Kevin McQuillan LLB in Law

Why did you choose to study at Queen’s?
I was torn between Queens and University of Bristol. I chose Queens in the end because I knew loads of people who were either studying law in Queens at the time or had just left and they all said that they really enjoyed it both academically and socially. Furthermore the excellent reputation that Queens has in the UK/Ireland and beyond is no secret.

What is it about the subject area that appealed to you?
As cliché as it sounds I was always interested in Law and I was attracted to the idea that the study of law gives you ample opportunities to put forward your own views and opinions as well as having the opportunity to challenge the opinions of your peers.

What did you like most about the course?
I like that we don’t have that much class time compared to some degrees such as medicine. I have never had more than 10 hours of class a week. Studying law requires quite a lot of personal discipline to go to the library to do your reading, do your tutorial work and stay on top of things. Splitting reading lists with classmates is something I wish I had availed of more, and I would recommend this.

What skills did you acquire during your course?
I think the skill that I have developed the most whilst studying law has been that of analytical thought. ‘Rules,’ ‘exceptions to the rules’ and ‘exceptions to the exceptions’ are concepts that I have had to learn to love throughout the years. It also goes without saying that being organised and managing your time effectively will hold you in good stead, I am still trying to master them!

How have you found the staff in the School of Law?
Generally speaking the staff are very helpful and very approachable. Obviously certain individuals will get on better with some people than others, that’s just life. But as soon as you get the ‘us’ and ‘them’ concept out of your head that exists in school you will realise that the staff are there to help you. I have found myself calling into a lecturers office to talk coursework and come out an hour later after discussing the best places to go on a Friday night in Belfast!

How have you found the social life among the School of Law students?
It is no secret that law students know how to burn the candle at both ends. I found that in my first year the law society nights out were a great way of getting to know my classmates and generally speaking the law society events throughout the years have provided me with some of the greatest memories during my time at Queens. Beyond this Belfast has a vibrant student scene and I don’t think on any given Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday night you will be hard stuck to get a crowd of classmates together to head out to the cinema or maybe check out Rain.

How would you rate the extra-curricular activities on offer at Queen’s?
You would be amazed at the wide range of clubs and societies on offer at Queens. Obviously as law students the Law Society will be your first port of call but there are so many other clubs and societies that are worth checking out. The Freshers Bazaar is well worth going to get a sample of this.

What are the best things about being a student?
There are so many things about being a student that stand out. The amount of different people you will meet and friends you will make has to be up there. There are so many opportunities that are afforded to students, particularly law students, involving things such as student leadership, volunteering and debating/mooting. The best thing about being a law student has to be the feeling when you have finished your exams after weeks of being buried in books!

What is life like for a student living in Belfast?
Belfast isn’t as crazy as the big University cities in England such as Liverpool and Newcastle. However I think in Belfast the balance is right. At Queens we have everything we need within a five minute walk.

How do you feel Queen’s has equipped you in preparation for life after university?
During my final year at Queens I was fortunate enough to be President of the Law Society. I would encourage any law student to run for a committee position in the law society or any society for that matter. Such extracurricular activities are a great way of meeting new people and developing new skills that will hopefully come in handy in later life.

What advice would you offer new students going to university for the first time?
Enjoy every minute of your university life. Take every opportunity to meet new people and do new things. That is what university is all about. Yes work hard and get your degree but make sure you take time to enjoy yourself.

What are your career aspirations?
I would like to pursue a career as a Barrister here in Belfast, although I am aware that competition for places is very intense.