Please, tell us something about yourself
My name is Yasmin, and I just finished my master’s in international social and public policy. I now work as a research assistant in the criminal law team at the Law Commission. I am interested in legal policy – particularly relating to criminal justice, gender, and human rights – and hope to spend the rest of my career reforming the law. I also love Formula 1 and sewing (though I must admit I’ve not sewed much since lockdown)!
Why did you choose to study Law at Royal Holloway?
I actually came to RHUL to study psychology and criminology, but switched to law with criminology after my first year. I have always been interested in crime and criminal justice, and RHUL’s criminology course stood out to me. When I was considering switching to law, I had a look at the lectures and exams for different law modules which all looked really interesting. Most importantly, I discussed it with one of my lecturers at the time (in the law deptartment) who was incredibly supportive and helped me realise that law was the best choice for me.
What was your experience like at RHUL? What did you enjoy the most?
I loved my time at RHUL! I made incredible friends – which was particularly important to me as an international student – who I am still close with. I feel so lucky to have experienced a campus university, and also to have been part of a cohort that was able to develop close relationships with our lecturers. It was so important to me that lecturers often had their door open and were willing to chat with students whenever they could. My favourite modules were jurisprudence and drugs, crime and society.
Did you take advantage of any of the extra-curricular activities organised by the Department? Do you think they helped you? How and why?
My role as a deputy editor of the Gazette definitely helped me prepare for my current position as a research assistant. In particular, editing students’ articles to ensure that the Gazette’s content was of a high standard and appropriate improved my ability to communicate clearly. This skill is incredibly important in my job; I spend most of my time reading, writing, and translating complex legal information into simple language.
How did your experience at the Department prepare for your career?
Working on the Gazette reaffirmed to me the value in questioning and critiquing our legal system, and mooting uncovered my interest in advocacy and deconstructing the law. These experiences, coupled with studying modules that allowed me to analyse particularly inequitable parts of the system, such as prisons, helped me realise that I wanted to pursue a career in legal policy.
Are there any members of the academic and administrative staff who you would like to commend for the support they gave you?
Dr David Yuratich supported me throughout my degree and has continued to do so since I left RHUL. His door was always open, and he has always encouraged me to take on new challenges. David definitely helped build my confidence!
You clearly did enjoy your years at RHUL. Do you have any tips for applicants or newly-enrolled students?
Engage as much as possible with the opportunities provided by the department and Law Society! Not only will they help to develop your skills, but it is a great way to figure out what you like and what to do after graduating.
