Career Profile - Biomed to Law
1. Name :Umu Wurie
2. Current Course:LLM Legal Practice course (LPC)
3. A levels:Biology, Chemistry, History
4. Undergrad and postgraduate qualifications
Undergrad- Biomedical Sciences BSc
Post grad- Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL/ conversion course) and current course above
5. Journey in 3 words
Exhilarating, intense, fun
6. Briefly describe your courses
Biomed – study of the human body from a very broad perspective with modules ranging from biology-based topics like virology and immunology to topics that focus on the development and industrialisation of therapies. I did several lab practicals and reports and a dissertation analysing the efficiency of pre-clinical tests done during the drug development process to prevent hepatocellular injury
Graduate Diploma in Law – a mandatory conversion course for post graduate students who didn’t study undergrad law (LLB) but want to pursue a legal career. The LLB is condensed into an intense year-long course that introduces you to legal theories, covering principles, legislation and all key subject matter concerned with the study of law. I had 7 core modules, a dissertation (2000 words proposal and 8000 words thesis) and a self-development module which required participation in a range of activities to develop your legal skills; I participated in Mooting/Advocacy and Client interviewing competitions.
LLM LPC – the LPC is required to practice as a solicitor in England and Wales. It combines learning about substantive law, regulations and procedures with practical skills. This course is a lot more practical and focuses on developing your ability to apply your legal knowledge to real client cases. I had 3 core modules, 3 electives, 5 skills modules. The LLM aspect of my course consists of 2 modules – a dissertation/ law review & reform and a negotiation and case analysis module.
7. What motivated you to pursue a career in science
I always found biology fascinating and I wanted a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms in the body – how they function, the physiological effects of things going wrong and how to solve problems through therapies.
8. What influenced your change in career path?
I did a module during my undergrad degree that focused on the financial and legal considerations that biotechnology companies had to make. It became clear that the progression of science and the healthcare sector relied a lot on the legal frameworks that exist. I became passionate about understanding the law and developing the business acumen to assist and protect companies/inventors/scientists to produce inventions that could really help society.
9. What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow your career path?
Doing research is key. You’ll have to research/ explore different aspects of law and be clear on what motivates you to pursue a legal career, whether you’d like to be a barrister or solicitor, the type of firm you think would suite you in terms of the work they do and the culture. Don’t panic! You won’t have all the answers but just be open to exploring your options. Networking events are an amazing way to meet lawyers and possibly get a mentor – mine is a life saver.
10. What transferrable skills from your undergraduate degree apply to your chosen career path?
-Curiosity/ analytical skills: in science you’re constantly questioning why something works the way it does/how to prevent diseases/how to improve the body. I find that being intellectually curious and wanting to question concepts/learn more is extremely important
Resilience: biomed was fun but intense. I learnt to juggle lots of things without losing my mind
11. Looking back, what advise would you give your undergrad self?
“I can’t come and kill myself” Burna Boy 2018
12. What is next?
I have just secured an internship at an amazing law firm. I’m very excited about that and looking forward to what the future holds.
I hope this post inspires you to follow your passions and acknowledge that at every stage of your career will involve perseverance, consistency and discipline to help you achieve your desired goal. Never forget that “ no accomplishment is too small and no goal is too high”
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