Michael Coumas, UCL Laws Future Scholars Award
Where you are from: Wallington, Surrey
Scholarship received: UCL Laws Future Scholars Award
Why did you choose to apply to study at UCL Laws?
I knew I wanted to study at either Oxford, Cambridge or in London based on the general ability to specialise in corporate law modules at each University. I was drawn to UCL Laws in particular because of the possibility of obtaining a LLM in Corporate Law and the incredibly wide range of modules available for this specialism. My career aspirations align well with these modules, as I intend to practise at the Commercial Chancery Bar after I complete the LLM and Bar Practice Course. Other LLMs paled in comparison to the diversity of choice on offer at UCL Laws. This has allowed me to develop a focussed, yet varied and comprehensive, foundation of knowledge in the areas of law that I am both academically and professionally interested in.
Just as importantly, the scholarship opportunities encouraged me to apply. UCL Laws launched a new range of impressive studentships for the year I joined, making the chance to undertake postgraduate studies a truly viable option for me. The amount available in the stipends on offer removes the financial strain of both tuition and maintenance for students with excellent academic achievements and who grew up in financial hardship. It is really encouraging when making applications of this kind to know that there is a genuine consideration of financial hardship despite talent, and UCL Laws ensures the former does not preclude the latter.
What are your favourite things about studying at UCL Laws?
The first thing that springs to mind are the tutors and lecturers at UCL Laws. My tutors are well-known and recognised as experts in their legal fields, and have colourful personalities that bring my studies to life. I became familiar with many of their books and articles during my LLB, so to be taught by them as part of my LLM was a really exciting prospect. Another aspect I thoroughly enjoy about studying at UCL Laws are the students. I get to spend many hours working and socialising with like-minded people, and have made some wonderful friends along the way.
The location of UCL Laws is ideal as it is in a very well connected part of London. There are also several libraries in short walking distance from the Faculty of Laws, such as the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, where you are entitled to a years’ subscription as a UCL Laws postgraduate student. If you would like a specific textbook that has only recently been published, or is niche and otherwise unavailable in most libraries, a simple request placed at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies will see that it is brought into their collection as soon as possible. You are therefore well-equipped to undertake your postgraduate studies at UCL Laws.
What do you hope to do once your studies are complete?
I will be called to the Bar after my Bar Practice Course, commencing in September, with a view to applying for pupillage at a set of Barristers’ Chambers and eventually obtaining tenancy. Chambers have their specialisms, and I’m particularly interested in the rules of the common law and equitable jurisdiction as applied in the corporate and commercial contexts. The number of specialist modules UCL Laws offers means I’m able to say that I’ve studied these areas of law in depth, instead of simply having undertaken more general modules as part of my undergraduate LLB law degree.
My goal is to become a barrister, as the prospect of helping shape legal issues on fertile ground for change and reform is hugely exciting. In the long-term, I can see myself pursuing a judicial capacity due to having had experience marshalling the Vice-President of the Court of Appeal (as she then was) in 2017. This will essentially depend on whether I’ll prefer the decision-making side of things or being an advocate. That’s what is so great about UCL Laws – there are so many opportunities available which allow you to experience both sides of the coin, whether it be mooting and mock trials or having the opportunity to network with senior legal officials.
How did you hear about the UCL Laws scholarships?
I thought to myself, if I’m going to apply for a postgraduate degree, I need to look at where I can afford to study. Because I was predicted a First in my undergraduate LLB, I knew I could aim high and UCL was the most viable option due to their scholarships, and indeed the most desirable due to the breadth of modules available. When I looked online, there was a variety of useful guidance materials on the Funding section of UCL Laws’ website, which outlined the requirements, procedure and contents of UCL Laws’ new scholarships. This was refreshing, as other institutions were less clear online about the details of their available scholarships, which exacerbated an already stressful process.
What impact has receiving this scholarship had for you?
A tremendous impact! Put simply, I wouldn’t have been able to undertake postgraduate studies if it wasn’t for the scholarship; it just wouldn’t be viable at all. I would have had to have chosen a different career trajectory, or perhaps career path, based mainly on the issue of funding.
As well as funding my tuition fees, the scholarship also provides a maintenance grant. The grant has been fantastic - I’m able to live near the university campus and resources, which has really facilitated my ability to complete the copious amounts of reading materials as part of the LLM programme.
If you hadn’t received this scholarship what do you think your plans would be, if not studying at UCL Laws?
I think I would probably be choosing a different career path, but one that’s still related to law. I could have applied straight for the Bar Professional Training Course, but against my better judgement that it would be desirable to have a more comprehensive understanding of the areas of law I intend to pursue professionally. I might instead be completing the Legal Practice Course to become a solicitor and join a law firm with a good litigation team, as law firms typically provide generous funding for their prospective trainees to complete that qualification course. While this isn’t an unattractive career path, I knew I wanted to go into further study to prepare for a career at the Commercial Chancery Bar, rather than the mainly non-contentious role of a solicitor advocate. What this scholarship has allowed me to do is to really refine and hone my professional interests.
If someone was thinking of applying for a scholarship what would you say to them?
I’d say act on your intuition and apply if you know you work hard and have really identifiable and concrete interests. During my scholarship interview, I felt that the interview panel, which included legal professionals and top researchers, could really see my potential and what I have to contribute to the areas of study I am interested in. The questions you’re asked in the interview, and the topics you’re asked to write about in the application process, are opportunities to demonstrate these interests and aspirations, and are drawn upon in the interview. No matter how nervous you’re feeling, aim to convey that you’re motivated; that you’ve researched your interests; and what you can contribute to your chosen fields of study. It‘s an opportunity to show not only how you can benefit from being at UCL Laws, but also what you can give back to the legal field in terms of potential research or future occupation – even though it is still early days.
Receiving a scholarship is not only extremely helpful for those with trying economic circumstances, but it is an award that endorses your own aspirations and talent. This can be a huge confidence boost and is something to be proud of.
When looking at sources of funding to support your studies, I would recommend applying for a postgraduate degree at universities that have the optimal balance between funding and modules you are interested in – but a maximum of three or four. This means you can put a lot of effort and time into those applications, and really show how much you’re interested in your proposed fields of study and/or practice. Also, never feel like you’re not good enough to apply – identify your strengths, highlight your research interests and this will help make your application stand out.
If someone was thinking of funding or sponsoring a scholarship what would you say to them?
I would say they should look at what they do as an organisation as a starting point, then discern how to allocate funding. From the scholarship applicant’s perspective, you have to understand and really consider whether or not that scholarship will provide something beneficial to you; and the same applies for the sponsor. I was granted the Future Scholars’ Award on the basis of my interests, my future plans and how I might ‘give back’ to academia to the extent that it goes hand-in-hand with legal practice. There are, however, other types of scholarships available which aim to support alternative objectives.
I’d therefore encourage potential sponsors to consider whether they want to fund somebody who grew up in financial hardship, harnessing that otherwise untapped potential; or to support people who want to take on certain projects, including those in a specific legal field. A scholarship is a symbiotic and long-term relationship, and the recipient will not take it for granted.