QUB School of Law

At The School of Law, we are very fortunate to have a cohort of students who give back to the community with their time and energies alongside their studies.

Today, we want to focus on our Postgraduate Taught student Jennifer Millar's great work in the housing sector.

Spotlight: Our students giving back to the community | School of Law | Queen's University Belfast Spotlight: Our students giving back to the community 9 July, 2024 At The School of Law, we are very fortunate to have a cohort of students who give back to the community with their time and energies alongside their studies. Today, we want to focus on our Postgraduate Taught student Jennifer Millar's...

Excited to announce additions to pre-law reading/watching/listening archive! Join us as we explore top picks from staff at QUB School of Law.

From thought-provoking books to insightful podcasts and films, there's something for everyone.

Stay tuned every week for new recommendations! 📚

On Tuesday, we had the great pleasure of our annual staff wellbeing walk, this time at Castlewellan Forest Park.

It was a great chance for the team to bond and also enjoy the mindfulness that comes with being close to nature.

Are you interested in fighting for justice on death row? Applications to become the QUB Amicus ALJ Student Rep for the 2024-25 academic year are now open!

Amicus was founded to fight for those in the US facing the death penalty. Amicus Student Reps coordinate events, fundraise and promote awareness at QUB.

For more info on the application process, see the Amicus website and apply before 16 August. https://buff.ly/3xBKMeE

Our International Conference on Agricultural Pesticides and Food Sustainability continues today in The Moot Court— some very lively discussions and lighter moments as well.

Congratulations to everyone who graduated yesterday and thank you so much to Yee Qian Ng for this beautiful picture of her, Dr Martin Regan and her teammates.

Yee Qian Ng also gave us some final words, “Reflecting throughout my university years, there are ups and downs. I even considered giving up halfway as law wasn’t my first choice, but thanks to my family members and friends giving me advice and support, I ended up getting my law degree on the first attempt. I realised I did not just get a degree, but I got to experience things that I’ve never had the chance to experience before.”

Thank you, Yee Qian Ng; we are proud to call you a Queen’s Alumni. All the best for your future.

Congratulations to all of our PhD Students who graduated yesterday. Thank you to Asma Amro for the beautiful picture.

A lively discussion between Teresa Catalano and the audience this lunchtime, chaired by our very own Alessandra Guida on corporate social responsibility in the use of pesticides.

Our own Alessandra Guida today is busy hosting and chairing panels at The International Conference on Agricultural Pesticides vs Food Sustainability at The Moot Court, School of Law.

Lovely to capture Ethan Bradley and Dr David Capper in the Quad today celebrating graduation.

🎓🎉 Huge congratulations to all our graduates today! Your hard work and dedication have paid off. Here's to the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Enjoy every moment of your special day!

We are excited for the International Conference "Agricultural Pesticides Vs Food Sustainability", which has just begun at Queen's University Belfast's School of Law at our Moot Court.

We will be updating you live throughout the two-day conference, so please stay tuned for me. https://buff.ly/4cOoogH

Congratulations to our very own Kavinash Paidiah, who will graduate tomorrow from Queen's University Belfast with a Bachelor of Laws.

Kavinash had warm words of farewell, which he wished to share, "Joining Queen's has been one of the best experiences in my life. Education aside, I've learned to be more independent, hard-working and grateful. The most memorable thing I've gained and will continue cherishing is the new friends I made in the past nine months studying abroad. I am grateful for everyone who has helped me study and continues to motivate me and for friends who shared their insights with me during classes. I will miss the close friendships I was lucky to make here and will always cherish these amazing memories."

Well done on getting your 2.1 Kavinash, a great achievement. It's great that you've enjoyed the social aspect of campus life; in Law, we are very determined to create a climate where our students can thrive socially. We look forward to seeing you at graduation.

Congratulations to our very own Lee Chong Ren, who will graduate tomorrow from Queen's University Belfast with a Bachelor of Laws degree and a very high average score of 69%.

He wanted to offer these words of reflection on his time at QUB, "Studying in Queens is probably one of the most important chapters in my life. I'd love to thank my parents, friends, lecturers and those who have supported me. Queens has been a great journey; I've met many wonderful people, visited beautiful places, experienced adventures I never thought I'd have, and earned a Law Degree! Life isn't always perfect, but treasure every moment and live without regrets."

Well done on your academic success, Le Chong Ren. It makes it more special that you had some fun along the way. At the School of Law, we are humbled that our pathways enable students to thrive socially and achieve academic excellence. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Congratulations to Ross Campbell, who will graduate tomorrow from Queen's University Belfast with First Class Honours in Law.

Ross wanted to say these words about his time at the School of Law, "I came to Queen's University Belfast after the Covid-19 pandemic, initially not knowing if a career in Law was what I wanted. Nobody in my family had a career in Law, and the idea was scary and intriguing. Now that I am graduating almost three years later with First Class Honours, I can say for certain that a career in Law is for me.

The lecturers, staff, and fellow students have made the last three years studying Law one of the best experiences of my life. As someone who was initially unclear about what I wanted to get out of my Law degree, I am delighted with how my time at Queen's has turned out and provided me with the opportunities that have influenced my career path.

I am currently a summer intern at Eversheds Sutherland, where I have been given the opportunity for over 11 weeks to gain experience in the litigation department of a commercial law firm. The experience so far has been very valuable and complementary to what I have learned from my Law degree at Queen's. I plan to gain as much valuable knowledge as possible over the remaining weeks with the firm.

Following my completion of this internship, I will move on to complete a year-long Graduate Legal Professional role with Fieldfisher in Belfast.

I want to thank everyone at Queen's, and congratulations to my colleagues who will be graduating with me! Well done!"

Well done, Ross, you have balanced fantastic academic achievement with getting some great real-world experience. All the very best for your exciting year ahead.

Congratulations to Hannah Pryor, who will graduate from Queen's University Belfast this week with first-class Honours in Bachelor of Laws.

Hannah will be progressing her studies next term at the University of Cambridge, but she offered these words of reflection for us all before she graduates. "Studying law has always been an aspiration of mine, driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand and contribute to the framework that governs society, offering my personal perspectives and opinions. I am extremely proud of my graduation result, achieving first-class honours, a testament to my hard work and passion for the subject and the staff and faculty at Queen's who have made my three years incredibly interesting. At Queen's, I had the privilege of supporting innovative digital learning and AI as the School of Law Student Digital Champion representative. This role allowed me to blend technology with legal studies and allowed me to present at my first national conference! My final year dissertation allowed me to merge my passion for gothic literature and feminist advocacy into the legal field by exploring the 'Law and Literature' theory. Additionally, my cross-cultural study experience at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, fostered a profound appreciation for the intersection of politics and law, which inspired me to focus on international legal and political modules in my final year of study and become the President of QUB Politics Society.

This academic journey has now led me to pursue a master's degree at the University of Cambridge in Politics and International Studies, where I aim to explore further and influence the relationship between politics and law. I want to thank Queen's faculty for providing me with incredible experiences that have shaped the future of my academic studies!"

Hannah, you have excelled academically at Queen's, but you have also thrived as a valuable contributor to the culture and ethos of the School. Cambridge will be very fortunate to welcome your talents. We hope you enjoy all the well-deserved success that comes your way, and with good fortune, our paths will continue to overlap. Enjoy graduation!

Celebrations in our school and in the Walsh household for Padraig Walsh, who graduates this week with a Bachelor of Laws. Poddy was a prodigious Law Society President who put in tremendous effort to foster a collegiate culture among the student body.

Padraig offered these words of reflection on his time in the School of Law, “From a young age, I have always been interested in the Law. The first inkling that I had to study law was after watching the film "In the Name of the Father", which focused on the case of Gerry Conlon, a man from the same area of West Belfast as I am, who was wrongly convicted of the Guildford Pub Bombings in 1974. He spent 15 years in prison for something he did not do. I was particularly struck by the work that lawyers such as Gareth Peirce and Michael Mansfield had done for Irish men and women in their struggles with the legal system in England.

My time at Queen's has been truly amazing. It culminated with my tenure as President of the Law Society, which I consider the highlight of my time. Through it, I have met so many amazing people and made lifelong friends. A massive thank you to everyone who has supported our events, which has led us to an incredibly successful year. We could not have done it without you!

As previously mentioned, I am from West Belfast. It's a part of the world where more people need a lawyer than want to become one. Nonetheless, I love the place, and I love the people. I am delighted that after graduation, I will commence my training contract with Flynn and McGettrick Solicitors and begin to give back to the community."

Congratulations, Poddy. You are a credit to yourself, and your community will be very fortunate to have your services going forward. Thank you for all the work you did for the School of Law community. We look forward to your continued association with Queen's University Belfast, particularly the School of Law. See you on graduation day.

Congratulations to Asseka Danasilan, who will graduate with a 2.1 Bachelor of Laws next week from Queen's University Belfast.

Asseka wanted to offer her own words of testimony, “As I stand on the precipice of graduation in a few days, a swirl of emotions envelops me—excitement, gratitude, and a profound sense of accomplishment. My journey from Malaysia to Queen's University Belfast has been nothing short of transformative, and I am honoured to share my story here.

The decision to leave the comfort of my home in Malaysia and travel thousands of miles to pursue a law degree was bold, fuelled by a desire to broaden my horizons and immerse myself in a new cultural and academic environment. The vibrant city of Belfast, with its rich history and welcoming community, quickly became my second home.

The experience at Queen’s University has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first day, I was embraced by a community that is as diverse as it is welcoming. The academic environment here is rigorous and stimulating, fostering critical thinking and a profound appreciation for the law. My lecturers have been instrumental in shaping my legal acumen, always pushing me to challenge myself and to think beyond the textbook. Their guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support.

Friendships formed here have been the cornerstone of my experience. The camaraderie among fellow students has been a source of immense joy and support. We have shared countless hours in the library, engaging in spirited debates and providing each other with the encouragement needed to persevere through challenging times. These friendships have enriched my life in ways I never imagined and have made Belfast feel like a home away from home.

I am immensely grateful to my family, whose unwavering belief in me made this journey possible. Their encouragement and sacrifices have been the bedrock of my success. Despite the distance, their love and support have been a constant source of strength, propelling me forward even in moments of doubt. To my friends back home and the new ones I made here, thank you for your companionship and laughter and for being my support pillars.

As I prepare to graduate, my heart swells with pride and hope. This milestone is a personal achievement and a testament to the collective effort of all who have been part of my journey. Moving forward, I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired to positively impact the legal field. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of justice, championing the causes of those who are marginalized and voiceless.

In conclusion, my experience at Queen's University Belfast has been a remarkable chapter in my life. It has equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of the legal world and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of education and community. As I embark on the next phase of my journey, I carry the lessons, friendships, and cherished memories that have defined my time here.

Thank you, Queen's University Belfast, for being the crucible of my growth and for giving me a platform to chase my dreams. I am forever grateful and incredibly proud to be part of this distinguished institution. Here's to the future—bright, boundless, and full of promise.”

Dear Asseka, we are very grateful for your glowing praise. It humbles us that we could provide a welcoming environment for you to flourish – that is our very mission, and it is great that you felt we met those standards. Have a great graduation, and don’t be a stranger to the School of Law community.

🚨 Keynote 🚨

Last night, Meryl Dickinson gave an excellent keynote speech at the Association of Law Teachers' Annual Seminar on "a joined up and holistic approach to community and wellbeing in Higher Education" at our School of Law, Queen's University Belfast.

The conference, with an impressive array of speakers, continues today in The Moot Court.

Congratulations to Arvind Kumar, who will graduate next week from Queen's University Belfast, majoring in Law with Politics.

Arvind kindly provided us with the following testimony, "It was during the pandemic that I made up my mind to come to the UK or Rep. of Ireland to study. I never planned on studying law. No one in my family was a lawyer. They were either engineers or medical doctors or working in a private firm. I have always wanted to make a difference in people's lives. I always wanted to bring about a change in society.

Thus, during the pandemic, I decided I wanted to study law. Because I also enjoy reading about politics and love the cut and thrust of political drama and intrigue. So, I decided to study law and politics and was glad Queen's had that option.

Coming to Belfast was one of the best decisions. The past three years have been wonderful, and I will leave Queen's with many fond memories. From being a Student Ambassador to participating in mooting at The School of Law, being a judge for the Ethics Cup, and going to Hillsborough Castle to the Game of Thrones studio, it has been an amazing chapter in my life."

Your journey sounds like it was an enriching and rewarding one, Arvind. And you got to see the beautiful Mourne Mountains! It is great that you will retain fond memories of campus life. Thank you for contributing to the School of Law in your Mooting and Ambassadorial roles. We appreciate the time students give to fostering a cohesive culture at the school. All the very best for your future endeavours, Arvind.

Congratulations to our very own Nikita Mukarapu, who will graduate from the School of Law next week with a Bachelor of Laws.

Nikita offered these words of reflection on her time spent with us in QUB Law. "3 years ago, my journey to study the LLB Honours commenced, and it has been nothing short of a beautiful experience. When I first arrived as an international student, stepping into a new country right after the pandemic and away from my family felt almost bittersweet. I never imagined that graduating would evoke the same bittersweet emotions. Over time, this university became my new home, and the support I received from my mentors, professors, and peers was unwavering.

These few years have been instrumental in helping me achieve so much, not only in terms of my academic journey but also in discovering myself as an independent adult.

I had the honour of being a peer mentor for newly arrived students, which allowed me to give back and support others in their transitions.

Serving as a course representative for two years was a rewarding experience, and I enjoyed being the bridge between students and faculty.

In my final year, I also completed my training to become a Young Witness Supporter at the NSPCC. This opportunity has been incredibly fulfilling and has enriched my understanding of the justice system.

Overall, studying here has been an absolute pleasure. Despite the ups and downs, the experiences and memories I've made are overwhelmingly positive. I am grateful for every moment and look forward to the future!"

Great achievement, Nikita! Your extra-curricular contribution to campus life was exceptional. The School of Law will always be a home to you! We look forward to seeing you at graduation.

Congratulations to our very own Satiswaran Paramesparan, who will graduate next week from Queen's University Belfast with a Bachelor of Laws

“Being her only ray of hope, presenting my mother pride and happiness in every circumstance is my life motto and ultimate goal. Ergo, the path I have chosen is education, which I constantly strive with utmost determination to achieve my best. Seizing the incredible opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom and pursue law at the reputable Queen's University Belfast provided me with countless valuable experiences.

At the outset, pursuing law certainly did not appear as a walk in the park. I neither have a solid family background in law nor the necessary resources to rightfully establish myself in this humongous endeavour. Hence, I had to begin everything from scratch to transform myself, which necessitated cultivating and reinforcing my sense of independence and proactiveness. Nevertheless, there was a persistent fear regarding my way of accomplishing this. I am grateful and pleased to acknowledge that Queen's paved the way, facilitating and gearing up my journey of personal and intellectual growth.

I had phenomenal friends along my journey with whom I had memorable moments and memories to be treasured indefinitely. Moreover, I would like to emphasise that the environment at Queen's University is highly conducive to helping you fulfil your needs for skill development, knowledge pursuit, and personal growth.

I am obliged to mention that I truly appreciate Queen's for offering exceptional guidance and opportunity to enhance the best version of myself, preparing me for the sophisticated career realm that demands a candidate as outstanding as he can be.

- I scored second class honours and first division in Bachelor of Laws. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the lecturers and tutors at the School of Law for their remarkable teaching techniques and materials.

- I served as the course representative for level 3, LLB: I had a heightened sensitivity towards the challenges faced by my peers, which improved my capacity to be vocal on real-life issues in my surroundings.

- I served as the Student Ambassador for QUB, participating in events such as the Inducting Offer Holders' Day, campus tours, public speaking and debate sessions, and creating content to promote Queen's profile in my home region, as well as working at the International Undergraduate Call Centre 2024, have equipped me to elevate many distinct skills, particularly networking skills.

Last but not least, I want to thank the Lord, my mother, Queen's, and my friends for playing a substantial role in making my transformation journey fruitful. I am looking forward to the magnificent celebration at the Graduation Ceremony.”

Thank you for your indelible mark on the School of Law, Satiswaran. We will dearly miss your contribution and presence on campus, and we look forward to seeing you on Graduation Day.

Congratulations to our School of Law Graduand, Shelby Camilo, who will graduate in July with a Bachelor of Laws. Shelby heralds all the way from the Philippines.

Shelby's testimony makes for heartfelt reading, "Coming to Northern Ireland from a small Igorot tribe from the Philippines meant that my dreams were not just my own.

As a young woman from a culture that encourages hard work, dedication, and kindness, I have always wanted to pursue a career that reflects that and makes a positive change in the world. I want to make my family proud that I have travelled half the world away and to represent a culture that works so hard to make positive impacts on people's lives. Therefore, law was a career that inspired me and motivated me all these years.

Years later, I am proud to say that I am graduating with a degree in law from Queens University Belfast. I have learned valuable skills and gained confidence in pursuing a career in law not only for myself but for my family and fellow Igorots back in the Philippines. I am proud to represent the Philippines, and I will forever cherish the opportunities, lessons, and memories I gained here at the School of Law at Queens University."

We are proud of your efforts, Shelby, and you have been a credit to yourself and your community. You were a very fine Pinoy at QUB! We hope you enjoy a long and fruitful association with QUB School of Law. See you on graduation day!

🔴 Graduate Ambassador role opportunity 🔴

The Emerald Isle Immigration Centre, based in New York, has collaborated with QUB to provide this fantastic opportunity for our graduating students.

If you are a recent QUB graduate interested in Immigration or Social services, paralegal work, immigration policy/advocacy work, committed to social justice, and volunteering, don't let this chance slip out.

This internship provides a fantastic platform to gain experience in a hugely rewarding role that will allow you to use the expertise you have gained through your undergraduate studies while also expanding your skills and knowledge.

For full details and how to apply visit MyFuture https://buff.ly/4bgKBD0
The closing date for applications is 5 July 2024.

We are proud of all of our Graduands, and we will be highlighting some of their stories on our social feeds during the graduation period. Today, we want to focus on Benjamin Matchett, who graduates this July with a high 2.1 Bachelor of Laws degree.

Benjamin’s graduate story is an inspiring one that they recount in their own inimitable way.

"Going into law was a daunting decision for me. The legal sector has always retained its reputation as a traditional field both in practice and culture, so I entered my undergraduate as a neurodivergent transgender man with many uncertainties. However, my educational journey with Queen's has enabled me to utilise my voice for change and encouraged me to embrace my diversity. The School of Law staff have always been accommodating and supportive throughout my three years at the university. My time with the Student Law Society has allowed me to represent my student cohort and my community.

I am now confident in my identity and abilities, and I am grateful to QUB for providing me with many engaging opportunities and experiences."

Benjamin, it humbles us greatly that The School of Law was able to provide an inclusive and diverse space for you to develop your many talents and shine as a scholar. We will watch with keen interest as your career develops, and we dearly hope that your association with the School of Law continues. See you on Graduation Day!

🥉 Success 🥉

A big QUB Law shout out to our very own School of Law student, Emma Yeaman, who has been selected by Ireland to travel to Florida to participate in the Cheerleading World Championship in 2025. Emma is a member of Queen's Knights Cheerleaders; she has successfully made it onto the team to represent Ireland. Intense training for the competition begins this month.

Emma has these words to say about her upcoming challenge. "I couldn't be more excited for such an incredible opportunity! I have been a cheerleader since I was six, and I have always dreamed of going to Worlds. I joined Queens Knights Cheerleaders this year, and without the support of society and my friends, I would never have thought I could get on the team! I am also so thankful to have the support of Queen's University Belfast to attend the competition!
The trip is in April, training is starting this month, and I can't wait to train with such an amazing team!"

Emma, we are proud to be associated with your success. At Law, we now have swimming champions, dodgeball champions, and our very own cheerleader champion! We are delighted that you can combine these goals with your studies. Being a law student at QUB is not just about your studies, so we are very happy to see our students excel in the clubs and societies on campus. We really look forward to watching your progress, and we will all cheer you on!

🚀 Exciting news! Queens University School of Law launches a new LLM module, "Regulating Reality: The Law of Misinformation," for 2024-25! Dive into the legal challenges of online misinformation with Dr. Ethan Shattock. https://buff.ly/3KNBi2O

🌈The natural shade and lighting beaming into the School of Law today wants to join in Pride 🏳️‍🌈 Month celebrations. 🙌🙌🏿👏🏽