Selasie Atuwo

Selasie, from Ghana, graduated in 2011 with a Joint LLM in International Commercial Law with the University of Cergy Pontoise.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

I chose to study in Dundee because of the high reputation of its Law School and also because of the Joint LLM Programme with the University of Cergy-Pontoise in France.

What are your immediate plans after graduation?

I am currently studying for the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). I am expected to complete in June 2012 and be called to the Bar of England and Wales in July 2012. Thereafter, I would go back home to Ghana to practice.

What are your longer term career plans (if any)?

My long term career plan is to set up a law firm specialising in International Commercial Law. I would also like to lecture at one of the tertiary institutions in Ghana.

What information do you think applicants need to know before starting this course?

This is a very intensive course and applicants would do well to revise their core LLB subjects before starting the course. They should also take their legal research skills seriously.

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

The most enjoyable part of the Joint LLM degree was the ERASMUS part of the programme in France. I was one of five ERASMUS students from Dundee who went to the University of Cergy-Pontoise to pursue another LLM programme in French and European Union Law.

This gave me the opportunity to meet exchange students from all over the world and share with them the peculiarities of our respective legal systems. I had the opportunity to receive tuition within the Civil Law environment and also experience at first hand the principles that underpin the Civil Law tradition. Hitherto, I only had the chance of reading about the differences between the Common/Civil Law traditions. It was also, of course, a great opportunity to broaden my network of friends.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Potential students to the School of Law who are interested in pursuing International Commercial Law should seriously consider the Joint LLM Programme as it affords them a very strong foundation in both Civil and Common Law legal traditions.