From a Big Fish in a Small Pond, to a Small Fish in the Sea

I left the Seychelles feeling like a big fish in a small pond, and now I feel like a small fish in the sea. Studying abroad has made me independent, open minded but most of all, looking at the competition out there, more hard working than ever.

As exams approach, I think of the end when I can hopefully call myself a law graduate. The usual reaction to the title can be depicted with a picture of a lawyer turning a man upside down and shaking him to empty his pockets of every penny. Nonetheless, the majority seem impressed.

I'm often asked legal advice from friends. For example, a short anecdote of a friend who gives me an urgent call for legal advice: "If I were to take my Xbox to university and sat down playing, could I be criminally liable for anything?". And so I answered, "yes, extracting electricity unlawfully". I certainly should have taken insurance before giving out legal advice as a first year, but giving free legal advice becomes the norm as a law student.

Thinking Differently

It is a competitive field and reading law is no easy task, with the vast amount of information and cases one has to remember, but it is definitely empowering. We know our rights, making for a very litigious student. We also learn to think differently, unquestioningly upholding the law, whether other people may find it right or wrong, our usual response is " ... but the law states...". I think every law graduate realises that they have changed, whether they become more untrusting, uncompassionate or a greater advocator of human rights. I have seen the change in me: more human rights conscious, but also more suspicious then ever of people's motives. I now read the fine print, it is no longer a lie when I tick the box that I have read the Terms and Conditions!

However, I feel that law becomes a lifestyle. From the pressed suits in our wardrobe, elaborate dinners at the Inns of Court and sky high law firms, the debating and mooting clubs, reading law becomes part of your life. After attending mass at the Chapel of Lincoln's Inn, listening to the priest's words, I felt that lawyers had the responsibility to protect and ensure justice here on Earth. I left feeling that I had a duty to society to uphold justice. From law students, to trainee solicitors, to Queen's Counsel, to Judges, we all feel like a community having this thread of commonality.

My future aspirations are to become a commercial/corporate lawyer, but with the time to engage in human rights cases on a pro bono basis. I have also enjoyed being a blogger and therefore, if I am ever given the opportunity to become a legal blogger, I would take the opportunity in a heartbeat.

Angelique is a student blogger for Foreign Students. Originally from the Seychelles, she is currently a Law student at the University of London. You can read all her older posts here.  

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