Boris Ignachkov Meet Dunmola Odejide, who is currently studying the Bar Practice Course.
Dunmola graduated with a 2:1 in his Bachelor of Laws last summer and has since continued on with his dream of becoming a Barrister, at The University of Law. Whilst studying the BPC part-time, he also works for Birmingham City Council, helping residents with their enquiries.
Dunmola shares a glimpse into the life of a Bar Practice Course student, his personal experience, and some great tips. Read on for more content!
When did you decide you wanted to do the BPC, what inspired you?
Growing up I’ve always dreamt of being in a corporate job. I pictured myself in a nice suit, with a morning coffee, commuting into a big shinny office. As I progressed through both secondary school and sixth form, I was lucky to secure several work experience and placement opportunities directly within law. All of which I thoroughly enjoyed and confirmed my desire to get into the legal field.
What would you say has been the most challenging aspect of the BPC?
Most definitely the transition from the LLB to the BPC, which has been the most challenging part. Whilst there are some practical aspects within studying Law during university, it is further emphasised and arguably more important to have key advocacy skills, as the BPC prepares you to practically deal with both clients and Judges inside the Courtroom. This of course goes hand in hand with the enhanced level and content of reading, as well as the knowledge required to do so.
Is there a particular area of law you enjoy the most?
I would say criminal is the area of law I have really been enjoying so far. There are a lot more processes and elements to consider during criminal proceedings, which I have found very enlightening and interesting. A specific example that springs to mind, is how evidence is handled and allowed in the courtroom. For example, it is subject to conditions which has been quite fun to learn more about.
What is a typical day like for you as a BPC student at the University of Law?
As I study the BPC part time at The University of Law, I have workshops on the weekends as opposed to during the week. On Saturdays I has classes from 9am until 5pm and on Sundays, I have classes from 12pm until 2pm. I find the format of my practical workshops extremely interactive, as these usually consist of the lecturer, myself, and my fellow students, performing in advocacy roles. We also have multiple discussions and allocated time, dedicated to researching details of the law. This pretty much fills up the entire teaching day.
How do you manage your time constructively?
As I work full-time whilst also studying the BPC, I have learnt to structure my time well by setting strict times for studies outside of working hours. This requires a lot of discipline, but once a clear routine is developed, it becomes easier to stick to it and you even begin to become more accustomed to the routine, you once thought was the impossible. Although, due to the natural unpredictability of life at times, some planned hours of study have required a small tweak, combined with a few late nights, spent with my books and energy boosting drinks.
Aside from Law! In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy playing and watching sports, in particular football. Although as a Manchester United fan I may have to start watching basketball more! I am also religious, so I love going to church and spending quality time with friends, always on the lookout for exciting new activities to try or trying to find new things to do and ways to have fun. On a relaxed day I do enjoy watching a few comedies, combined with some Japanese Anime.
Finally, what advice or tips would you give to fellow law students, also interested in doing the BPC?
Ensure to research a range of BPC institutions and decide where appeals to you the best. I would also recommend making uses of a notebook to list all the factors you really like and ones you’re not as keen on. You could create something as simple as a small tally sheet. This will make life easier when it comes to shortlisting where you’d like to continue your studies. Consider factors like location, costs, rankings, student life and most importantly, the wonderful LIBRARY (a law students best friend). Everyone will have difference tastes, expectations, and requirements. So, make sure wherever you choose, it is because YOU want to study there.
Lastly, go for it. Once you have a passion for something, you’re already halfway there. That passion is what will help you get through the hard times (because there will be some!). The BPC has really helped me to develop my skillset further and I look forward to learning even more as I progress!
Thank you to Dunmola for such an insightful interview, we wish him the very best of luck with the rest of his studies and of course a successful career!