In this interview, we hear about the Master of Laws LLM programmes from Programme Director Ana Keglević Steffek.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
I have been teaching law for nearly twenty years and I practised for five years, specialising in international commercial law, company law, and international commercial arbitration. This combination of academic and professional experience strongly informs my teaching and leadership of the LLM programme.
My academic work is international and comparative, focusing on commercial and contract law, including access to justice and consumer law elements, insurance law, arbitration and ADR, and law and technology. In the past, I have held visiting academic positions at institutions such as University of Oxford (IECL), UNIDROIT (Rome), the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law (Hamburg), the University of Cambridge (St John’s College) and the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (London).
Alongside teaching, I am involved in internationally funded research projects supported by the European Commission and the World Bank as well as European Law Institute in Vienna. This background allows me to infuse academic experience with real-world legal practice.
What inspired you to specialise in your current field of law?
My interest in this field developed through my international background and early professional experience in cross-border commercial practice and arbitration. I was drawn to areas of law that operate across jurisdictions and respond directly to economic and technological change. As an academic, I find commercial law, dispute resolution, and digital markets particularly engaging because they combine doctrinal analysis with practical relevance and global impact. These areas are central to modern legal practice and highly relevant for students preparing for cross-border careers.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students?
I genuinely love teaching and working with students. What I find most rewarding is seeing students learn, grow, and develop critical thinking, independent academic voice and overall confidence in their abilities. Given my international and European background, I have a strong understanding of different legal education systems, traditions, and career pathways, which helps me support a diverse student cohort. I particularly enjoy mentoring students as they refine their academic skills and clarify their career goals. Supporting students through this process, and helping them realise their potential, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.
Why this course?
What support is offered on your course to help students transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?
The City Law School provides structured academic support from the outset, recognising that many students are new to postgraduate legal study or to the UK system. Students receive structured academic support on advanced legal research, critical writing, and referencing. We have an outstanding library and fantastic online resources. Students can benefit from an excellent team of lecturers with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience. Teaching is interactive, with seminars designed to encourage discussion and analytical thinking. Academic staff are accessible and supportive throughout the programme, ensuring students feel confident seeking guidance as they adapt to postgraduate expectations.
What common misconceptions do students have about this programme?
A common misconception is that the LLM is either purely theoretical or only suitable for those pursuing an academic career. In reality, the programme combines strong academic rigour with practical relevance. Students develop advanced analytical skills while engaging with contemporary legal issues that are highly relevant to legal practice, policy, and international work. Another misconception is that postgraduate study lacks support, whereas in practice students benefit from close academic guidance throughout the programme.
Are there opportunities for students to tailor the programme based on their specific academic or career interests?
Yes, the programme offers considerable flexibility. Students can tailor their studies through their choice of modules and research topics, allowing them to align the LLM with their specific academic or career interests. Whether students are interested in international commercial law, business and social responsibility, criminal law and social justice, dispute resolution, intellectual property law, international banking and corporate law, shipping and maritime law, public international law and human rights or technology, AI and legal services, the programme allows them to develop a personalised academic pathway either by a way of specialisation in any of these areas or by choosing a general LLM.
We offer three modes of studying: in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous online, thus allowing students to choose the format that best suits their circumstances. We actively encourage students to think strategically about their choices in relation to their future goals.
How does studying at The City Law School’s central London location enhance students’ exposure to the legal profession and institutions?
Studying at The City Law School in central London offers students exceptional exposure to the legal profession. Our location in the heart of the City, London’s financial and business district provides excellent networking opportunities and close connections with law firms, courts, Inns of Court, and other key legal institutions.
We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including guest lectures by legal professionals, academic discussion events, pro bono opportunities and legal clinics opportunities. Students also benefit from organised visits to City law firms and Inns of Court. We are very proud of the rich and varied programmes we offer, which significantly enhances student experience, professional awareness, and overall satisfaction.
Career paths
How does the programme help students develop skills for their future careers?
Students can look forward to an intellectually stimulating and internationally diverse learning environment. Studying alongside peers from different jurisdictions enriches discussion and deepens understanding of the law in practice. The combination of academic rigour, international perspective, and a supportive academic community is a distinctive and rewarding feature of our LLM programme. Looking at the curriculum students can tailor their studies through module choices and research topics to align with their academic interests or career goals. They can choose either to specialise in one of the LLM programmes or choose general LLM award.
What career paths have graduates from this programme typically followed?
Our graduates have pursued diverse career paths, including legal practice, in-house roles, regulatory bodies, international organisations, and further academic study and progression into PhD to pursue academic careers. Some students use the LLM to specialise in a particular area of law, while others use it to support career progression or transition into new roles. The programme’s international focus makes it particularly suitable for careers with a cross-border or global dimension.
Tips for offer holders
If you could highlight one thing that students should look forward to in this programme, what would it be?
I would encourage applicants to approach the programme with curiosity, engagement and excitement. The LLM is an opportunity to deepen legal knowledge, develop critical thinking, and refine professional goals and create future professional network. Being proactive, organised, and willing to participate fully will help students gain the greatest benefit from the programme. Most importantly use the location, network and extra-curricular opportunities The City Law School is offering.