Angelo Mogan LLB Accelerated, 2017

Hi, I'm Angelo Mogan and I studied LLB (Accelerated 2 year Programme) within Southampton Law School at the University of Southampton.

Come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new, come in with an open mind, and you may have one of the best experiences of your life!

I felt Southampton was the best place for me because I knew it was a Russell Group university with an excellent reputation. Additionally, my cousin was living in Bournemouth and since I moved from Canada, I wanted to be near some family. I also knew that Southampton was one of the sunnier places in the UK.

There have been quite a few ‘highlight’ moments for me during my time at Southampton; however I would say winning the 2017 Dentons Negotiation Competition, with one of my best friends, whilst grinding out my dissertation was the moment that really showed me anything is possible.

I was a part of the university ice hockey team (Southampton Spitfires) in my first two years; I was the vice-president of Lawyers without Borders in first year, and Public Relations rep in second year; and I was the Social Secretary for the Law Society in second year.

I have judged in the university Negotiations Competition in second and third year; participated in the national speed mooting competition in first year; won the 2017 Dentons Negotiations Competition; and represented the university in the 2016/17 Aspiring Solicitors Commercial Awareness Competition

I have taken up a number of opportunites during my time at Southampton. The Southampton City Council internship taught me a lot about Data Protection law and how local government operates on a daily basis. Invaluable opportunity because it showed me an alternative to private practice law. The ‘Present and Future of EU and UK Copyright’ conference expanded my knowledge in IP law and allowed me to understand the views that judges, solicitors, barristers and EU scholars have towards the concept of Brexit and how it will affect the IP field.

Societal committees (Law Society – Social Secretary; Lawyers without Borders – Vice-President and Public Relations Officer) allowed me to work together with my colleagues to make the university experience of my peers enjoyable and useful (in terms of a career in law). My involvement in both committees developed my team working skills and leadership skills. Lastly. the annual Law Fair allowed me to meet various law firms and determine which firm I want to train with. This is definitely one of the best opportunities a law student can attend.

The staff at Southampton Law School have been phenomenal in preparing me for my career in law (in particular Jan Steele and Dr. Eleonora Rosati). Jan Steele has provided all students with excellent opportunities to practice their interview skills; meet graduate recruitment of law firms and find potential internships or work experience schemes.

Dr. Rosati has provided me with numerous contacts in the legal world (ranging from Partners at firms to Managers at big businesses) and also provided me with opportunities to increase my knowledge and expertise in various areas of Intellectual Property Law.

I also played in the university ice hockey team and made it to the nationals competition held in Sheffield – another opportunity for me to develop team working skills.

The excellent lecturers, relevant content in each module and having the opportunity to study the an excellent Intellectual Property module with Dr Rosati have ensured that my course has been enjoyable and intellectually stimualating.

I have gotten involved with a number of networking opportunities during my studies. Along with attending the annual Law Fair, I also attended other events such as the 'Present and Future of the EU and UK Copyright' conference in January 2017, the open days at Norton Rose Fulbright and Jones Day (with Lawyers without Borders), Employability skills sessions in 2nd year, a Google seminar on their challenges with IP issues, and last but not least, a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.

I personally enjoy Southampton, as a city, a lot. I think it is a small city that is not too noisy, both conducive to academic learning. I am happy to study in Southampton but will definitely be looking to move into a bigger city, such as London, in order to follow career aspirations.

My advice to Canadian students – You have come to the UK! Go out and meet European and foreign students. Try not to stick with what you know. Go out of your comfort zone and you will have the greatest experience like I did.

My advice to all students – take advantage of all the opportunities the university offers you. The Law School is filled with EXCELLENT staff, not just the lecturers, but all staff. The uni has numerous resources and opportunities waiting for you to take advantage of. Have a great time with friends but never forget (my Contract Law Professor told us this), ‘you want to study well to choose your career; instead of letting your career choose you.’