After completing his LLB degree, Stanisław Mucha returned to the Law School to study an LLM in International Commercial Law. Having recently graduated, we caught up with Stanisław about why he chose Bristol, the highlights of his experience, and what it meant to receive the award for best performance on his programme.
Why I chose undergraduate and postgraduate law at the University of Bristol
I already studied for an LLB degree in Law at the University of Bristol for three years before my LLM course. However, the three years felt too short to explore the exact area of law that I was interested in.
The LLM in International Commercial Law not only focused on the exact sector that I wanted to specialise in, but it also offered a wide variety of specific modules, allowing me to choose freely what exactly I wanted to study. This was especially beneficial as I could add additional units that would broaden my expertise and potential employability, such as a module on technology and a module on arbitration.
Additionally, having spent three years in Bristol, it was a known and comfortable environment for me to continue my education. Another great benefit was the financial discount I received for my tuition fees due to being a returning student.
What I enjoyed most about my experience/programme
There are three aspects I enjoyed the most about my programme.
First, the modules themselves, and the fact that I could choose interesting legal subjects that related to wider international law and commerce, which made for a very challenging but rewarding experience.
Second, the international community at the University, which allowed me to collaborate with peers from a variety of backgrounds and legal experiences and make lifelong connections.
Third, the extracurricular activities, with the most important one being representing the University of Bristol in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot competition in Vienna. It was a phenomenal but also challenging experience that involved many phases and trials, from the initial drafting of legal memorandums to the numerous training sessions with our team and other universities.
My future plans working in Europe and the UK
I am currently in my home country on a legal internship at an international law firm in the department of data protection and technology, and I am preparing for the CIPP/E certification exam on data protection in the European Union.
I aspire to become a qualified solicitor in England & Wales and also take part in international commercial arbitration practice, gaining both local and international qualifications and expertise.
Not only has studying at the University of Bristol given me a great fundamental knowledge of the law, but more importantly, it has provided me with the opportunity to explore different legal sectors and niches. This includes both English law and wider international law, which enables me to fit in better globally and target better employers.
What makes Bristol a good city to study law?
Bristol is a great city to study in, being a midsized city with the University both centralised and integrated into it, offering a great experience, not to mention the excellent entertainment and venues that Bristol has.
With regard to studying law, it offers great quiet study spaces and, more importantly for me, excellent integration of technology, digitisation of legal sources, and video-recorded lectures. All of which allowed me to improve my research and never miss important information.
I must also mention the excellent teaching staff, including specific lecturers and professors, who helped me fully realise my potential and motivated me throughout my education.
On receiving the highest grade on the LLM International Commercial Law
I am truly grateful for the Best Performance in the International Commercial Law LLM Pathway award. I have been studying for four years at the University of Bristol, starting with my undergraduate LLB degree and finishing with my postgraduate LLM. This award feels especially meaningful as I reach the end of this journey. It makes me feel that I was truly able to better myself throughout that time and that my hard work has paid off. The award brings me great satisfaction and I am once again very grateful for this recognition.