Close
Why did you choose to study at UCL Laws?
The high quality of international law teaching and academic research was the main attraction. I’d heard a lot of good things about the programme from former graduates, and I knew that this programme would set me up well for a career in international law.
What did you learn during your time at UCL Laws?
One of the most important things I learned was not only the theoretical debate, but also the practice. For international law, seeing how contemporary international debates play out in a legal setting and how (in many instances) this does not necessarily reflect the normative background, allows students to think comprehensively and practically in their studies.
I also found my experience in applying a range of international law norms to practical scenarios, through my work with the UCL Public International Law Pro Bono Project, directly applicable to my current career.
Could you tell us a little bit more about the ICRC report/ PIL Pro Bono Project and if it influenced your career?
The ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) project was assessing the use of child soldiers by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front during the conflict in the Mindanao region of The Philippines. We were looking at legal obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law relating to the decommissioning of these soldiers.
I’d definitely say that it piqued my interest in working in civil society. I really enjoyed being able to assess compliance with the law and being able to advocate a specific viewpoint — something that may not always be possible in other settings. I also particularly enjoyed the mixture of legal and factual research. The skills I learnt with the ICRC project have helped me in a current project I am working on, looking at P/CVE practices in Indonesia.
What is your fondest memory of your time here?
The debates we had during the drafting of our report for the ICRC as part of the PIL Pro Bono Project. Debating the possible and diverging applications of international law to the use of child soldiers in Mindanao was an eye opening experience to the practical realities of international law.
Can you tell us a bit about your current role and what a typical day looks like to you?
I am currently a Legal and Policy Officer at a small NGO focused on international law and national security, with particular focus on advocating for human rights compliance when the UK takes measures in the name of counterterrorism or national security.
A typical day involves a lot of research and advocacy, drafting materials for a range of stakeholders — including the UN and political parties — and meeting with said stakeholders to discuss the legal and policy issues involved.
I will often be meeting with NGOs to coordinate advocacy strategies, or tuning into parliamentary debates. This role also has a lot of operational responsibilities, and requires a lot of strategic thinking.
In my spare time I also work on academic legal writing, and I have recently been appointed as an Associate Lecturer at the University of the West of England.
What have been your career highlights to date?
The first time one of my briefings was read out in Parliament. There was a pending piece of legislation moving through the House of Lords and our advocacy was successful in gaining traction among peers, one of whom advocated our views in the debate. I also drafted some amended clauses for the legislation which were extensively debated. That was quite exciting.
What are your plans for the future?
Continuing in legal research and advocacy. I enjoy the theoretical, normative and practical debates in international law, and I think my current roles balance this nicely.
What advice would you give to prospective or current students at UCL?
Get involved in the debates in class as much as you can, even if you’re not sure about your thoughts. So many times I’ve managed to test my theories and ideas through this method, and it has really helped my debating skills.
