to make an impact?

Following completion of my LLM, I hope to secure a vacation scheme that leads to a training contract at a leading law firm. The impact I hope to make is twofold. First, I aim to engage in pro bono work to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups. Second, I hope to develop into a leading associate in debt restructuring.
 

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