Raised and educated in Nigeria, Tolu Akinsanya followed his sister to the United States after receiving his undergraduate degree at the University of Lagos. His performance on the LSAT solidified his decision to pursue law, and he chose Hofstra Law, not only for the quality of its faculty and proximity to the New York legal market, but also for an accommodating application process that is well-suited to international students. "The admissions office was very understanding and helped me get through a lot of red tape," says Akinsanya.
Despite at first having to cope with some cultural adjustments, Akinsanya acclimated well to law school. He credits his work as a 1L at Hofstra Law's Unemployment Action Center with helping him grasp the real-world application of his studies. At the UAC, Akinsanya represented claimants at the Department of Labor, prepared them for hearings, carried out directs and cross-examinations and presented closing statements. "It really brought my studies to life," he says.
In addition to labor law, Akinsanya is pursuing his interest in intellectual property law through copyright and telecommunications courses this fall. He hopes to combine insight from these courses with his experience and passion for Web design: "I want to be that someone who understands both the intellectual-property and technology worlds."
And he plans to apply that knowledge in the United States and abroad. After gaining some work experience in the U.S., Akinsanya hopes to advance his career either in Europe or in his native Nigeria. "I am very certain that Hofstra Law is preparing me to practice law in a globalized world," he says.
