Sida Özler, Banking and Finance Law LLM (2025)
CCLS offers countless opportunities—research projects, conferences, guest lectures—that can really shape your experience.
What influenced your decision to study at CCLS, Queen Mary?
I chose CCLS because of its global reputation in Banking and Finance Law and the calibre of its professors. The chance to study under Professor Rosa Lastra, whose work I had followed for years, was a major draw. I also knew that being at CCLS meant being part of a very active community, with close links to international financial institutions, regulators, and law firms—something that was important to me given my professional background.
How did you find the teaching and learning?
It was both demanding and inspiring. The classes combined solid academic foundations with real-life application, and we often had guest speakers from leading law firms and other institutions. That made the teaching feel very connected to practice, which I really valued.
What was key about your programme/ were there any highlights?
The flexibility of the programme was key. I could focus on core banking and finance law modules while also taking electives in areas like energy law, which is closely connected to the project finance work I had been doing in practice. A real highlight was being able to contribute to events and discussions that bridged academia and practice—like guest lectures from Clifford Chance or visits to the Bank of England.
Did you combine modules across specialisations, and what were the advantages?
Yes—I combined banking and finance law with electives in energy law. For me, this was a huge advantage because I had worked on many energy and infrastructure financings as a lawyer. Being able to bring those experiences into the classroom, and in turn, connect legal frameworks in finance with the realities of the energy transition, made my studies very relevant and impactful.
What did you enjoy about living in London whilst studying at CCLS?
Living in London meant that everything we studied was happening right around us—financial regulation, capital markets, energy transition projects. On top of that, London’s cultural life is unmatched. It was great to be in a city where one day you’re at a lecture on sovereign debt, and the next you’re at the Royal Albert Hall listening to Beethoven.
Did you learn alongside and stay in touch with classmates from other jurisdictions?
Definitely. Our cohort was very international and discussing cases with classmates from jurisdictions as different as Mexico, Nigeria, or Japan made the conversations so much richer. Many of those friendships have turned into a global network I still keep in touch with, which has been invaluable both personally and professionally.
Has gaining a deeper understanding of your specialisation helped your career?
Yes, without question. I came in with almost five years of practice experience, but the LLM gave me the chance to step back, think critically, and explore areas like sovereign debt, sustainable finance, and energy transition financing in more depth. That perspective has been incredibly useful as I continue my career in London.
What piece of insight would you offer future students?
Go beyond the classroom. CCLS offers countless opportunities—research projects, conferences, guest lectures—that can really shape your experience. Don’t be afraid to get involved; the more you put in, the more you get out.
What was your best experience of studying at CCLS?
It’s hard to pick one, but I would say it was the sense of community. Whether it was representing my programme as student rep, working with professors on research projects, or simply connecting with classmates over long library sessions, I always felt part of something bigger. That combination of academic rigour and genuine community made my time at CCLS really special.