Mudiaga Akakabota

• Years of study: September 2016 – September 2018

I choose the University of Northampton because of its LLB-intensive analytical thinking training as a Changemaker University. The University of Northampton teaches the basics every lawyer needs to apply in practice. It also prepares you for the Nigeria Law School exam, which you must pass to practise as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria. The LLB intensive programme makes it perfect for anyone looking to become a solicitor in the UK, too. The University has a robust support system for international students, including those from Africa, which made my transition to the UK much smoother.

My favourite part of the University was the vibrant campus life and the social environment. The campus was always buzzing with activities, and this, combined with a supportive community, made my university years not only educational but also incredibly thrilling. The lecturers were fantastic, too, they were experts in their fields and committed to our success. They often shared personal work experiences, enriching our learning and making classes more engaging.

Studying at the University of Northampton provided me with a strong foundation in law, not just theoretical knowledge but practical skills highly valued in today’s legal jobs. The LLB intensive progamme helped me to get a good start in this highly competitive field and contributed significantly to my career growth.

The University of Northampton offers comprehensive career services, which played a pivotal role in launching my career. For instance, I participated in workshops for interview preparation, which helped me secure my first volunteering job at the Citizens Advice Bureau Northampton for an internship. The collaborative support I received was instrumental in helping me take my first steps in the legal profession.

I recommend getting involved in everything the LLB programme offers, such as extracurricular activities like moot court and legal clinics. These will sharpen your legal skills and help you build a professional network.

To succeed after graduation, keep learning and growing in your field of legal practice. Stay current with the latest law by subscribing to legal journals and attending professional development courses. Find mentors who can guide you in your career and provide valuable insights. Take every chance to apply your skills in real-life situations, whether through internships, or pro bono work. Building a solid professional presence and network early on is essential for advancing your legal career.

This can be done by attending industry events, joining professional associations and maintaining a strong online presence on professional platforms like LinkedIn.

My journey since graduating from the University of Northampton with a Bachelor of Laws in 2018, where I was awarded a Second Class (Upper Division) degree, has been one of continuous learning and growth. This journey led me to pursue a Master of Law at Durham University in the United Kingdom, which I completed in 2019 with distinction. This advanced degree deepened my expertise in law and equipped me with the skills to tackle more complex legal challenges. My educational and professional journey is a testament to the practical benefits of continuous learning and growth, inspiring others to follow a similar path.

After my enriching studies in the UK, I returned to Nigeria, where I successfully qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria during the 2021/2022 licensing year. My licensing exams were a testament to my strong competencies across several areas of law, reflecting the breadth of my legal knowledge. This diverse skill set has enabled me to engage effectively in various legal capacities and enhanced my career in law, demonstrating my adaptability and competence.

I specialise in legal support and case management at the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, one of the province’s most prominent law offices. My role is essential in advancing government priorities through meticulously supporting various legal processes.

My responsibilities include prompt preparation and filing of legal documents. I take a proactive approach to client communication, ensuring they are always informed about file updates, procedural changes, and general updates within the Division. I also handle the creation of various documents and correspondences for both legal and non-legal matters.

Adaptability is a key aspect of my role. I collaborate with the team to cover for other legal services technicians as needed, ensuring a smooth workflow. Additionally, I take on a mentoring role, providing training on specific subject matters like files closing to newly hired professional support staff who are unfamiliar with our legal support processes and procedures.

I found this role online, applied, and received an interview invitation. I was successful during the interview. The application process involved tests, interviews, and reference checks. I joined the Department of Justice, Government of Nova Scotia, as a Clerk. Here, I was part of a team that supported Legal Services lawyers, coordinating all correspondence and managing documents processing and filing according to government records management policies.

In September 2023, I moved to the position of Legal Assistant. However, on 1 April 2024 I was reassigned to work as a Legal Services Technician whose primary focus was providing Lawyers with legal and case management support. In this new role, my responsibilities grew significantly, including preparing and filing confidential documents, liaising with clients, and case management. I also took on a mentoring role, training newly hired staff on legal support processes and procedures and ensuring organisational effectiveness and compliance.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to enhancing legal practices and supporting effective operations within the legal frameworks. My roles have leveraged my knowledge, organisational skills, and proactive approach to service delivery, ensuring that I always go the extra mile to meet the needs of clients and colleagues. This approach has made substantial contributions to the institutions and teams I have been part of.

Receiving the job offer from the Department of Justice in Nova Scotia was a significant milestone for me and a testament to the quality of education I received from my LLB qualification at the University of Northampton. This degree provided me with a solid law foundation. It honed my analytical and critical thinking abilities, essential in any legal setting. The comprehensive training in legal principles and practices at the University of Northampton prepared me for my present role. It made me the most suitable candidate and validated my education and career development efforts, leaving me thrilled and pleased for this fantastic opportunity.

My proficiency in Microsoft applications, organisational, interpersonal, teamwork, cultural competence, multitasking, and relationship-building skills, honed at the University of Northampton, has allowed me to integrate into my current role and deliver exceptional service seamlessly.